We know Estonia
12.7.2025 | Restaurants

A Romantic Oasis in Pelgulinn

Text Susanna Poikela

Photos Elis Suviste, Susanna Poikela

A Romantic Oasis in PelgulinnHem’s head chef Priit Suviste draws inspiration from Italian and Scandinavian cuisine. “This summer’s dessert features rhubarb,” says Suviste.

 

Hem koduresto & Aed operates in a wooden house in the charming and green residential area of Pelgulinn. From the outside, the restaurant looks small, but inside there is dining space across two floors. In the summer, the delightful garden is also opened, accommodating about 60 restaurant guests.

The backyard is bordered by tall wooden fences from neighbouring houses and a limestone wall, which is eagerly climbed by a wild vine. These, along with flowerbeds and a hawthorn tree growing in the centre of the yard, create a romantic atmosphere.

“A secluded restaurant garden like this is hard to find anywhere else in Tallinn. Many people don’t even know this garden exists,” says Hem’s head chef, Priit Suviste.

 

For starters: beef carpaccio; main courses include duck breast with red wine-cherry sauce, and perch fillet with roasted cauliflower and trout roe.
The garden is secluded and peaceful.

 

Over the outdoor tables, string lights crisscross above. As summer progresses and the evenings grow darker, the mood lighting offers a magical experience for diners.

If a summer evening is cool or rainy, customers are served indoors instead of in the garden. The restaurant’s elegant interior offers a beautiful setting to enjoy gourmet food.

“I really enjoy Italian and Scandinavian cuisine. In my dishes, I combine the flavour profiles of these two culinary traditions. We also use seasonal ingredients. In the summer, for example, we smoke fish and meat in an outdoor oven,” Suviste explains.

The restaurant is open during the summer from Monday to Saturday.

 

Hem koduresto & Aed, Telliskivi 21, Tallinn

 

To learn more about this and similar topics
Food garden restaurants gourmet restaurants Hem Hem koduresto & Aed Restaurants in Tallinn restaurants with gardens

18.11.2025 | Restaurants

Burger Box Offers Great Food for a Great Price

Burger Box Offers Great Food for a Great Price

Although the façade of Burger Box doesn’t create high expectations, inside awaits a quirky, Alice in Wonderland-like world: a … Read more

16.11.2025 | Restaurants

Nordic Flavours with Asian Spices

Nordic Flavours with Asian Spices

O2 is a new modern restaurant clearly aiming for Estonia’s Michelin scene. Head chef Martin Meikas has created both … Read more

15.11.2025 | Restaurants

Dining on Works of Art at a Michelin Restaurant

Dining on Works of Art at a Michelin Restaurant

German chef Matthias Diether began his culinary career in 1995. From 2016 he served as head chef at the … Read more

6.11.2025 | Restaurants

A Taste Adventure in Eastern Estonia Offers Local Flavours

A Taste Adventure in Eastern Estonia Offers Local Flavours

The popular Flavour Adventure of Eastern Estonia began yesterday, on 5 November. The event is being held for the … Read more

5.11.2025 | Restaurants

Sadu: The Perfect Fusion of Korean Cuisine

Sadu: The Perfect Fusion of Korean Cuisine

When people think of “Asian food”, images of stir-fried noodles and rice usually come to mind first. After all, … Read more

4.11.2025 | Restaurants

Southern Estonia’s Culinary Masterpieces

Southern Estonia’s Culinary Masterpieces

This month, Southern Estonia is transforming into a veritable gastronomic playground as the annual “From Forest to Plate” event—”Metsast … Read more

29.10.2025 | Restaurants

Shrovetide Bun Festival in Tallinn

Shrovetide Bun Festival in Tallinn

Although it’s still October, we can already take a look at next year’s events. During Shrovetide, Tallinn will once … Read more

26.10.2025 | Restaurants

Tallinn Restaurant Week

Tallinn Restaurant Week

Fine cuisine in Tallinn has come a long way over the years, and this year visitors and locals alike … Read more