The windmill was built in 1899. Before that here was the first Eastern Orthodox Church in Kuressaare that burned down at the beginning of 1780s during the fire in the city.
This windmill was in working order until 1941. When the war began, the sails were sawn off in order to avoid the enemies to use them for signalling. It is known from the history that during World War I the French, using the sails, gave signals about the movement direction and even about the number of enemies to their own troops.
After the war, the windmill was used as a store, and the miller’s living area – in the left protrusion from the front view – as an apartment.
In order to improve the catering conditions in Kuressaare in connection with the increased number of tourists from the end of 1960s, the restoration of the windmill with the aim of using it as a café started in autumn 1972, architect Fredy Tomps. The interior design was made by architect Aet Maasik and the foreman and manager was Jaan Mitt. During the restoration the original structure of a Dutch stone windmill was attempted to preserve.
On 4 January 1974, Windmill Café was opened for visitors. Immediately after the opening, the café became one of the most popular places in our city, and at the moment we are the oldest operating catering establishment in Kuressaare. The windmill is an architectural monument of national importance.
In 2002, the kitchen, auxiliary and technical rooms of the Veski restaurant were renovated and expanded, and a large fireplace hall in the right wing was added in order to offer the visitors more opportunities and seating places.
In 2008, the construction works in the courtyard of the windmill were completed.
- The windmill has been declared an architectural monument of national importance.
In 2009, the Windmill Restaurant was voted the Best Tourism Company in Saare County, and in addition, the restaurant was awarded a letter of thanks for the Cultural Act of the Year from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Estonia for organising folk music events. - The windmill was recognised with the title of the Most Beautiful Home in Saare County in 2010 and with the title of the Most Beautiful Home from the President of the Republic of Estonia in 2011.
- The windmill has been selected as one of the WHITE GUIDE TOP100 Estonian restaurants for 5 years in a row.
- Windmill Restaurant Saaremaa Veski is the official catering partner of the top league SAAREMAA VOLLEYBALL CLUB already for the 4th season!
