Reykjavik’s dining scene is a vibrant tapestry, evolving far beyond its traditional roots to embrace a fascinating blend of local ingredients, international flair, and outright eccentricity. If you’re visiting this captivating city and looking to truly immerse yourself, seeking out the quirky restaurants Reykjavik must visit isn't just about finding a meal—it’s about discovering an experience that will become a highlight of your trip. Forget predictable menus; here, a meal can be a theatrical performance, a dive into pop culture, or an adventurous exploration of flavors you never expected.
At a Glance: Your Guide to Reykjavik's Quirky Eats
- Beyond the Plate: Learn how "quirky" in Reykjavik often means an immersive atmosphere, unique ingredients, or a memorable backstory.
- Unusual Delights: Discover restaurants serving everything from minke whale and horse steak to "penis waffles" and "Bill Clinton" hotdogs.
- Booking Essentials: Understand when and why reservations are crucial, especially for the most intimate or high-demand experiences.
- Budgeting for Adventure: Navigate options ranging from affordable street food to Michelin-starred tasting menus.
- Group-Friendly Finds: Explore food halls as perfect solutions for diverse palates and social dining.
- Embrace the Unexpected: Get ready for a culinary journey that’s anything but ordinary.
The Pulse of Quirky: Why Reykjavik's Culinary Scene Stands Out
Reykjavik, despite its size, has cultivated a reputation for culinary innovation, often driven by its unique natural resources and a willingness to experiment. This isn't just about novelty for its own sake; many of these "quirky" establishments are deeply rooted in high-quality ingredients, expert craftsmanship, and a genuine passion for food. They often provide a more personal, memorable connection to Icelandic culture and its modern evolution than traditional fine dining might offer. It's about stories, local flavors, and a bit of playful daring. For those who believe dining should be an adventure that serves up more than just food, a deeper dive into the city's unique offerings is essential. You might even find yourself drawing parallels to other global destinations that value Discover Unique Dining Experiences, but Reykjavik truly has a flavor all its own.
Unconventional Concepts & Immersive Atmospheres
Some restaurants in Reykjavik lean into themed environments or intimate setups, transforming a meal into a full-sensory event. These aren't just places to eat; they're destinations designed to transport you.
The Chef's Table: ÓX Restaurant
For the ultimate intimate and surprising experience, ÓX Restaurant delivers on all fronts. Tucked away on Laugavegur Street, this 17-seater establishment offers an exclusive chef's table experience. The "quirk" here lies in its mystery and direct engagement: there's no menu presented beforehand. Chef Thrainn Freyr Vigfusson crafts a multi-course tasting menu daily, featuring homegrown Icelandic produce. Each course is a surprise, often presented directly by the chef or his team, who encourage dialogue and engagement. This isn't just a meal; it's a culinary dialogue, making it a truly unique and memorable splurge. Practical tip: Booking months in advance is not just recommended, it's virtually essential due to its limited seating and high demand.
Cinematic Comfort: Lebowski Bar
Stepping into Lebowski Bar feels like walking onto the set of the cult classic "The Big Lebowski." The interior is a playful homage to "The Dude," complete with bowling alley aesthetics and movie memorabilia. The "quirk" here is the immersive theme, coupled with a menu that perfectly fits the laid-back vibe. Expect big, juicy hamburgers – naturally, "The Lebowski" and "The Other Lebowski" are on offer – alongside a wide selection of milkshakes. It's a fantastic spot for casual dining, offering good value, especially during happy hour with beers at 1000 Icelandic Krona. Consider this a perfect relaxed dinner option after a day of exploring, especially if you appreciate a good film reference with your burger.
Edgy Exhibitions: Phallus Café & Bistro
For a truly out-of-the-box dining experience, the Phallus Café & Bistro, located within the Icelandic Phallological Museum at Hafnartorg Gallery Food Hall, takes the cake – or, more accurately, the waffle. Yes, the signature "quirk" here is the availability of "penis waffles." Beyond the novelty, it offers artisan coffee and craft beer. While perhaps not a full meal destination for everyone, it’s undeniably unique for a quick coffee or snack, and certainly a conversation starter. It’s a specific kind of quirky that appeals to those with a sense of humor and a taste for the truly unusual.
