Are you a flavour seeker and believe that great holidays are certainly complemented by great tastes? The islanders know this well. The fresh sea air has filled the islands with delicious and interesting culinary solutions that make our dining table unique and special.
From the islanders tables, you’ll always find the beloved classic flavours like smoked fish, homemade beer, and dark bread. But in addition to the classics, there are many new, modern, and perhaps even surprising flavour nuances in the culinary landscape of the islands. Allow yourself to discover them on this exciting journey. Allow yourself enough time to cover three islands, 14 stops and 363 km— there’s no rush, as hurrying is not the island way.
Map
Stops on Hiiumaa
1. Ungru resto / Suuresadama, Hiiumaa
Ungru Resto is a seaside restaurant on the northern coast of the island, where the atmosphere is created by the historic customs house, the vibe of the Suursadam harbour, and most powerfully, the excellent food and service. By combining Hiiumaa’s traditional flavours and ingredients with modern culinary techniques, Ungru offers something special, yet simple and soul-warming – just like life on Hiiumaa. The restaurant is also charming because of the possibility to arrive by sea, as guests can dock their yachts directly in front of the restaurant. The captivating sea view, warm summer evenings, and carefully prepared dishes create an experience you won’t easily forget.
Ungru Resto is 13 km from Kärdla.
Exciting activities and attractions along the way:
2. Kivikala ja Võrk cafe and shop / Kärdla, Hiiumaa
If there is one place on Hiiumaa where the sea and flavours come together, it’s definitely Kala ja Võrk. This unique shop-café offers fresh local fish, smoked delicacies, and other treats that every lover of the sea and good food will appreciate.
As you step in, you feel like you’ve entered an authentic fisherman’s tale – shelves filled with sea-themed souvenirs and fishing nets, while the counter showcases fresh and smoked fish which taste you’ll remember for a long time. From the café side, you can grab a cup of coffee and enjoy a light snack, all while soaking in Hiiumaa’s calm atmosphere.
Kala ja Võrk is 3 km from OUK Distillery.
Along the way, you’ll find several places to enjoy great food and refreshment:
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Kärdla offers an excellent selection of dining options.
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While moving around Kärdla, you’ll find all the necessary food items at COOP stores, Selver, and Rimi.
Exciting activities and attractions in Kärdla:
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Artesian Wells in Kärdla – a great opportunity to stop and take spring water – don’t forget to take a picture and tag #visithiiumaa
3. OUK Distillery / Kärdla, Hiiumaa
The creators of OUK Distillery jokingly say that OUK Distillery has the world’s oldest product line. Their story begins 455 million years ago when a giant meteorite struck Hiiumaa, making the purest groundwater from the Earth’s deepest layers accessible in the Kärdla area. This is called artesian water. It is from this water that OUK Distillery makes its gin and aquavit.
When visiting the distillery, you will be part of Hiiumaa gin creation – experiencing the aromas, tasting extraordinary craft drinks, and hearing stories about how the soul of the island is captured in a bottle. It’s more than just a drinking experience – it’s a journey into the depths of Hiiumaa’s flavours and traditions.
OUK Distillery is 19 km from Utoopia No. 9. If you get hungry along the way, you can grab a bite at the Ratturi Farm Café.
Exciting activities and attractions on the way to Utoopia No. 9:
4. Utoopia nr 9 / Kõrgessaare, Hiiumaa
Hidden between the forests and the sea of Hiiumaa lies Utoopia No. 9 – a place where time stops and flavours take you on a journey. This is not just a restaurant, but an experience where local ingredients and bold flavour combinations create something truly unique. At Utoopia No. 9, everything is a little different – the menu offers surprises, the atmosphere is laid-back, and in every bite, you can feel the love for Hiiumaa. Whether it’s fresh fish, wild herbs, or handcrafted drinks, Utoopia No. 9 takes you to an entirely new flavour planet. If you’re looking for something special, something utopian – this is the place!
Utoopia No. 9 is 33 km from Kalana Shore. If hunger strikes along the way, you can grab a bite at COOP Kõrgessaare store.
Exciting activities and attractions on the way:
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Ristna Beach and the Kiss Stop – find it, take a picture, and tag #visithiiumaa
5. Kalana ÄÄR / Kalana, Hiiumaa
Kalana ÄÄR is a seaside restaurant located in the old boat shed of Kalana Marina – a cozy vibe, cold drinks, delicious food, and great music. The menu features Mediterranean flavors, and even vegans will find something to enjoy. At Kalana ÄÄR, those seeking more from life come together. It brings together those looking for higher waves and sharper tastes, those who want sunsets to last longer and every sunrise to be an event. If you’re looking for a place in Hiiumaa where the sea and flavours truly become one, Kalana ÄÄR is the spot.
