Restaurant Ugandi Resto

Thank you for visiting us. For more than 22 years, we have been doing our best to ensure that everyone who steps in will be a little happier when they leave. Ugandi Resto integrates Nordic flavours with Mediterranean culinary philosophy. Two different traditional European food cultures meet, and the outcome is a true explosion of flavour. Our dishes are exciting and exceptional, bringing together the best of both cuisines and ensuring a balanced and flavour-filled culinary experience.

Due to the tough climate and rough nature of the Nordic countries, traditional dishes here are often heavy and warming, and contain a lot of calories. Many of the unique flavours which reflect the region’s culture and history are related to the need to help locals stay warm in the winter months. Mediterranean cuisine, however, is known for its lighter, strongly-flavoured, healthier choices, and focuses mainly on fresh ingredients.

When preparing our dishes we like to use meat products which are characteristic of Nordic cuisine, and food which is sourced from the local forests. The rich spices and herbs of the Mediterranean are an integral part of our dishes. In our kitchen we use fresh ingredients alongside fermentation, something which has been in use for thousands of years. Our selection includes varieties of soup, with this being highly beloved in Nordic countries, alongside Mediterranean salads, Spanish tapas, and Italian pizzas and pastas. The kama gelato which we make on-site is a traditional Estonian dish which is combined with a frozen dessert from Italy.

Ugandi Resto is a leisurely restaurant which offers great dishes, pleasant service, and a tasteful interior. The main underlying ideas behind our dishes are the longer life and better health of the people of Mediterranean countries, and the Nordic philosophy of using local raw materials. We like the fact that enjoying good food with family and friends is one of the most important parts of the local food culture.

The restaurant’s name comes from Ugandi, one of Estonia’s wealthiest ‘Ancient Era’ states, which had its centre at Otepää. The interior design is respectful of the area’s rich history, while also characterising modern Otepää. Ugandi Resto’s second floor may also be referred to as the Estonian flag room. Otepää is the birthplace of the Estonian tricolour and, to celebrate that, the entire floor has been dedicated to the national flag.

Children are always welcome with us. They can choose a delicious meal from their very own menu, and food can be expected by playing in the game corner, where they will not get bored. In the summer garden, the little ones can swing, turn and play in the sandbox.

The restaurant’s summer garden is the largest in Otepää. The summer garden, which can take a hundred and fifty people, brings its patrons right up alongside Otepää’s gorgeous nature, while the second floor, which seats eighty people, offers beautiful views of Otepää’s central square, as well as the historic hill fort and church.

Ugandi Resto has been awarded a gold star by the Estonian Association of Large Families. It is also the finalist in the Silverspoon 2023 gastronomy contest.