From Iceland — Best Of Reykjavík 2018: Best Seafood

Words by

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 Seafood: Joint Winners

Fiskmarkaðurinn

Aðalstræti 12

“I haven’t had better salmon,” said one panellist, of the robota grilled salmon at Fish Market. The Japanese grill is put to good use here, with the seafood seared, smokey, and tender. The split level restaurant is ideal for business shake-downs as well as being group-friendly, and the bar on the first floor is perfect for a first date. The tasting menus come recommended, as are the interesting concoctions from the bar. Everything on the menu gets an Asian nod, and the approach to fusion cooking always hits the spot. For an extravagant seafood experience, Fish Market is your safest bet.

Fish Company

Vesturgata 2a

The Fish Company steadfastly dishes up some of the best seafood in Iceland. While the panel noted a lack of evolution in the menu, consistency is king here. Case in point: the deceptively named lobster salad—a feast for one, with generous portions of deep-fried lobster, tiger shrimp and fresh, sprightly salad.

Runner-Up

Messinn

Lækjargata 6

Inspired by the well-known Tjöruhúsið restaurant in Ísafjörður, Messinn honours Icelandic seafood by serving it in generous family-sized servings. The focus is squarely on the fresh ingredients, simple sauces, and a side of vegetables. The fish is always perfectly cooked, and they serve up fantastic plokkfiskur and arctic char, and a mean salmon burger.

Previous Winners

2013-17: Fiskfélagið

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.

Support The Reykjavík Grapevine!
Buy subscriptions, t-shirts and more from our shop right here!