Raimond

Raimond, at the Hedon Spa & Hotel, takes its name from Raimond Valgre, Estonia’s most beloved composer who wrote some of his most famous songs in Pärnu and whose statue sits not far from the restaurant; a sturdy bronze sculpture of a thin man, jauntily playing the accordion. Raimond the music star has a way of conjuring nostalgia, his tunes are irresistible to all Estonians. Raimond the culinary star has a Scandi-chic dining room that sings a more contemporary melody, it’s irresistible to in-the-know gourmets. Come summertime, its doors open straight onto the sandy beach, but this place is just as compelling in the dead of winter when the sea is frozen and the trees are bare.

Head chef Marko Lumera’s tasting menu is a seasonally influenced cavalcade of artfully plated Nordic flavors, made with local ingredients. The beverage list features Estonian spirits, ciders and craft beer, as well as a selection of mostly Old World wines.

In one of Valgre’s songs he dreams of meeting a specific woman again, once you’ve finished your meal, you’ll be dreaming of meeting Raimond again.