Russian splendour in a small Estonian town

Villa Friedheim, where the Von Gernet restaurant is located, was built at the end of the century for the daughter of a St. Petersburg department store owner. A stone castle with a gorgeous tower by the sea in Haapsalu put the owners of tiny wooden houses in the town centre in their place. Now, more than 125 years later, history appears to be repeating itself as the villa is restored.

The cute restos in the lovely wooden houses of Haapsalu got a new colleague with very different looks and manners. The waiting staff are dressed as servants. The red carpet makes every guest feel a bit more dignified but also instils awe. It is obvious that one is expected to be on their best behaviour here.

Dishes served here are especially well suited to the milieu of this small castle, filling the air with wildly appetising aromas. The recipes have roots in the last century yet still feel a little extravagant in modern times.

Villa Friedheim and Von Gernet brought the former Great Russian glory back to Haapsalu, and everyone else will have to learn to live with it.