Telliskivi Guide: Best Restaurants, Bars and Things to Do
The Telliskivi and Balti Jaama Market area can be confidently considered one of the trendiest in Tallinn.
Telliskivi is a highly hipster, street-art-clad sub-neighbourhood of Kalamaja that's dubbed the "Creative City" of Tallinn. Telliskivi Creative City is a cultural hub located in a former factory complex, with a heart that beats in a comfortably bohemian rhythm. What follows are the places and moves that make the most sense in sequence—where to eat and drink, how to shop, what to see. This is September, which means the weather is holding and the summer crowds are leaving.
Today this industrial campus next to the Balti Jaam train station is the single most concentrated stretch of good eating in Tallinn. The complex sprawls across ten courtyards, most of it accessible on foot. Bring comfortable shoes. Plan on three to four hours minimum if you're doing this properly. The entries are ordered as a logical path through the neighborhood and its cultural offerings.
F-hoone
Telliskivi 60a · Café–bar–restaurant, all-day dining · Mon–Sat 10:00–00:00, Sun 10:00–22:00
F-Hoone is situated in cool Kalamaja neighborhood among wooden houses on the territory of the former Kalinina factory. It's an industrial building with high ceilings and stone walls. Since it is something like a warehouse it is spacious with huge windows looking out to the inner yard. The prices are reasonable, even cheap I would say and I find the cuisine fresh, diverse but simple at the same time. Many visit F-hoone to try their well-known spicy salmon and coconut soup. This is where to start, especially if you arrive around lunchtime.
Fotografiska
Telliskivi 60a-8, Noblessner · Photography museum with restaurant · Wed–Sat 12:00–23:00
The crown jewel of Telliskivi Creative City is the international photography art centre, Fotografiska Tallinn, whose frequently changing exhibitions showcase the best works of the world's top photographers. MICHELIN Green Star 2022; 2023; 2024; 2025; 2026, and Fotografiska (which kept its Green Star) earned a Bib Gourmand in 2026. A concept of 'Sustainable Pleasure' leads the way, with a 'leaf-to-root, nose-to-tail' ethos and a zero-waste approach leading the way. Organic ingredients that are farmed with ecology in mind are showcased in a highly original selection of assured, understated dishes like rabbit agnolotti or apple pie with chanterelle ice cream. Worth the short walk from the main complex.
Street art and courtyards
Telliskivi Creative City · Self-guided walk · Open 24/7
The Creative City is known for its colorful murals, street art, and constantly changing exhibitions, which give the area a distinctive, creative atmosphere. You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the street art and shops. Hidden gems and amazing murals are tucked away in smaller alleys. The outdoor galleries are free. Wander without a map; the best pieces are in the corners locals actually use.
Telliskivi 62 · Craft beer bar · Mon–Wed 16:00–24:00, Thu 16:00–02:00, Fri–Sat 14:00–02:00, Sun 14:00–24:00
stockWe opened our doors in 2013 in a former Telliskivi factory building. We're the only bar in the Baltics serving traditional English cask ale. Our tap list changes weekly — local and international craft beers, ciders, wines, and spirits. Great terrace in summer for people watching and they also hold various events such as quiz nights, chilli feasts and live DJs. Price range per person €10–€20. This is the place to be on a warm September evening.
Von Krahl
Telliskivi 60a/9 · Theatre, bar and café · Mon–Fri 11:30–22:00, Sat 11:30–16:00 (bar); Kitchen Mon–Fri 11:30–20:00
2022 saw the sad end of an historic era, when the Von Krahl closed its doors in Old Town for the last time, but I'm glad to say they have since reopened in 2023 in a new location - Telliskivi Loomelinnak. The setting is now much more modern and airy, in the foyer of the theatre building, but the menu is still a nice mix of light meals with healthy ingredients. Price range per person €9–€22. Go if there's an evening performance; the atmosphere shifts entirely once the lights dim.
Shopping: independent design
Telliskivi Creative City · Vintage, craft and studio shops · Most shops open 11:00 or 12:00 Tue–Sun
Telliskivi is one of the few places in Tallinn where you can buy things made by people who live within walking distance of the shop. That's not marketing language — it's literally true for a meaningful share of what's sold here. Estonian design runs through the shopping experience. Look for ceramic work from small studios, linen clothing from Baltic textile designers, handbound notebooks, and jewellery using local amber and silver. Skip the souvenir corridor.
Saturday flea market
Telliskivi Creative City · Weekend vintage and craft market · Almost every Saturday 10:00–15:00; Oct–Apr indoors, summer in courtyard
Flea Market is free for visitors. Mainly women and children clothing and accesories, but also household items, books and even some antiquities. The flea market is best early — by 12:00 the most interesting pieces in the private-seller section are usually gone. Decent vintage clothing from €5–15, vinyl from €3 upward, furniture pieces at negotiated prices. Come on Saturday morning if you're serious about vintage.
Balti Jaam Market
Next to Balti Jaam train station · Food market with cafés and crafts · Mon–Sat 08:00–18:00, Sun 09:00–16:00
The Balti Jaam Market next to the Baltic train station is the most interesting and useful market in Tallinn for visitors. It is a functioning local market — not a tourist attraction — and that distinction shows in both prices and quality. Balti Jaam Market is a three-level indoor and outdoor market complex operating year-round. The ground floor focuses on fresh produce, meat, fish, and local products, while the upper levels feature street food vendors, cafés, antiques, and second-hand shops. The tram ride from Telliskivi takes ninety seconds.
Telliskivi Quarter, near Balti Jaam · Books, café, restaurant · Where books, coffee, and food intersect. In this oasis, Rahva Raamat bookstore, a cosy café, and a restaurant offering fine food and win
stockCloser to the railway station is the Telliskivi Quarter, a new business hub. Here you'll find an interesting spot called Literaat, where books, coffee, and food intersect. In this oasis, Rahva Raamat bookstore, a cosy café, and a restaurant offering fine food and wine operate side by side. A quieter alternative to the Creative City proper, especially good if you want to sit with a book and coffee before catching a train.
Depoo food street
Between Telliskivi Creative City and Balti Jaam · Street food and pop-ups · Hours vary by vendor
Depoo is the food street of Telliskivi. Train cars and containers are the setting for restaurants and food trucks. Depoo food street is worth exploring, offering everything from shashlik to sushi, and the vendors change seasonally. Various food truck and pop-up operators — these change seasonally. In summer, the courtyard becomes an informal outdoor food hall on Friday evenings. Check Telliskivi's Instagram for current operators. This is where Tallinn's food-truck culture actually happens.
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