Wild Flavors & Bold Ingredients: Culinary Adventure Awaits
Reykjavik's chefs are not shy about embracing Iceland's natural bounty, often presenting ingredients in ways that challenge perceptions. From the ocean's depths to the rugged land, these establishments turn local fare into an adventurous culinary journey.
Land and Sea Explorations: The Grill Market
The Grill Market is a popular spot that masterfully blends traditional Icelandic ingredients with contemporary grilling techniques. Its "quirk" lies in its dynamic, chef-driven approach to the menu and its willingness to feature less common meats. Rather than a fixed menu, chefs decide daily what to serve based on the freshest ingredients available. This can include exquisite smoked Arctic char, tender grilled reindeer, and even minke whale steaks. They excel at group tasting menus, making it an excellent choice for parties wanting to sample a range of unique flavors. Booking is highly advisable, especially for groups, to secure your table for this ever-changing feast.
The Carnivore's Quest: The Steakhouse
If you have a palate for the adventurous and an appreciation for expertly prepared meats, The Steakhouse should be on your list. While celebrated for its high-quality beef – particularly their 28-day aged steak, known for its distinctive blue cheese-like crust – its "quirk" truly comes alive in its "Surf and Turf" options. Here, you can pair your steak with highly unusual proteins like horse and minke whale. The whale, for example, is described as having a very meaty, almost gamey flavor. This restaurant is highly popular; reservations are strongly advised, not just for the unique menu but also for its excellent service and generous portions.
Foraged & Focused: Dill Restaurant
Dill Restaurant, under the guidance of Head Chef Gunnar Karl Gislason, offers a profound "quirky" experience through its deep connection to the Icelandic landscape and its hyper-local, foraged ingredients. This Michelin-starred establishment is known for its creative and innovative use of dill – though its name belies a much broader exploration of Nordic cuisine. The tasting menu is ever-changing, a direct reflection of what the local land and season provide, making each visit a fresh discovery. It's an intimate journey into New Nordic cuisine with a distinct Icelandic accent. Like ÓX, Dill demands advance booking; it's an experience to plan your trip around.
Unconventional Comfort & Street Eats with a Twist
Sometimes "quirky" means taking something familiar and giving it an Icelandic spin, or finding surprising international flavors in unexpected places. These spots offer comfort food elevated or reinterpreted.
The Iconic Hotdog: Baejarins Beztu Pylsur
No discussion of quirky Reykjavik food is complete without Baejarins Beztu Pylsur, the city's oldest and arguably most famous hotdog stand. The "quirk" isn't just the delicious hotdog itself – made from a blend of lamb, beef, and pork – but the specific ordering ritual. Icelanders typically order "with everything" (all sauces and toppings: raw onion, crispy fried onion, ketchup, sweet mustard, and remoulade). Famously, ordering a hotdog with only mustard is known as a "Bill Clinton" after his visit. This is a must-do for a quick, affordable, and authentically quirky Icelandic experience, often enjoyed standing outside, rain or shine.
Global Street Food, Icelandic Heart: 101 Reykjavik Street Food
Located on the vibrant "Rainbow Street," 101 Reykjavik Street Food embraces the "quirk" of offering a diverse array of global and local street food under one roof. Here, you can find international favorites like chicken, beef, and vegetable noodle soups alongside Icelandic specialties such as hearty fish stew, warming lobster soup, and traditional lamb meat soup. It's a perfect casual spot for a quick, satisfying meal that caters to different tastes, making it an excellent stop for groups or solo travelers wanting variety. It offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can easily mix and match flavors from around the world and Iceland.
