22 April 2026
Share
No visit to Tallinn would be complete without heading northwest of the city centre to Port Noblessner. Formerly a Russian submarine shipyard, it’s now a beautiful harbourside district popular for its mix of residential properties and cultural activities. Here, in a cavernous waterside warehouse, you’ll find not just one, but two neighbouring restaurants from well-known chef-owners Janno Lepik and Kristjan Peäske – both of which have been awarded a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand for their great value cuisine.
The longer standing of the two, Lore Bistroo, has an overtly industrial feel and serves modern dishes inspired by the owners’ travels. Younger sister UMA, meanwhile, is a strikingly on-trend spot serving modern Asian cuisine. Today, we take a closer look at UMA. Like its sister, it retains its industrial heritage and original features, but it also adds a more youthful vibe, courtesy of colourful lighting, pumping tunes, a chic cocktail bar and a superb waterfront terrace.
With a name standing for ‘Unorthodox Modern Asian’, it’s no surprise to find dishes that draw largely from Thai and Vietnamese cuisines – which come with some creativity but still keep recognisable flavours to the fore. Sharing is encouraged, with the menu offering an appealing mix of small and large plates, while for those who want it all, the ‘UMA Experience’ offers a little of everything served on stands akin to those used for afternoon tea.
In this video, part of our Chef’s World series, we watch Head Chef Kristo Malm preparing a dish of beef tartare with gochujang sauce, mushroom mayonnaise and coriander. At the same time, he tells us about his world – his likes and dislikes; his favourite dishes and create-at-home recipes; and his top tips for tourists when it comes to both activities and dining out.
Join us as he takes us inside his world.
1 min.
