27.4.2016 | Restaurants

Luscher & Matiesen’s new wine restaurant offers a cosy meal in the heart of the Old Town.

For those not familiar with the story, Luscher & Matiesen was a flourishing wine and spirits cellar in the 1920s and 30s in Tallinn. In 2009, Luscher & Matiesen reopened under the direction of two Finnish partners. Since then, the business has done very well, with a fascinating wine museum located on Toompea in Tallinn’s Old Town, a farm and winery on Muhu Island, and most recently, a fine dining restaurant in Tallinn’s Old Town.

Magus Auk or “Sweet Hole” is named after the Pikk Street wine cellar of the same name that was “the hub of Tallinn social life in the 19th century”. Peke Eloranta, on the founders of Luscher & Matiesen wanted to create cosy, yet elegant dining experience in the heart of the Old Town. Eloranta is the sommelier at Magus Auk and can be seen most evenings helping customers choose a great bottle.

The dining room is indeed cosy with a handful of candle-lit tables filled with couples and small groups. The fire place in the corner of the room crackles quietly. Start your meal off with a glass of Cremant, then read through the short, yet extensive menu. We tried the creamy miso soup with foie gras, pear, and smoked aubergine, which was rich, yet balanced by the sweetness of the pear and smokiness of the aubergine. It paired well with a glass of riesling. The main course, called Duck/Duck was a delicately cooked duck breast and duck leg confit that was served with savoy cabbage, barley, and a raspberry, truffle foie gras sauce. There were a lot of flavours in this dish, but the raspberry and the barley were a surprising hit. It paired well with a glass of tempranillo. The meal finished with the cheese platter, a selection of French cheeses served with a spiced carrot jam.

The beauty of a small restaurant is the intimate atmosphere it creates. The friendly and helpful staff at Magus Auk only add to this experience. n

Location
Magus Auk
Pühavaimu 7, Tallinn Old Town
magusauk.ee