Tartu, Estonia's second-largest city, is a culinary gem that embraces a unique identity in the Baltic food scene.
Nestled along the banks of the Emajõgi River, Tartu has emerged as a vibrant hub where innovation meets a rich cultural culinary tapestry.
As the European Capital of Culture 2024, Tartu has taken a direct focus towards accessible public events, and the city's population and visitors can enjoy both various street food and fine dining festivals every year.
Tartu is a city that invites you to explore new flavors and experience the diversity of food culture. Tartu is truly a pearl of culinary experiences, shining on the map of Estonia as a place where good food meets cultural heritage.
Every February, the city of Tartu transforms into a gastronomic wonderland.Throughout the entire month, a diverse array of restaurants in the city invite both locals and tourists to experience specially crafted three-course menus for friendly prices. The special menus use as many local ingredients as possible, so the visitors can enjoy the city’s diverse food scene, where each dish tells a story of tradition and innovation.
Every year, at the beginning of August, a two-day celebration of diverse flavours and cultural richness emerges to the streets of Tartu. Pop-up restaurants, street food trucks and live music are the keywords which characterize the warm summer days and nights. From family activities to wine tastings, the festival has become a summer highlight for many in the Southern Estonian region.
A kitchen is a world of its own and white aprons and sharp knives do not suffice to learn its secrets. As the biggest and most known student town in the Baltic countries, Tartu has become a flagship for teaching both food innovation and hospitality in Estonia. Did you know that both the chef of Estonia’s first Michelin-starred restaurant and the head chef of the President Estonia got their education in Tartu Vocational College?
Through collaborative projects, annual gatherings, study tours, and continuous exchanges, our network fosters a dynamic community where cities learn from each other, share best practices, and co-create innovative solutions for the future of food and gastronomy.
We invite cities that share our commitment to food-driven urban transformation to join us in shaping a better food future.
