Horisont Restaurant & Bar
Old World Charm with a Dose of the Unexpected
Built in the last century, Hotel Viru was the walled-off Soviet Union’s window to the free world. Twelve years ago, Swissotel took over the reigns and introduced a whole new standard of hospitality that effectively set Viru apart from everything else. The hotel and its restaurant, Horisont, are still keeping things classy. Just in a different way. Previously, the managers were foreigners; now, they’re predominantly locals. Estonians have been slow to grasp the art of creating and sharing Old World charm, as such, there aren’t many places where guests are pampered like kings. Not yet.
The warm and competent service is complemented by the city’s best views and a stellar cocktail program featuring seasonal specials. Great ambiance, friendly staff and stiff drinks. It’s a scenario that calls for equally good food. Horisont shuns all culinary trends and focuses instead on ingredients that are either surprising––red mullet and meagre (a European seabass), or very rare––langoustines. There are some unexpected flavor pairings, too; the mullet is served with nuggets of chicken thigh confit––chicken with a brawny taste is a rare treat. This is elegant cuisine that never gets boring.
Built in the last century, Hotel Viru was the walled-off Soviet Union’s window to the free world. Twelve years ago, Swissotel took over the reigns and introduced a whole new standard of hospitality that effectively set Viru apart from everything else. The hotel and its restaurant, Horisont, are still keeping things classy. Just in a different way. Previously, the managers were foreigners; now, they’re predominantly locals. Estonians have been slow to grasp the art of creating and sharing Old World charm, as such, there aren’t many places where guests are pampered like kings. Not yet.
The warm and competent service is complemented by the city’s best views and a stellar cocktail program featuring seasonal specials. Great ambiance, friendly staff and stiff drinks. It’s a scenario that calls for equally good food. Horisont shuns all culinary trends and focuses instead on ingredients that are either surprising––red mullet and meagre (a European seabass), or very rare––langoustines. There are some unexpected flavor pairings, too; the mullet is served with nuggets of chicken thigh confit––chicken with a brawny taste is a rare treat. This is elegant cuisine that never gets boring.