On 4 January 1974, Café Veski opened for visitors. Immediately after the opening, the café became one of the most popular places in the city, and at the moment, they are the oldest operating catering establishment in Kuressaare. “Veski” is an architectural monument of national importance.

The history of Saaremaa Veski

The windmill was built in 1899. Before that, the first Eastern Orthodox Church in Kuressaare resided here – however, it burned down at the beginning of the 1780s during the fire in the city. The windmill was in working order until 1941. When the war began, the sails were sawn off to avoid enemies using them for signalling. During World War I, it is known that the French used the sails and gave signals about movement direction and even about the number of enemies to their troops.

After the war ended, the windmill was used as a store and as the miller’s residence. To improve the catering conditions in Kuressaare in connection with the increased number of tourists from the end of the 1960s, the restoration of turning the windmill into a café started in autumn 1972 by architect Fredy Tomps.

The interior design was made by architect Aet Maasik, and Jaan Mitt was both the foreman and manager. During the restoration, they attempted to preserve the original structure of a Dutch stone windmill.

Intriguing menu

The menu offers many tasty dishes that you should be eager to try. How about some appetizers? Try their Sakuska platter with various meats and vegetables, or how about some crispy garlic bread? They also a fantastic selection of salads on their menu. Try, for example, their summer salad with seasonal vegetables, roasted seeds, and raspberry vinegar dressing.

They also have several burgers; vegan, BBQ pork and a beef burger, if that is something that you like. Try also their slow-cooked pork neck with lingonberry glaze or their wild boar tenderloin.

They also have a variety of spectacular ‘group menus,’ which are available for groups of ten or more. They have everything from a vegetarian menu to a wild boar menu. The components of the different menus can be combined if desired.

Opening hours

The restaurant is open every day of the week from 12.00 - 21.00. So, come by Saaremaa Veski on Pärna 19 in Kuressaare.