€€€Modern Cuisine
Enviably located between the harbour and the mountains, beside the Harpa Concert Hall, sits The Reykjavík EDITION hotel – and, nestled within it, this sleek, stylish restaurant. Unfussy breakfasts and lunches are followed by an evening tasting menu built around a core of Icelandic produce – such as 1,000-day aged Feykir cheese, Nordic salmon and North Icelandic lamb – while the à la carte offers extensive choice, from handmade lobster ravioli or Uruguayan ribeye seared on the Josper grill to skyr and white chocolate Basque cheesecake.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.3/5 · 80 reviews
TIDES offers modern cuisine in a stylish harbor-side setting in Reykjavik. Food quality is generally praised, particularly for fresh seafood and lamb, though some guests found flavors like mayonnaise overpowering or dishes mediocre. Service is largely commended for being warm and attentive, yet negative reviews cite pacing issues and occasional errors. The atmosphere is contemporary and suitable for special occasions. Opinions on value vary significantly; while some find the pricing fair, others consider it high relative to the experience provided.
Suitable for travelers seeking modern Nordic cuisine and attentive service, regardless of budget constraints.
€€€€Traditional Cuisine
2026 heralded a move to stylish new premises for this earnestly run and authentic restaurant, where the ersatz-industrial space is lightened with some whimsical flashes of art and glassware. The cookbook of the same name by influential food-writer Helga Sigurðardótti is the inspiration behind the culinary philosophy of updating traditional Icelandic recipes and celebrating local ingredients. The open kitchen calmly delivers a well-balanced set menu, which could include deliciously sweet scallops with crab and chervil or succulent lamb with buttermilk and crowberries.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 80 reviews
Located within the Saga Museum, Matur og Drykkur offers a 10-course seasonal tasting menu focused on reinterpreting historic Icelandic recipes using local ingredients. Food quality is generally praised for its creativity, aesthetic presentation, and authentic flavors. Service experiences vary significantly; while some guests appreciated the staff's knowledge and warmth, others reported coldness, lack of information, or slow pacing. The atmosphere is described as cozy and intimate, though some noted the room temperature was quite low. Regarding value, opinions are divided. Many find the experience worthwhile, but critics argue the portions are excessively small relative to the cost. It is best suited for adventurous diners interested in traditional cuisine, though those sensitive to portion sizes or strict budgets may want to consider alternatives.
Recommended for adventurous diners seeking traditional Icelandic flavors, but those sensitive to portion sizes should proceed with caution.
🕐 Th,Fr,Sa,Su 18:00-23:00
€€€Italian
A stylish room, a welcoming service team, chefs on show in the open kitchen and an appealing Italian menu, all make this spot near the harbour an understandably popular destination, whatever the occasion. You can put yourself in the kitchen’s hands and go for the set five-course menu for the table or order your own dishes from the à la carte. Start with the focaccia and delicious whipped ricotta, then move on to an in-house pasta such as the Black Angus short rib tagliatelle, while for dessert, it has to be the tiramisu, which is spooned out at the table ‘Italian style’. They have a terrific l
🕐 Tu-Sa 17:30-00:00
€€€Modern Cuisine
The owners here appear to know all their customers and, such is the warm and laid-back atmosphere, you’ll find yourself wanting to become one of those regulars yourself. The name translates as ‘small room’, an apt description for this single-storey building sandwiched between two larger structures in a side street not far from the House of Collections. The market-led, weekly changing menu is appealingly concise, comprising a couple of starters and three main courses. Expect a daily catch and lots of heartening, flavour-packed dishes like peas on toast with shallots or Iberico secreto with peac
€€€€Fusion
Well-made cocktails, a fun atmosphere, confident service and an intriguing fusion menu make OTO a great choice for a night out with friends. The kitchen blends Italian and Japanese cuisine, with the best example being the lobster cappelletti which comes with yuzu kosho. Other highlights include the succulent chicken thigh skewer with scallions and the cleverly made, eye-catching signature dessert that resembles a whole lemon. If you’re not one for sharing, go for the Kaiseki Experience for a comprehensive all-round experience, along with the imaginative wine pairing.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
OTO in Reykjavik offers Japanese-Italian fusion cuisine with an average rating of 4.4/5. Food quality is frequently praised, with highlights including bread, miso cod, and lamb, though some guests found portions small or inconsistent. Service is generally positive, with friendly staff enhancing the modern, zen-like atmosphere, although noise levels and occasional unhelpfulness were noted. Meal pacing is mostly well-regarded, but a few reviews cited delays. Value is mixed; while many enjoyed the experience, others felt the prices were high relative to the service and portion sizes.
Suitable for diners seeking fusion cuisine and a refined experience who accept small portions.
€€€Middle Eastern
This lively modern brasserie has ‘night-out-with-friends’ written all over it, and comes complete with on-trend concrete walls, burnished leather banquettes and an exposed charcoal grill whose enticing aromas will get the taste buds going. Icelandic ingredients are given a Middle Eastern twist, with influences ranging from North African to Lebanese. Highlights include the crispy duck cigars with raz el hanout and the fried halloumi with a sticky honey and orange sauce. Start with some cocktails; go for the meze sharing menus if you can’t decide; and if you haven’t booked, try your luck at the
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Sümac, located in central Reykjavik, offers Middle Eastern cuisine with generally high food quality. Diners praise the grill platters, chicken wings, and fresh ingredients, though some note issues with saltiness or blandness. The ambiance is modern and cozy, featuring concrete walls and an open kitchen. Service experiences vary significantly; while families often find it excellent, others report rushed pacing, poor attention, or disorganized orders. Value perceptions differ, with some finding portions small relative to cost, while others appreciate the quality. Reservations are recommended due to high demand.
Ideal for diners seeking authentic Middle Eastern cuisine who can tolerate inconsistent service; reservations are essential.