A café loved by locals hidden away in Pelgulinn

Text and photos Mark Taylor

Ristikheina kohvik in Pelgulinn is a café well-known to locals in Tallinn. However, despite its popularity – and great selection of cakes – it still has the feel of a quiet little café that you could find around any city corner.

The last sentence makes Ristikheina kohvik sound quite average, but it is far beyond this. When you enter you will be met by a large glass cabinet full of salty pastries, sugary treats and cakes. You can order a coffee and sit down and be done there – and be very happy.

However, luckily for everyone, they have a wide menu that includes tasty breakfast options, warm sandwiches, special daily lunch offers,  soups, and main meals that they serve from 12 till their kitchens close at 18:30. 

Their 7 pm closing time is perhaps the biggest downside to Ristikheina kohvik, meaning it is only suitable for those grabbing an early dinner, not those who want to relax, eat, have a drink or two and potentially party into the night. 

It is also worth bearing in mind there are a few steps at the entrance, which may make it difficult for those in wheelchairs or with reduced mobility to enter. There are also stairs inside that you will need to go up to use the toilet.

The popularity of this café has led to three other Ristikheina kohvik outlets opening in the city. These can be found in the Balti Jaama turg Market, Kristiine Keskus shopping centre, and Ülemiste shopping centre.

To learn more about this and similar topics
Baltiturg Café Café Tallinn Kohvik Pelgulinn Ristikheina Ristikheina kohvik Ülemiste