Best Of Reykjavik 2019: Best Place For A Fancy Meal

Watching Iceland come into its own as a dining destination over the past five years has been a joy. The Icelandic restaurant scene is diversifying, and the definition of what may be deemed “Icelandic cuisine” is broadening and taking on new shapes. Thanks to this new-found culinary confidence—and the added footfall of tourism—this tiny scene is experiencing an unprecedented moment of opportunity. Whether it’s carefully-pleated Sichuanese vegan dumplings or exploratory tasting menus at Nordic fine dining houses, the bandwagon has room for demanding diners. Our hand-picked panel of picky gourmands have sought out the very best of Reykjavík dining to help you navigate the gastronomic waters of the capital area. From budget bites to fanciful fare, we’ve got you covered.

Best Place For A Fancy Meal

Nostra

Laugavegur 59

Nestled above Bónus on Laugavegur, one might be forgiven for underestimating one of Iceland’s most ambitious fine dining restaurants. From the cool interior to the dedicated vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian and omnivorous tasting menus, Nostra’s ambitious work makes them a top pick. Not shy of bucking trends with their vinegar-edged gastriques, each dish is a study in flavour, precision and mind-fuckery.

Runner-Up:

Grillið

Hotel Saga, Hagatorg

Grillið’s service and level of craft is the best in town. Think caviar served on a film of seabuckthorn, or a salt-baked, glazed beetroot with the consistency of Turkish delight. Not content with sweet and unctuous desserts, they layer in salt and bitterness with effortless staging; the meringue with Sichuan pepper is bruléed at the table, sending mauve streaks of bilberry running through the ice cream. This is what raising the bar looks like.

Runner-Up:

Grillmarket

Lækjargata 2a

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

Previous Winners

2014-8: Dill

Other Dining Categories

Best Burger

Best Vegan Burger

Best Pizza

Best Sushi

Best Indian

Best Chinese

Best Thai

Best Italian

Best Gastropub

Best Lamb

Best Soup

Best Vegan Meal

Best Seafood

Best Goddamn Restaurant

Best Family Restaurant

Best Lunch

Best Brunch

Best Cheap Meal

Best Place For A Fancy Meal

Best Tasting Menu

Best Late Night Bite

Best Place For A Group

Best Bakery

Best Coffeehouse

Best Ice Cream

Best Newcomer

Best Must-Try Dining Experience

You can buy a copy of the full Best Of Reykjavík 2019 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.