From Kalana ÄÄR to iiUmekk through Emmaste village is 70 km, but there’s also a shorter route through the island.
Exciting activities and attractions on the way:
6. iiUmekk Resto / Orjaku, Hiiumaa
At Orjaku Harbour, the iiUmekk restaurant brings together flavours, art, and nature. The restaurant offers unforgettable taste experiences and the chance to enjoy the beautiful seaside. iiUmekk is known for its unique menu and high-quality food. Their experienced chefs prepare dishes with love and creativity, using the best local ingredients. The menu is versatile and seasonal, offering the opportunity to discover new flavours and enjoy the chef’s special culinary creations.
iiUmekk is 4 km from Hiiu Brewery.
7. Hiiu Õlle Koda / Orjaku, Hiiumaa
Hiiu Õlle Koda is a place where you can discover the history and present of local beer brewing on Hiiumaa. The former grain dryer has been transformed into a tavern and museum, offering a selection of the best Hiiumaa craft products for tasting and takeaway. On the brewery’s menu, you’ll find smoked fish and light snacks that pair perfectly with craft beer. The museum hall features old brewing equipment, barrels where the beer was stored, as well as mugs, jugs, and glasses used to drink the beer. The brewery also preserves all the previous brewing tips and traditions, along with lessons from neighbors and villagers.
Hiiu Brewery is 28 km from Sõru Harbour.
Tasty food experiences in the Orjaku area are offered by:
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COOP Käina and COOP Emmaste
Exciting activities and attractions on the way:
From one island to the other/ Sõru-Triigi ferry
Now it’s time to thank Hiiumaa for the exciting journey through flavours and embark on a sea voyage from one island to another. The ferry from Hiiumaa (Sõru Harbour) to Saaremaa (Triigi Harbour) takes about an hour. It’s the perfect amount of time to explore what flavour experiences await you on Saaremaa. The higher the sun goes, the more frequently the ferries between Saaremaa and Hiiumaa start running. While in early summer the ferry operates a few times a day, in July you can travel between the islands up to four times a day. You can find the exact schedules and ticket purchase options on the Kihnu Veeteede website.
From Triigi Harbour to Lümanda is 68 km.
Dining stops on the way to Lümanda:
Interesting stops along the way:
8. Lümanda Söögimaja / Lümanda, Saaremaa
Located in the old church school, Lümanda Söögimaja offers authentic and delicious farmhouse food. It’s a perfect place to taste real Saaremaa cuisine. If you ask a local where to find authentic and traditional Saaremaa food, they will surely send you to Lümanda Söögimaja. In their menu, you’ll find dishes like pan-bread, turnip porridge, blood pudding, and sour milk stew. The fish on the menu comes directly from local fishermen.
Lümanda Dining House is 2 km from Saaremaa Juniper Hall.
9. Saaremaa Juniper Hall / Leedri, Saaremaa
The juniper, which can live for up to 2000 years, is a powerful and resilient evergreen tree that lends its strength to those who appreciate the richness of nature. The juniper brings sea-like refreshment to the lungs, summer warmth to the bones, gives strength to a woman’s voice, and confidence to a man’s mind! At Juniper Hall in Leedri village, you’ll learn how the strong women of the island coax syrup from the juniper. You can taste and purchase all eight varieties of juniper syrup on-site. In addition, you’ll find exciting juniper-based sauces on the shelves.
From Leedri to Nasva is 30 km.
Dining stops on the way to Nasva:
If you take the longer route through Sõrve…
Interesting activities along the way:
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Heritage Trail
10. Tihemetsa Dining Hall / Nasva, Saaremaa
Tihemetsa Tiina’s smok oven produces the best smoked fish in the world. Fish dishes have been served at Tihemetsa Farm for over 20 years, and now the third generation is running the place. They don’t use frozen products here, so the smoked fish season starts in the spring, when the little sprats begin to move. This is followed by garfish with magical green bones, and in the summer, you can enjoy flounder, perch, and, if the sea is generous, eel.
From Nasva to Kuressaare is 10 km. If hunger strikes, you can enjoy delicious treats at Restaurant Särg along the way.
Interesting activities on the way to Kuressaare:
11. Kuressaare
Kuressaare is not just the capital of Saaremaa, but also the culinary capital of the island. Here, rich food traditions meet modern gastronomy, offering a wealth of discovery for every taste.
