The Norse god Óðinn obtained the mead of the poetry from the giants and shared it with those seeking divine connection. Sounds familiar, right? We’ve all had those kinds of nights here in Reykjavík. Now, you can too. Whether it’s cocktails, a wine bar, a date spot, or a happy hour beer, we have filtered the seemingly unlimited options here to give you the best chances of building that time-honoured experience that fermentation allows.
Our extremely mortal panel of drinkers has inspected the local bars and watering holes and given their honest, exuberant opinions on the best bars in Reykjavik. All factors were considered, from atmosphere and interior design to bathroom availability and customer satisfaction.
If you’re seeking wisdom, camaraderie, or just want to get your drink on, these are the establishments our panel recommends.
Best Date Place
Uppi
Aðalstræti 12
If your idea of a date night is something a little more fancy than ordering pizza and watching The Traitors together, consider checking out Uppi. They’ve got fancy wines and cocktails, fancy glassware, and outstanding service. More importantly, Uppi is dark and cosy. “Isn’t that sort of the most important thing you want in a date place?” a panellist asked. “A nice setting and low lighting so you don’t see your date’s pores and pimples. You want to feel sexy. Uppi is sexy.”
Runner Up:
Bíó Paradís
Hverfisgata 54
Photo by Art Bicnick
There’s this stereotype that going to the movies on a date, especially a first one, is a terrible idea, since you end up not talking much to the person you’re with. Our panel disagrees. Whether it’s a date number one or number 100, Bíó Paradís might just tick all the right boxes. Start with a drink at one of their bars, catch a film, then, maybe grab another drink (now that you have a movie to discuss), or play some readily available board games.
Runner Up:
Vínstúkan Tíu Sopar
Laugavegur 27
Photo by Art Bicnick
Dimly lit wine bar Vínstúkan Tíu Sopar has long been a go-to for the town’s lovebirds. There’s a fantastic wine selection, a decent offering for teetotalers (these days, chances are at least one half of the couple is one), and a menu of delightful small bites. Few things feel more romantic than fighting over the last piece of their charred broccolini. It’s that good. Plus, as one panellist notes, “There are niches and crannies you can hide in.”
Previous Winners:
2025: Port 9
2024: Bíó Paradís
2023: Kaffibrennslan
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