TALLINN - Among all the new hip restaurants and lounges in Tallinn, Reval Cafe chain stands out for it's medieval touch, cozy atmosphere and intimacy. The chain operates eight cafes in Tallinn city center, the newest one being on Liivalaia Street with outstanding design elements combining the modern glass building with historical details.
Muurivahe Reval Cafe is an exquisite dining place suitable for both formal business lunches and romantic dinners. The place opens at 7:30 a.m., attracting clients before work. Continental breakfast is served until four in the afternoon, which makes the place suitable for late sleepers.
The staff are friendly and approachable. The frequently updated chalkboard on the wall informs customers about monthly specials and new dishes. The menu focuses on Mediterranean cuisine, offering a wide range of salads, quiches, soups and pasta. The classic Caesar salad with chicken fillet (75 kroons) is surprisingly nutritious for a starter dish. A single bite of their Tomato-Mozzarella Salad with a hint of asparagus, is like a journey to an old tavern in Naples where the recipe of mozzarella is a time honored secret.
Try Filled Chicken Filet with Gorgonzola, Sun-kissed Tomatoes and Chestnuts (135 kroons) It proves the chef has a special talent of keeping the chicken subtle. A skill which has eluded many of his competitors it seems. Despite the mixture of at first startling components (such as zucchini with chestnuts or chicken fillet embroiled with bacon) the melange is astonishingly smooth and delectable.
The variety of desserts is not too unique, compared to the rest of the utterly creative menu. Nevertheless, Banana Flambeau with Ice-Cream (60 kroons) compliments the delicate dinner with an exclamation mark which doesn't suffocate the aftertaste of the rest of the meal.
The wine collection boasts largely French and Italian wines, with a few classic Californians (Beringer) thrown in for good measure. The red wines vary from Les Jamelles Merlot to Lamberti Valpolicella Classico DOC; amongst the white wines one can indulge on the almost sinful Paul Zinck Riesling Prestige. Also, the menu offers house wines, both red and white, which vary daily. For a dessert, Portuguese port does not stand a rival.
After the meal, the lavishly furnished interior is a good opportunity to relax. The frescoes on the walls along with the original limestone reflect the medieval spirit. For those who wish to have a soothing cigarette after dinner, a smoking room will soon be opened. During the summer season, the cafe has an open terrace which tempts many visitors to enjoy a cocktail before clubbing in Hollywood, which is comfortably situated right next to the cafe.
Open from early in the morning till late at night, Muurivahe Reval Cafe offers an experience incomparable to most of its competitors. Drop in for a cup of coffee and try out the pastry baked on the spot 's to become a steady customer in this cozy joint.
