Ilmaveere

Ilmaveere – Naturally Luxurious

There is a mystical place on the edge of two worlds, the air of which has been made brighter and clearer by the ringing of thousands of church bells. This place is not in Petseri, but rather on this side of the border, in the village of Obinitsa, in Mokornulga, in a former school-church where, for the past 20 years, only bees have lived within its walls.

Today, this place is Ilmaveere for us—a spot to slow down, breathe in sweet aromas and flavors, and admire the beautiful Obinitsa Lake alongside the statue of the Song Mother.

At Ilmaveere, we share with you what makes life sweet for us:

• Food that is extraordinarily delicious and values local ingredients;
• Dishes served to share with the people closest to us;
• A restaurant that operates on a zero-waste principle, fully respecting and utilizing every ingredient, leaving behind as small a footprint as possible;
• Rest in unique rooms that leave an unforgettable vacation memory.

Ilmaveere Restaurant

In addition to the boutique hotel, Ilmaveere is home to a fine dining restaurant, where you can enjoy the seasonal taste journeys of chef Merino Lastik. Both meat lovers and vegans can find a meal to delight in, and special options are also available for children.

Ilmaveere is defined by quality ingredients, a vibrant head chef, and a cozy atmosphere. The restaurant family approaches food with heart, creating powerful taste experiences by fully valuing local ingredients. Operating on a zero-waste principle, they respect and use each ingredient completely, and whatever is truly left over goes to the restaurant’s lovely chickens.

"I have made it my goal every year to focus deeply on one specific theme. Last year, my goal was to maximize ingredient usage to reduce food waste," says Merino Lastik, Executive Chef.

The restaurant aims to continuously offer new taste experiences, so don’t be surprised if the menu is fresh and somewhat unique upon your arrival, reflecting the latest available ingredients.

In addition to the main menu, the restaurant also offers brunch, available on weekend mornings and afternoons. The brunch menu offers both classic late breakfast flavors, like poached eggs, and Ilmaveere’s unique flavor combinations, such as soufflé omelette with truffle cheese, chanterelle mushrooms, bacon, and truffle mayonnaise. Depending on the season, the dishes on the menu may vary.