Although I don’t know much about Estonia, I wasn’t expecting to become fascinated with the city of Tallinn. With a history of unsuccessful military campaigns throughout their past, Estonia have been the victims of many invasions who wanted to utilise and control the Baltic sea. This means that their cuisine is a mixture of diverse cultures. F-Hoone restaurant in industrial Telliskivi, has embraced these differences and created a new-age hipster art vibe with a twist on some classic Estonian dishes as well as creating their own pieces of culinary art.
F-Hoone can be found in an old revamped industrial area, hidden away between buildings, scattered with incredible street art. Although a little run down looking the area is quite safe despite undertones of modern artistic angst. The only indication that F-Hoone is there is a small sign the size of a dinner plate and the mass of people entering and exiting the old warehouse building.
Once inside, F-Hoone opens up into this cosy, hip area with solid wooden tables, some hanging plants and soft warm lighting. Immediately, you can tell the place is popular with an abundance of people around tables.
Although we didn’t book a table on the day, I would recommend doing so, because you don’t want to miss out on this charming restaurant and bar. The staff are friendly and spoke a variety of languages, so communication wasn’t difficult. We were seated close to the large bar area within the second dining area.
The menu has an excellent selection of food choices, with a good balance between vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. As we had a little bit of time to relax, we decided to settle in and order a few drinks (mainly to warm up, it was freezing outside) and try a couple of available dishes.
The first dish we ordered was the traditional Baltic cuisine of Varenyky, which is potato filled pasta, served with fried onions and sour cream. Varenyky is a type of Pierogi usually found in the Baltic states and F-Hoone’s dish was beautifully fluffy and wasn’t overcooked holding together nicely. A lovely simple favour showing the subtlety of the Estonian palate.
Our next dish was the Buckwheat risotto with a slow cooked pork tenderloin. The pork tenderloin was topped with Parmesan and grilled leek. The dish was nicely created, the tenderloin was perfectly cooked, and the buckwheat risotto worked well to create a great healthy dish.
Still wanting to stay indoors to keep out of the cold we ordered a Crème Brûlée with praline and sorbet and a Cheesecake topped with mixed berries. In my opinion, the Crème Brûlée was one of the best I’ve had in a while, the smooth creamy texture and flame heated praline dressed, brittle toffee topping was perfect.
The Cheesecake slice also had a smooth creamy texture providing another delicious dessert, topped with those fresh berry morsels.
Tallinn is full of surprises. After regaining independence, the city and country haven’t looked back. A genuine embrace of a quirky mindset the city throws up artistic ingenuity in its street art and its food. F-Hoone is a hidden gem in a thriving hipster area and a place that shouldn’t be missed when visiting Tallinn. So, book your table today and tell them Simon from Ourworldinreview sent you!
Additional Information for F-Hoone
Address: Telliskivi 60, 10412 Tallinn, Estonia
Ph: +372 5322 6855
Website: www.fhoone.ee
Trading Hours
Monday to Saturday 0900hrs – 2400hrs
Sunday 0900hrs – 2200hrs
Main Meal Price Range: €3.50 – €10.50 (AUD$5.60 – AUD$17.00)
Accommodation available in Tallinn
F-Hoone rating: 1-10 (1=very poor, 10 = excellent)
Decor =8
Atmosphere =10
Service =9
Price = 9
Food =10
Overall = 9.2
