NOA ("Noah's Ark") is the most acclaimed restaurant in Tallinn, perched on the limestone cliff at Kelvingi with unobstructed views across the Gulf of Finland toward the Helsinki coast. The cooking is Nordic in sensibility — Estonian and Scandinavian ingredients, careful technique, seasonal focus — and the menu changes with what's available. Ingredients come primarily from Estonian farms and the Baltic Sea.
The location requires a taxi or a 20-minute bike ride from the city centre, but the combination of setting, cooking, and service justifies the effort. Booking several weeks in advance is essential for weekend tables. There is also a more casual NOA Chef's Hall for those who want the kitchen philosophy at more modest prices.