A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Estonia – GMP Clubhotel Pühajärve Restaurant

GMP Clubhotel Pühajärve restaurant is a cosy hotel and restaurant located in Otepää, on the picturesque shore of Lake Pühajärv. The hotel features stylishly furnished, comfortable apartments that are ideal for both families and couples.

It is also home to the highly praised GMP Pühajärve restaurant, which has consistently been ranked among Estonia’s best dining spots for several years!

Whether you’re staying in one of the lake-view rooms or enjoying a meal in the restaurant, you’ll be surrounded by pure tranquillity and a sense of bliss.
At least, that’s exactly how I felt 🙂

The restaurant at GMP Clubhotel Pühajärve offers a truly cosy atmosphere, with candlelight and heritage-rich views of Lake Pühajärv. Soft, pleasant background music sets the perfect tone and gently soothes the senses.

Despite the peace and quiet, families with children are more than welcome here. In fact, this is where Estonia’s first interactive smart playroom was recently opened! This means that while parents enjoy their dinner, they can keep an eye on their little ones right from their mobile phone.

The service was exceptional – we never had to wait or call anyone. The staff took turns checking in on us, but most of the time we were served by Kristiina, who deserves a big thank you for her dedication and clear explanations about the dishes!

Let the indulgence begin…

The captivating menu is full of temptations, and what I tried first might not even be available in a few months – the selection evolves constantly, following the seasons and the chef’s inspiration.

As a welcome from the kitchen, the chef treated us to a savory cheese truffle – filled with smoky cream cheese, coated in a mix of seeds and rye crumbs, and finished with a lingonberry-spice topping.
Exquisite taste – compliments to the chef!

The selection of starters included options like handmade pâté, herring and beetroot, salmon and apple, goat cheese and pumpkin, beef and rhubarb, and elk with rowanberry.

I chose the elk and rowanberry starter (€14.50), which featured cold-smoked elk fillet, spiced rowanberry jam, spruce tip cream, and Forte cheese.
The meat was delicately tender and had a natural flavor, beautifully complemented by a slightly bold honey mustard and spruce tip aioli.
Served in ultra-thin slices, the dish looked elegant and tasted absolutely delicious.

The wine list is diverse and well-curated. I wanted to try the house wines by the glass, and since red wine was recommended to pair with the elk, I went with a glass of
Primitivo 2015, Castello Monaci Piluna, Salento, Italy (€5.50).

It turned out to be a perfect match for the tender meat – quite bold in flavor, yet smooth and lingering on the palate, with jammy berry notes and a touch of liquorice. The aroma was equally pleasant, rich with hints of berries and vanilla.

All breads and pastries served with the dishes are baked on-site. The fluffy, slightly salty white bread with its crisp crust – just like the house rye bread – had a texture reminiscent of a soft cake.
The creamy, salted butter spread on top made it even more irresistible. And the best part – you can buy the artisanal rye bread to take home as a souvenir!

A Colorful Lineup of Main Courses

After exploring the world of tempting starters, it was time to dive into the heartier offerings. The current menu featured options like roasted cauliflower, pork tenderloin, lamb, fish, duck breast, and beef tenderloin.
It’s worth mentioning that last year’s most popular main course was the duck breast, especially when paired with the goat cheese starter.

Our first choice was the pork and mustard (€14), featuring sous-vide pork fillet, mustard potato cream, apple-pumpkin salad, and beer sauce.
The slow-cooked meat was melt-in-the-mouth tender, enhanced by a rich, slightly smoky sauce and crispy onion bits.
The dish stood out with its creamy potato mash mixed with mustard seeds, silky spinach cream, and a bold beer sauce.
A gentle kick came from the chili in the apple-pumpkin salad, while the sweet, crunchy carrot spheres added a playful texture.

Next, we treated ourselves to the lamb and buckwheat (€16) – smoky lamb saddle, buckwheat, pea–wild garlic cream, goat cheese foam, and mint sauce.
The lamb, cooked low and slow, was incredibly tender and juicy.
It was served with creamy, slightly spicy buckwheat, stewed to a soft texture, and topped with buckwheat popcorn and more of those delightful crunchy carrot balls.
The dish was beautifully elevated by a rich and flavorful goat cheese foam that brought both character and elegance to the plate.

To complement the food, our server recommended a glass of red wine –
Merlot 2014, Georges Duboeuf, Vin de Pays d’Oc, France (€4.50).
Compared to the previous red, this one was younger, softer, and more fruit-forward. It had a wild berry aroma, with a dry, berry-like taste and a slightly spicy finish.

Crossing the Finish Line with Dessert

Leaving a place like this without trying dessert would be a sin – especially when the menu tempts with options like the GMP Signature Chocolate Fondant, sea buckthorn tart, warm berry pie, and artisanal cheeses.

Liis went for the long-time customer favorite: the GMP Signature Cake (€6.50), which has held its title for eight years!
The fondant was rich, smooth, and creamy, with the sweetness beautifully balanced by mild apple purée and berry compote.
Paired with the warm chocolate, the cold and silky vanilla ice cream made for a perfect contrast.

My own choice was the warm berry pie (€6.50) – a delightful mix of forest berries, buttery pastry, herbs, and mint-infused ice cream.
It was incredibly tasty and had that homemade comfort feel. The crumbled cookie base, tart berries, warm sponge, silky ice cream, and sweet mint balsamic drizzle created a combination so good, we could’ve easily shared a second portion!

As for the little one, the winner was a surprise under the vanilla ice cream: a crunchy combo of meringue and cookie crumble.

The restaurant offered not only an outstanding culinary experience, but also visual pleasure with beautifully plated dishes and elegant designer tableware.
I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone!

Entertainment in Its Familiar High Quality!

In case you’ve forgotten what a true gem Otepää is, here’s a quick reminder of everything it has to offer in both winter and summer.

In winter, you can enjoy snowy adventures at:
Kuutsemäe and Väike-Munamäe ski resorts, the Winterplace snow park, the famous Tehvandi and Tartu Marathonski trails, the Pühajärv ice-skating track, sleigh safaris, and more.

In summer, Otepää invites you to a relaxing golf holiday, a range of major events, and of course, the stunning Lake Pühajärv.

If you’re staying at GMP Clubhotel, their family apartment (one-bedroom) has everything you need for a comfortable stay – including a kitchenette with an espresso machine for great coffee, a clothes drying cabinet, and other thoughtful touches.

Breakfast – A Category of Its Own

Breakfast at GMP Clubhotel Pühajärve restoran is on another level!
We honestly can’t remember the last time we experienced such freshness and flavor in the morning.
You could even start your day with a glass of Prosecco, if you wished – while enjoying the sunshine streaming through the windows, the view of frozen Lake Pühajärv, and the absolute silence outdoors. Pure serenity.

Otepää left a lasting impression – with its delightful flavors, the beauty of Lake Pühajärv, and the warm hospitality of the hosts.
I will definitely return!

👉 See more information about the restaurant and book your experience HERE!