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The colourful and compact Icelandic capital of Reykjavik is commonly seen as a gateway to the nation’s imposing waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanoes. But, after visiting a few of the finest eating places in Reykjavik, I rapidly discovered that town middle additionally boasts a thriving meals scene.
After I first visited town, I couldn’t consider how underrated Icelandic meals was, a lot in order that I used to be impressed to create my Reykjavik meals excursions. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to showcase the specialties of Icelandic delicacies whereas additionally highlighting its worldwide choices.
These are the very best eating places in Reykjavik that you just received’t wish to miss in your subsequent go to to this Nordic nation!
Reykjavik Kitchen
Picture credit score: Reykjavik Kitchen
Reykjavik Kitchen was among the many first eating places I dined at within the metropolis, and it definitely set the bar excessive for what was to come back. It’s located on a aspect road of the busy Laugavegur thoroughfare, and I couldn’t assist however be drawn in by its trendy inside.
With its wood options, grayscale partitions, and golden hanging lights, Reykjavik Kitchen blended industrial-style furnishings with homely finishes. This place was awash with prospects, however I used to be fortunate sufficient to have solely a ten-minute wait to get a desk.
After I arrived, sampling some seafood was on the high of my precedence record. Though cod tends to be an Icelandic favourite, the flippantly cured Arctic char sounded notably alluring. The beneficiant serving of fish got here with child potatoes, caramelized pineapple, and carrot puree.
Should you mix trout’s nutty notes with salmon’s fattiness, you’ll get Arctic char. Like its pink-hued counterparts, the Arctic char had a delicate but agency texture. Each the pineapple and carrot added the correct quantity of sweetness, whereas the potatoes served as a gentle aspect dish.
Reykjavik Kitchen (€€€)– Rauðarárstígur 8, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland – Open each Monday to Wednesday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm and each Thursday to Sunday from 11:30 am to three:30 pm and 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Grillmarkaðurinn
Picture credit score: Grillmarkaðurinn
Within the coronary heart of Reykjavik’s central district is Grillmarkaðurinn, proper across the nook of the quirky Icelandic Punk Museum. Everybody from the lodge employees to my mates who’d beforehand visited Reykjavik had really helpful Grillmarkaðurinn, so I used to be assured I’d be in for a deal with.
I used to be grateful I made a reservation, as there didn’t appear to be an empty seat in the home once I obtained right here. The host rapidly confirmed my buddy and me to our kitchen-front desk. The vibe was subtle and glossy from the muted lighting to the darkish and up to date decor.
Because it’s among the many high effective eating eating places in Rekjavik, we contemplated going for the tasting menu, however as a substitute, we each opted for the acclaimed grilled puffin. Previous to this journey, I’d by no means tried puffin earlier than, so I used to be keen to do that Icelandic delicacy for myself.
When the waiter arrived with our plates, I used to be stunned by how comparable the puffin meat regarded to the liver. Regardless of its darkish shade and beef-like texture, the taste was comparatively mild and barely smoky. It was a bit of gamier than rooster and had a touch of saltiness.
Accompanied by acidic bilberries and earthy thyme, this dish had a bunch of perfectly-balanced flavors. After this meal, I don’t assume Grillmarkaðurinn is way from incomes its first Michelin star.
Grillmarkaðurinn (€€€) – Lækjargata 2a, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland – Open each Sunday to Thursday from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm and each Friday and Saturday from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Sjávargrillið
Picture credit score: Sjávargrillið
I popped into Sjávargrillið as I made my approach by way of Downtown Reykjavik from Hallgrímskirkja and ended up having one of the crucial memorable eating experiences of my go to. For modern Icelandic takes on worldwide staples, I’ve but to search out anyplace fairly like Sjávargrillið.
Sjávargrillið’s design aesthetic is fabulous. It appears like a cross between a comfortable cabin and a contemporary eatery. A few of my favourite options had been the thick wood pillars and plush inexperienced couches, which made it an much more inviting place to flee the bitter Reykjavik chill!
This menu had one thing for everybody, together with seafood delights like scallops and prawn pasta or salmon sushi. Their langoustine tacos appeared to be a giant hit amongst prospects, so I needed to strive them for myself. On the aspect, I ordered a serving of their fermented shark items.
I’d heard lots about fermented sharks earlier than visiting Iceland, however I wasn’t certain what to anticipate. It had a consistency just like exhausting cheese and a tremendous pungent, ammonia-like style. Whereas it was definitely uncommon and not like something I’d tried earlier than, it was a should for any go to to Reykjavik.
The langoustine tacos stole the present. Langoustine has a superbly fleshy texture and a gentle, candy taste by itself, however the ethereal, crispy batter took it to the following degree. What made it even higher was the fruity parmigiano, juicy crimson onions, and heat, chewy tortilla wraps.
Sjávargrillið (€€€) – Skólavörðustígur 14, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland – Open each Monday to Friday from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, each Saturday and Sunday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Íslenski Barinn
Picture credit score: Íslenski Barinn
Íslenski Barinn is a beautiful hang-out that I noticed simply across the nook from town’s well-known Rainbow Road. Whereas I used to be strolling down in the direction of the seafront to the Harpa constructing, I began to really feel a bit peckish, so I headed inside to seize a chunk.