Fiery Lebanese Flair: Sumac Grill+Drinks
Sumac Grill+Drinks, helmed by Chefs Thrainn Freyr Vigfusson (also of ÓX) and Jakob Zarioh Baldvinsson, brings a distinct "quirk" to Reykjavik's dining scene with its focus on fiery Lebanese flavors. Named after the aromatic Middle Eastern spice, Sumac offers an vibrant, spiced-filled contrast to the Nordic palette. It’s known for its tasting menu, which can be paired with international wines, and its convivial atmosphere makes it suitable for groups. It’s an excellent example of Reykjavik's culinary openness, delivering an unexpected burst of flavor in the far north.
The Quirky Crossroads: Food Halls for Every Palate
Reykjavik's food halls are a testament to the city's diverse and evolving culinary landscape. They are inherently "quirky" in their curated chaos, offering a melting pot of global and local flavors under one roof, perfect for groups with differing tastes or for those who simply can't decide.
Hafnartorg Gallery Food Hall
Located on the western side of the city, Hafnartorg Gallery Food Hall is a modern, stylish space open from midday until late. Its "quirk" is the sheer variety and the inclusion of niche concepts like the previously mentioned Phallus Café. Other intriguing options include:
- Brand Vín & Grill: Charcoal-grilled flavors using a Japanese Robata grill, paired with fine wines.
- Kualua: Hawaiian poké bowls, a fresh and healthy option.
- La Trattoria: Fresh Italian pasta and wood-fired pizzas, perfect for a classic comfort meal. Neó Pizza also offers excellent New York-style thin-crust pizzas, with the Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza being a standout recommendation.
This food hall is great for exploring different culinary traditions in a single visit, making it an excellent choice for a dynamic and social dining experience.
Posthus Food Hall & Bar
Posthus Food Hall & Bar is highly recommended for its extensive choice, which truly defines its "quirkiness." You can find everything from pizza and Mexican burrito bowls to Indian chicken curry and sushi & katsu poke bowls. The sheer breadth of options means everyone in your group will find something appealing, making it ideal for multiple visits during your stay. Its lively atmosphere and central location contribute to its appeal as a prime spot for diverse and casual dining.
Grandi Mathöll
Situated by the harbor, Grandi Mathöll is another trendy food hall that showcases Reykjavik's culinary diversity. From fresh seafood to Asian street food, it brings together a collection of eateries in a vibrant setting. The "quirk" here is the blend of local catch with international street food concepts, reflecting the city's modern culinary direction. It’s a fantastic place to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy a casual, high-quality meal with plenty of options.
Navigating Reykjavik's Unique Culinary Landscape: Your Playbook
Exploring these quirky culinary gems requires a bit of planning to ensure you make the most of your adventure.
Booking Your Spot: The Essential Step
For the more intimate or highly acclaimed "quirky" restaurants like ÓX, Dill, The Steakhouse, or The Grill Market, booking well in advance is not just a suggestion—it's a necessity. ÓX and Dill, with their limited seating and Michelin stars, often require reservations weeks or even months ahead. For popular spots like The Steakhouse, a few days to a week in advance usually suffices, especially for weekend evenings. Casual spots like Lebowski Bar, 101 Reykjavik Street Food, or the various food halls typically do not require reservations.
Embracing the Unexpected: Taste Beyond Your Comfort Zone
Part of the "quirk" of Reykjavik is the opportunity to try ingredients you might not encounter elsewhere. Consider trying:
- Minke Whale or Horse Steak: Available at The Steakhouse and The Grill Market. If you're open to it, these offer a unique taste of Icelandic tradition and modern culinary interpretations. Whale is described as very meaty, while horse is a lean, rich meat.
- "Bill Clinton" Hotdog: A simple hotdog with only mustard from Baejarins Beztu Pylsur. A quirky cultural reference.
- Foraged Ingredients: At Dill, you're tasting the literal landscape of Iceland.
- Fiery Lebanese: At Sumac, an unexpected spice journey in the Nordics.
