Words by

Stevie Ward

Photo by

SWARD

Rub23, the brainchild of Einar Geirsson, is an Umi restaurant situated in the heart of Akureyri. Einar came up with the idea when ‘both awake and dreaming’ of being able to mix different types of fish and meat with selected ‘rubs’ or sauces that he has created himself from his own recipes to delight the senses. The simple enough dishes are complemented by the menu – it is even subtly colour-coded – indicating what complements what dish. The prices are the same for each course, and the chef decides the lovingly garnished salads and sweet potatoes to complement both meat and rub. No guidance from your pocket, only by what your inspiration and instinct tells you.
  The chosen starter, Arctic char tempura with cucumber fennel, is delicious and is complimented by a light Castillo De Molina Chardonnay. The sushi is fresh and inspired, presented delicately with shaved sashimi served on sweet gelatine, which melts in the mouth.The rubs themselves range from ‘liquid’ rubs, the garden herbs like garlic and rosemary – perfect for flounder rolled in pepper and oily fish; the ‘dry’ spiced rubs for the less fatty fish; to the strong Indian, Arabian and Creole rubs, best served with lamb or cat-fish.The desserts list boasts ‘chocolate served three different ways: hot, cold and medium’, and no need to decide. Taking in the umi mentality, they all come together – pint size, but unbelievably luxurious. The ‘medium’ being a sweet white chocolate mousse, served alongside berries and blood orange sorbet, drizzled with ‘sweet rub’ sauce. Although the servings are small, by the end you are filled and satisfied and aware that you have experienced something truly unique.The rubs themselves can be purchased and their taste savoured, but the style must be experienced in the restaurant itself – a carefree, intimate and immaculate dinnertime.

• How Much: 1850 for Mains, 1450 dessert
• What we think: Desperately needs a Reykjavik outlet
• Where: Kaupvangsstræti 23, 600 Akureyri. Tel: +3544612756