A long time ago, when Kuressaare was known as an elegant resort town, ladies walked under lace umbrellas in the embrace of the summer sea breeze, orchestras played in the Resort Club, people conversed on the promenade, and resort guests enjoyed exquisite dishes that reflected the tastes of the era.
Time has passed, but the soul of Kuressaare remains the same. Today, visitors stroll through sunlit streets, not with umbrellas, but with a delightful curiosity, discovering the taste experiences offered by restaurants and cafes. And there is no doubt about the quality of these experiences. The high standards of Kuressaare’s dining establishments is confirmed by the fact that the town is home to eight Falstaff-awarded restaurants.
From Kuressaare to Pihtla is 18 km.
Interesting activities in Kuressaare:
12. Pihtla Brewery Taproom / Pihtla, Saaremaa
Pihtla Brewery is the oldest small brewery in Estonia, and every summer, the Taproom opens its doors alongside it. Here, you can try the island’s most legendary drink – homemade beer. This pale, hazy, and deceptively strong beverage has been a cornerstone of Saaremaa culture for centuries. Book a tour and tasting at the brewery, or brew your own beer with the master brewer. Smell the hops, nibble on the malt, and watch how authentic Saaremaa homemade beer is made!
From Pihtla to Asva is 30 km.
Interesting activities along the way:
- Tõlluste Manor
- Kahtla and Laimjala painted bus stops
13. Asva viking village's Barley Hall / Kahtla, Saaremaa
Asva Viking Village’s Barley Hall takes you back in time to the Viking era, where food was as important as battle axes and trade routes. The Viking ship discoveries in Saaremaa play a key role in Viking history, and it is from the Asva hillfort that the oldest barley grain in Estonia was found, dating back over 3,000 years!
During the Viking Age, barley was a staple food for both the tough seafarers and their families. It was a vital ingredient in the making of bread, beer, and porridge. Barley still holds that same respect today in Barley Hall – where, you can taste Viking-inspired dishes that bring the ancient flavors of Saaremaa into the present day. Stepping into Barley Hall, you will feel the essence of the Viking age – hearty food, vivid stories, and authentic flavors await you!
From Asva to Liiva is 30 km.
Interesting activities along the way:
- Ö/Õ statue to mark dialect border – Take a moment, snap a picture, and use #visitsaaremaa
- Maasi Order Castle ruins
- Muhu Museum
14. Muhu Bakery / Liiva, Muhumaa
Don’t know what to bring home or to friends from the islands? The best choice is Muhu bread – a bread that grew out of a plan to bake delicious bread at home for the family. A bread where taste qualities and healthiness are nicely balanced – the kind you would want to eat again and again. At the bakery in Liiva, hot bread is available straight from the oven. The pleasant smell of bread spreading across Liiva center will guide you to the right place and probably to a queue. It’s one of the few queues where people willingly stand.
In the immediate vicinity of the bakery is Muhu island’s busiest street – Liiva food street. It’s a true journey of flavors, guided by various food trucks that offer everything from fresh street food to island delicacies. Whether it’s a smoked fish burger, artisanal ice cream, or a nicely spiced Muhu wrap – every bite tells its own story. Local ingredients, creative flavors, and warm hospitality make this place a true gem for both locals and travelers.
When leaving the island, complete your journey by eating a sprat sandwich on the ferry. Without it, no holiday spent on the island is complete.
Food Stops on Muhu Island:
Take time off and and let us pamper your taste buds!
Take the flavours with you
Travel memories are best preserved through tastes, smells, and stories – and what better way to remember them than with local products from Saaremaa and Hiiumaa? EHTNE Saaremaa and Hiiumaa Green Mark recognize precisely those products that are made by local craftspeople, using pure island ingredients and honoring traditions. By supporting local producers, you keep the islands’ heritage alive and get to experience a bit of their magic yourself!
Food events on the islands
March – Saaremaa Restaurant week
April – Hiiumaa Restaurant Week
August – Hiiumaa home cafe days
September – Saaremaa Food Festival
September – Kuressaare Steet Picnic
December – Hiiumaa Glögg Cafes
Even more taste experiences
Our journey of flavors has taken you to the special food experiences of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, but this is just a small selection! In addition to the stops highlighted along the route, the islands have numerous wonderful cafés, beach restaurants, and hidden gems where local flavors truly shine. Don’t limit yourself to just this tour – discover even more and find your new favorite!
Take one more tour
Islands guide
The best way to get to the islands is by sea. Ferries from the mainland take you to Muhu, Hiiumaa and Ruhnu. Direct flights to Saaremaa and Hiiumaa are available from Tallinn. In winter, you can also fly to Ruhnu.
