From Iceland — Best Of Reykjavík 2018: Best Tasting Menu

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 Tasting Menu

Dill

Hverfisgata 12

Dill has been doing tasting menus longer than most in Iceland. Built on the New Nordic philosophy, the menu traverses the islands culinary traditions, changing seasonally. Offered as five or seven-course menus, every meal is introduced with a series of ‘snacks’ or assorted amuse-bouche. The progression is a tight narration of seasons, flavours, ingredients and traditions. A cunning ability to tap into the food memories of its diners is what makes a meal at Dill that much more memorable and inspiring. We recommend going all in for the wine pairings.

Runner-Up:

Apotek

Austurstræti 16

Apotek’s tasting menu takes quality Icelandic ingredients and serves them with refreshing and interesting twists from the kitchen. The service is excellent, the plating is aesthetically pleasing, and the whole experience is reliably high quality. A carefree meal at Apotek is the perfect medicine for a tiring week.

Runner-Up:

Nostra

Laugavegur 59

Newcomer: Bursting onto the fine-dining scene, upstart fine-dining eatery Nostra has tasting menu options of four, six and eight courses, consisting of deceptively simple plates with bold flavours in a daring display of the simple and complex. For an adventurous meal in a beautiful setting, Nostra is perfect.

Previous Winners

2015-17: Tapas barinn

2013-14: KEX

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!