Hello, Aloha, Tere,

My name is Katarina and I am a Master’s Student at TLU. Having completed my first semester of Graduate School I would like to shed some light on one of the most important aspects of Graduate School, COFFEE!

As a former barista at one of the most acclaimed coffee shops in Honolulu, Hawai’i I have found myself seeking out the best coffee in Tallinn. So, I am here to share the fruits of my labor with those that are most in need of coffee, college students. Plus let’s face it good coffee is the best cure for the winter blues.

No matter what you are studying, where you are from, or who you are; coffee is the black magic that will propel you through the semester. From summer to winter coffee shops in Tallinn are bursting with customers eagerly sipping away at the cup of coffee in front of them. While there are multiple coffee shops in Tallinn, which I am sure are all incredible (considering that there are no Starbucks here), I would like to share my personal favorite coffee shops to save you some time when you arrive. Luckily, I was aided in my search for the best coffee shops in Tallinn thanks to barista networks and Lonely Planet, but no matter how much attention a coffee shop may get you must experience them in person.

The first coffee shop that I would like to introduce you to is Røst. Røst is located in Rotermanni kvartal, which is only a 13-minute walk or one stop on the Tram from TLU. Rotermanni kvartal is known for the trend-savvy appeal of the shops and restaurants located in this small enclave squished between TLU and Old Town. This ideal location is home to brick buildings with twinkling lights welcoming visitors through the small curvy streets. Røst is found by following your nose towards the smell of cinnamon. This small coffee shop is continuously baking cinnamon rolls that you can smell from the street, along with other delicacies. Røst is located at Rotermanni 14, 10111 Tallinn, but trust me you won’t be able to miss it. The menu is simple with an Espresso or Macchiato for €2.50, Flat While and Cappuccino for €3.00, a Latte or Mocha for €3.50 and if you are into fresh brewed black coffee they have an Aeropress or V60/Kalita for €3.50. In addition to the specialty coffees there is a drip coffee available for €2.50. If the smell of cinnamon was too much for you to handle you can also pick up one of the delicious cinnamon rolls for an additional €2.50. Something very intriguing about this coffee shop is the milk alternatives that they offer, instead of the traditional soy or almond milk, they offer oat milk which compliments the aromatic espresso perfectly. So, if you are interested in a strong cup of coffee in a trendy location, while engulfed in the smell of fresh baked bread and cinnamon, I highly recommend Røst. Whether you are studying before a test or taking a latte to go before class they have everything you need for a reasonable price located close to TLU and Old Town.

The second coffee shop I would like to introduce you to is F-Hoone. This coffee shop, restaurant, and bar is located at Telliskivi 60, 10412 Tallinn. From the address you may be able to tell that this restaurant and coffee shop is located in Telliskivi, this once industrial neighborhood is known as the creative district for a reason as they boast some of the newest and most innovative restaurants and shops in Tallinn. The hours of F-Hoone are a lot longer than Røst, for those that need to get a coffee later in the day. A cup of coffee or tea at F-Hoone is €2.30, a latte, cappuccino or double espresso will only cost you €2.80 and for those that are unable to drink milk a soy latte or cappuccino only costs €3.00. As you can tell from my picture, you won’t be able to resist the coffee once it arrives to your table. F-Hoone is best for those that want an affordable cup of coffee and meal to unwind from the stress of courses.

Whether you are looking for a quite coffee shop located close to TLU and Old Town or a full meal with coffee there are two good options that will leave you completely satisfied. While I cannot claim to have tried all the coffee shops in Tallinn, I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed in either place that I have mentioned above. Røst and F-Hoone have been acclaimed by baristas and Lonely Planet, so if you don’t believe me then you should believe them. I hope you found this information helpful because nothing improves your time at university more than caffeine and a good cup of coffee.

Author: Katarina Elise Lage  (International Relations student)