Best Of Reykjavík 2026: Best Place For Cocktails

Words by

Photo by

Joana Fontinha

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 Place for Cocktails

Amma Don

Laugavegur 55

Amma Don — the closest to a true speakeasy in this country — was a unanimous winner in this category. “Nobody knows where to enter. You have to ring the bell. It’s exhilarating,” one panellist says. “The cocktails are insane.” Whether it be the menus tucked into Laxness books, the stately living-room feel, or ÓX’s Michelin plaque resting on a bookshelf, Amma Don feels like having a drink in the mid-century modern home of your dreams.

Runner Up:

Gilligogg

Austurstræti 12a

Gilligogg stands for “all that is good” and is a fitting name for a former law firm transformed into a lively bar. Wood-clad, with large-scale paintings, it feels like you’re having a drink after losing (or winning) a case in court. Whatever you actually do for a living, Gilligogg’s original signature cocktails, like the Jasmine Gimlet or Sugar Plum Fairy, along with a selection of mocktails, certainly won’t leave you impartial.

Runner Up:

Daisy Cocktail Bar

Ingólfsstræti 8

Bursting onto the town’s drinking scene about two years ago, Daisy has quickly become a crowd favourite. Created by the team behind Jungle and Bingó, you know you’re onto a down-to-earth yet solid cocktail spot. “I’ve been to Daisy early and late, and there’s always a great vibe there,” a panellist admits. With classic cocktails and innovative mixes, Daisy caters to everyone. “Even people who prefer beer get a cocktail at Daisy.”