Just a 30-minute drive from Tartu, Elva is affectionately known as Estonia’s Pine Town. Surrounded by fragrant pine forests, sparkling lakes and sandy beaches, the town invites visitors to slow down, breathe in the fresh air and experience the peaceful rhythm of South Estonian summer. One of the best ways to experience the town is during Elva Café Day, taking place on 11 July, when 19 unique home cafés open their garden gates to visitors.
For one day only, private gardens, courtyards, and home yards are transformed into cosy cafés where homemade food, sweet treats, local flavours, and warm hospitality come together. The first cafés welcome guests from 9 a.m., while the last remain open until 11 p.m., making it easy to spend an entire summer day discovering Elva.
What makes Elva Café Day so special is the opportunity to step inside places that are normally private. Behind every gate is a different story – local families, neighbours, and friends who open their homes to share their favourite recipes, traditions, and the joy of welcoming visitors. Here, you are not simply a customer, but a welcome guest.
The first Elva Café Day took place in 2013, and over the years it has become one of the town’s most cherished summer traditions, attracting both locals and visitors from across Estonia and beyond.
One visitor remembers their first Elva Café Day like this:
“I clearly remember the café day in 2014, as if it were yesterday. I had just moved to Elva and was completely enchanted by its nature and peaceful surroundings. The café day happened during a heatwave, and walking through Elva felt like being on holiday somewhere abroad. Beautiful gardens, wonderful aromas, delicious food and friendly people – every café host welcomed me like an old friend. I still remember sitting on a striped woven rug, with a refreshing mint drink in one hand and a slice of Pavlova in the other, thinking that it all felt like a dream. That was the day I fell in love with Elva.”
These are the moments that make Elva Café Day much more than a food event – it is a celebration of community, hospitality, and unforgettable summer memories.
Discover this year’s cafés on the Elva Café Day map.
This year’s home cafés:
Aasa Pariis & BBQ – Aasa 5, Elva | Open from 13:00
Anette Šokolaadikohvik – Tähe 4a, Elva | 11:00–17:00
Gelato Ladies Jäätisekohvik – Kadaka põik 4, Elva | 12:00–18:00
Kadaka Leivakoda – Kadaka 13b, Elva | 11:00–19:00
Kavilda Koda – Mängi village | By reservation: 12:00–15:00 and 15:00–18:00
Kogukonna Pesa – Järve 1-1, Elva | 09:00–13:00
Kooki tahad? – Apteegi 2, Elva | 08:00–18:00
Lastekohvik Trill & Trall – Lille 3, Elva | 11:00–16:00
Leonora Puhvet – Majala village, Elva Parish | 11:00–19:00
Mamma Kodukohvik – Pikk 25, Elva | 11:00–16:00
Margerooni Kodune Itaalia – Vapra tee 7, Nõo Parish | 11:00–19:00
Milli Kohvik – Elva eri – Liiva 10, Elva | 10:00–19:00
Männihaldja Matcha & Kombucha Kohvik-Baar – Vaikne 37a, Elva | Café 12:00–17:00, Bar 18:00–20:00
Männimetsa Kodukohvik – Tartu mnt 13, Elva | 12:00–17:00
Peedu Pizza – Peedu tee 12, Uuta | 14:00–20:00
Pikniku Kohvik – Tondipea 14, Peedu | 11:00–16:00
SÕP – Sõbrad Õnnelikult Pikas – Pikk 48, Elva | 12:00–22:00
Tamme Maitsed ja Päikesetoidud – Pargi 9, Elva | 11:00–17:00
Kolm Tilli Pizza & Tänavaköök – Kärneri 4, Elva | 12:00–23:00
More information: Elva Café Day Facebook page. Getting there: Elva is easily accessible from Tartu by car, train, or bus, making it an ideal day trip for anyone visiting Southern Estonia.