Right in the middle of Estonia, where roads are winding past lakes and through forests, on the way between Tallinn and Tartu, lies a restaurant dedicated to serving local fish. Knowing that roadside restaurants and eateries are normally not famous for their quality, Vörtsu Sahver certainly breaks the norms, and far beyond usual expectations.
Opened and operated by two friends, both fishermen, united by a passion for high quality and freshness, and cooking with a no-fuss and no-nonsense simplicity. A wonderful local speciality is eel, traditionally wild and in abundance here and also farmed nearby. At Vörtsu Sahver eel is expertly served as a soup, a clear soup, rich in flavour yet light and refreshing. A true signature dish of the house, a proof that tradition in the hands of modern craftsmen has value, and a reason to go out of one’s way to experience. The interior is decorated with old eel fishing equipment and old photographs depicting artisans at work. Fried fish is also a signature here, as is the selection of local lemonades and juices. Wines and Champagne? Sure, that too, if you prefer.