Budgeting for Brilliance: From Street Eats to Splurges
Reykjavik can be an expensive city, but its quirky dining scene offers options across various price points:
- Budget-Friendly ($): Baejarins Beztu Pylsur, 101 Reykjavik Street Food, Ramen Momo, Lebowski Bar (especially during happy hour), and most individual stalls within food halls (though costs can add up if you try multiple dishes). Le Kock also offers excellent value, particularly for its burgers.
- Mid-Range ($$): Kopar, Old Iceland Restaurant, Reykjavik Fish Restaurant, Sumac Grill+Drinks. Food halls also often fall into this category if you're getting a full meal and a drink.
- Splurge ($$$): ÓX Restaurant, Dill Restaurant, The Steakhouse, The Grill Market. These offer exceptional, often multi-course experiences that justify the higher price point.
Dietary Considerations: Finding Your Fit
While some quirky spots might seem niche, many in Reykjavik are becoming more accommodating:
- Food Halls: Excellent for groups with diverse dietary needs, as everyone can choose from different stalls. Look for options like Kualua (poké bowls) for fresh, customizable meals.
- Kopar: Offers intriguing vegetarian options like their Mushroom Wellington.
- Reykjavik Fish Restaurant: Provides vegetarian burgers alongside its fish-focused menu.
- Communication is Key: For specific allergies or dietary restrictions at places like ÓX or Dill, inform them well in advance during booking, as their menus are set.
Quick Bites: Your Quirky Reykjavik Dining Q&A
Q: Is "quirky" just a gimmick, or is the food actually good at these places?
A: In Reykjavik, "quirky" very rarely means sacrificing quality. Many of these establishments, from the Michelin-starred Dill and ÓX to beloved local spots like Baejarins Beztu Pylsur, are celebrated for their exceptional food. The "quirk" often lies in the presentation, concept, or unique ingredient choices, all underpinned by high culinary standards and fresh, often local, ingredients. You're getting both a story and a delicious meal.
Q: Do I need reservations for all quirky spots?
A: No, absolutely not. Casual spots like Baejarins Beztu Pylsur, 101 Reykjavik Street Food, Ramen Momo, Lebowski Bar, and most food hall stalls operate on a walk-in basis. However, for fine dining experiences (ÓX, Dill), popular sit-down restaurants (The Steakhouse, The Grill Market, Kopar, Sumac), and intimate settings, reservations are highly recommended, often essential. Always check the restaurant's website or call ahead to avoid disappointment.
Q: Are these quirky restaurants kid-friendly?
A: It varies greatly. Places like Lebowski Bar (with its burgers and milkshakes), 101 Reykjavik Street Food, and the various food halls (offering a wide array of choices from pizza to noodles) are generally very kid-friendly. The iconic hotdog stand, Baejarins Beztu Pylsur, is a definite hit with children. However, the intimate tasting menu experiences at ÓX and Dill are designed for adults and might not be suitable for younger children. The Phallus Café & Bistro, while offering waffles, is within a museum that might be inappropriate for some families.
Q: How do I make sure I get the "authentic" hotdog experience at Baejarins Beztu Pylsur?
A: To truly eat like a local, order your hotdog "with everything" (eina með öllu). This includes raw onion, crispy fried onion, ketchup, sweet mustard, and remoulade. If you want to playfully reference Bill Clinton's famous visit, ask for it with only mustard. Don't be shy; the queue moves fast, so have your order ready!
Your Next Unforgettable Meal Awaits
Reykjavik’s dining scene is a treasure trove for the adventurous eater, brimming with quirky restaurants that deliver far more than just sustenance. From the intimate, surprising theater of ÓX to the nostalgic comfort of a "Bill Clinton" hotdog, each offers a unique window into Iceland's culinary soul. Embrace the unexpected, plan your reservations for the most coveted spots, and prepare to discover flavors and experiences that will linger long after your trip ends. Dive in, and let Reykjavik's unique dining spirit guide your palate.