Immediately, I beloved the rustic decor, because the classic wallpaper and retro gentle fittings contrasted with the trendier bar space. Every employees member was so pleasant and smiley, which added to Íslenski Barinn’s already welcoming and healthful ambiance.
The menu consisted of a group of native delicacies, together with reindeer, fin whale, and sheep’s head. I used to be curious to strive every of them, however I had a niggling longing for one thing nourishing and hearty, so I couldn’t look previous the gratinated fish pie.
Though it regarded small when it arrived in a scorching skillet, this pie was reasonably filling. On high of the subtly fishy haddock had been layers of fragrant onion, sharp cheese, and buttery bearnaise sauce. Mixed with a aspect of malty rye bread, this dish was the final word consolation meals.
Íslenski Barinn (€€) – 43W8+QP5, Ingólfsstræti 1a 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland – Open each Sunday to Thursday from 11:30 am to 1:00 am and each Friday and Saturday from 11:30 am to three:00 am (kitchen closes day by day at 10:00 pm)
Funky Bhangra
Picture credit score: Funky Bhangra
Funky Bhangra is an excellent spot for Indian meals, only a couple of minutes stroll from Ingólfur Sq.. It’s among the many many eateries at Pósthús, one of the crucial thrilling meals halls in Reykjavik. After I fancied one thing apart from Icelandic meals, I discovered myself craving some Indian fare.
This square-shaped stand is tucked amongst the various stalls within the meals corridor, but it surely’s straightforward to identify due to its moody purple lighting and vibrant orange flowers. Although it was fairly busy once I arrived, there have been a few empty seats close to the counter obtainable.
It’d been fairly some time since I’d had Indian meals, which made it much more troublesome to decide on only one dish to order. The vindaloo and dhal sounded unbelievable, however I couldn’t assist however go for a tried-and-tested traditional, the butter rooster.
Wealthy and dense with a delicate kick from the spiced tomatoes, this dish had the right mix of flavors, made even higher by the floral hues of the coconut rice. Higher nonetheless, the rooster chunks had been succulent and tender, whereas the brilliant pickled cabbage gave the dish some crunch.
Funky Bhangra (€€) – Pósthússtræti 5, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland (positioned in Pósthús Meals Corridor) – Open day by day from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm
Snaps Bistro
Picture credit score: Snaps Bistro
Snaps Bistro is an enthralling French-inspired restaurant in Lodge Odinsve within the Downtown district. As fond as I turned of the skyr and oatmeal-based breakfast choices, I started to lengthy for one thing a bit of totally different after a couple of days. Throughout my late morning stroll, I got here throughout Snaps.
The cute red-and-white wicker chairs out entrance caught my eye, but it surely was far too chilly for al fresco eating, so I headed inside as a substitute. Fortunately, there have been some open tables within the plant-covered conservatory space, so I may benefit from the sunshine with out braving the chilly temperatures!
I used to be more than pleased to pattern a few of their brunch gadgets at Snaps Bistro since I wasn’t overly hungry, however they do have foremost programs for anybody after one thing extra substantial. Consistent with the French theme, I opted for the croque monsieur.
I’m a sucker for these ham and cheese-filled sandwiches, and this one had all of the important parts. From the honeyish ham and creamy Gruyère cheese to the indulgent eggy bread and tangy Dijon mustard, this had a medley of intense, indulgent flavors.
Snaps Bistro (€€€) – Þórsgata 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland (positioned in Lodge Odinsve) – Open day by day from 7:00 am to 11:30 pm
Skál
Picture credit score: Skál
Situated on the outstanding Laugavegur, the place lots of Reykjavik’s foremost eating places are, Skál is a traditional tavern which will look fairly fundamental from the surface. However on the within, it’s each foodie’s dream: a cool eatery with a implausible tackle conventional Icelandic dishes for a good value.
After I first walked into Skál, it jogged my memory of the diners we have now again house within the States with the neon red-lit indicators, counter seating space, and classic aesthetics.
Initially, I used to be amazed that there have been solely three foremost programs on the menu, however I quickly came upon that the standard of every plate was the place their distinctive promoting level lay.
The man sitting beside me on the bar was actually pushing me to strive the meat skirt steak; he appeared to be fairly impressed, so I gave it a shot.
The steak was delivered in lower than quarter-hour from the time of order; I used to be impressed at how briskly the service was. The dish’s presentation made it so exhausting to the touch; the leafy greens coated the scorching sliced meat because the juices dripped onto the crushed potatoes and charred onions.
As I took a chunk of the steak, I couldn’t recover from how tender and salty it was, with natural notes. Including a chunk of onion gave it a pointy sweetness. On the aspect got here a natural mayo dip, including some creamy and tangy flavors to the crushed potatoes.
Skál (€€) – Laugavegur 107, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland – Open each Sunday to Wednesday, 11:30 am to 10:00 pm, and each Thursday to Saturday, 11:30 am to 11:00 pm
Conclusion
Once you’re not unwinding within the Blue Lagoon or looking for the Northern Lights, why not deal with your tastebuds to some pleasant fare at a few of the finest eating places in Reykjavik?
Between conventional Icelandic meals and high-quality takes on international cuisines, Reykjavik is rapidly transferring up the ranks as a culinary capital.
