February in Tartu Is Full of Flavours
Text Timo Raussi Photo Silver Gutmann
One of the most important culinary events of the early year begins in Tartu on Sunday: the month-long restaurant festival Maitsev Tartu, or Tasty Tartu. Each of the 26 participating restaurants—five of them new this year—has created a special three-course menu. Depending on the venue, the menu is priced between €35 and €38.
The participating restaurants are: Antonius, Aplaus 1870, Bar Parallel, Chaplin, Chez André, Crepp, Dorpat, Fii, Gastronomist, Humal, Kampus, Kolm Tilli, Lihuniku Äri, Pahad Poisid, Paper Tiger, Pazzo, Pierre, Pompei, Puente, Püssirohukelder, RP9, Sinimandria, Spargel, TOKO, Vilde ja Vine, and Vint.
Most chefs have also created alternative dishes for vegetarians. In addition, some restaurants offer an optional drink pairing designed to complement the flavours of the dishes.
So how does this sound: as a starter, grilled mussels with caramelised leek, trout roe, and champagne/saffron sauce; as a main course, roasted duck breast served with crispy potatoes, broccolini, orange chutney, and aronia/sherry sauce; and for dessert, a plate of chocolate fondant accompanied by raspberries, pear/ricotta ice cream, and a truffle sweet topped with a lemony goat’s-cheese ganache? Yes, priced at €35.
You can explore the participating restaurants and their campaign menus in English and Estonian here. Each restaurant listing includes contact details or a link to the reservation system. Due to the campaign’s great popularity, it is wise to book a table in advance throughout February. Last winter, more than 27,000 campaign meals were sold.
This is the 12th edition of the event, led by the City of Tartu’s Business Development Centre. Not just any neighbourhood café can participate: all menus are evaluated in advance by a jury. This year’s panel consisted of Kairi Timusk, Senior Lecturer in Catering at the Tartu Vocational College; Eliis Sasmil, winner of the 2025 Young Chef of the Year competition; Kerli Jalas, finalist of Estonia’s MasterChef Professionals; and Marilin Kroon, the City of Tartu’s Head of Restaurant and Service Sector Development.
Last autumn, the Tasty Tartu month received international recognition when it was awarded a European Cultural Tourism Prize. The jury highlighted the campaign’s well-designed and well-communicated concept, its positive impact on the city’s winter tourism season, and its support for local food culture and sustainable development principles.
To learn more about this and similar topicsevents gourmet MasterChef Restaurant Month special menu Tartu Vegetarian
