From Iceland — Best Of Reykjavík 2018: Best Place For A Fancy Meal

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There has never been a more exciting time for the restaurant scene in Reykjavik. Thanks to burgeoning tourism, exposure, and a genuine curiosity for foods from far and wide, diners now have a plethora of choices on offer. Whether it’s high-end fine dining (we even boast a Michelin starred gem!), or a cheap late night bite, Reykjavik is coming into its own as a culinary destination, offering small plates, tasting menus, farm to table seasonal produce and classic Iceland cuisine, and all while accommodating vegans and vegetarians. The following restaurants are the very best, according to our panel of enthusiastic gourmands. Feel free to let us know what you think of our choices as you eat your way around the city. We’re listening. And we’re hungry.

Best Place For A Fancy Meal

Dill

Hverfisgata 12

If you’re a gourmand looking for a memorable meal when in Reykjavík, Dill has to top the list. Dill showcases the best of Iceland with seasonal menus, paying homage to the island’s bounty, often found no place else, executed with all the tweezer-precision of modern cuisine. Don’t even think twice about splurging for the seven-course menu—it’s the only way to do it. Top-notch service and friendly sommeliers round off an already perfect experience.

Runner-Up:

Grillmarket

Lækjargata 2a

The locally-sourced tasting menus of Grillmarket have been a hit with diners since this place opened its doors. A favourite ‘fancy place’ for locals, the restaurant recently upped its game by offering fresh, locally grown Icelandic wasabi, available nowhere else. Our panel suggested pairing the wasabi with a steak, and something from the exhaustive wine list.

Runner-Up:

Apotek Restaurant

Austurstræti 16

This sleek, spacious downtown bar and dining room has that all-important fancy feeling, matched by service that’s attentive without being intrusive, and locally sourced ingredients cooked to perfection and presented with a flourish. The cocktails are excellent, and whether it’s a date or a birthday, it’s a safe choice for a special occasion.

Previous Winners

2014-7: Dill

2013: Gallery at Hótel Holt (RIP)

Other Dining Categories

You can buy a copy of the full Best Of Reykjavík 2018 magazine—an essential guide to having fun in Reykjavík—here, posted worldwide. We also have a Special Offer double-pack that also includes our Best Of Iceland magazine, about places to eat, see, swim, shop and stay, all around the country, here.

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