Koyo

KOYO – Japanese Omakase Restaurant in the Heart of Tallinn’s Old Town

Located on Dunkri Street in Tallinn’s enchanting Old Town, KOYO is Estonia’s first Japanese omakase restaurant, offering a rare and deeply considered culinary experience. If you’re looking for a Japanese restaurant in Tallinn that transports you straight to the atmosphere of Tokyo’s finest sushi bars—where every course is crafted from the freshest ingredients and guided by the chef’s creative inspiration—then KOYO is the place to be.

The name KOYO comes from the Japanese word kouyou, which refers to the changing colors of autumn leaves. This natural rhythm—constant change and the passage of the seasons—is at the core of the restaurant’s philosophy. At KOYO, food is more than a meal; it reflects the cycle of nature in every flavor and every dish. Seasonality is not just a trend—it is a way of life.

Head Chef Kazuto Hokari, a Japanese culinary master with international experience, prepares 14-course omakase dinners each evening. The menu is not printed—it is reinvented daily based on available ingredients and the chef’s creative vision. KOYO combines the finest Japanese ingredients with the best of Estonia’s seasonal produce. Each dinner is a performance—every movement precise, every dish meticulously refined.

The restaurant features just 11 seats, arranged around an open kitchen. This creates an intimate, direct, and unforgettable atmosphere. Guests are seated face-to-face with the chefs, witnessing the preparation of each course. This closeness reflects the essence of Japanese hospitality—omotenashi—a sincere, selfless attentiveness to every guest.

KOYO’s interior is minimalist and thoughtfully designed. Natural materials, muted tones, and a calm rhythm inspired by Japanese aesthetics create an environment where focus is drawn to the food, the moment, and the experience.

KOYO is open from Tuesday to Saturday, with dinner served in two seatings—at 18:00 and 20:30. With space for only 22 guests per evening, each experience is both exclusive and personal. The menu features a minimum of 14 courses, showcasing both local and imported delicacies, including freshly grated wasabi, bonito, uni, and prized tuna cuts such as Otoro, Chutoro, and Toro. The beverage selection, curated by expert sommeliers, focuses on fine sake, Japanese teas, and carefully selected wines.

KOYO is more than just dinner—it is a spiritual and culinary journey. If you are searching for a Japanese omakase restaurant in Tallinn where every detail is masterfully thought out and each bite reveals world-class craftsmanship, then KOYO offers an experience truly worth discovering.