Flatey Pizza

The Grandi harbour district has transformed from a working fisheries area into one of Reykjavik's most interesting food neighbourhoods, and Flatey Pizza is one of the reasons why. This is not a tourist-oriented pizza joint trading on location. It is a serious pizzeria making some of the best pizza in the country, with sourdough crusts that would hold their own in any European city.

The Pizza

Flatey uses slow-fermented sourdough for its bases — a process that takes time but produces a crust with genuine character. The result is a pizza that is crisp at the edges, soft and slightly chewy in the centre, with the kind of complex, yeasty flavour that only comes from long fermentation. The toppings are thoughtfully chosen and applied with restraint rather than excess.

The classic margherita is a reliable benchmark — good mozzarella, bright tomato sauce, and the crust doing what it should. The more adventurous options incorporate Icelandic ingredients: smoked lamb, local cheeses, and seasonal vegetables that vary throughout the year. There is usually a special worth asking about.

The Location

Flatey occupies a comfortable space in the Grandi harbour district, an area that has become a destination in its own right. Through the windows you get views of the harbour and, on clear days, Mount Esja across the bay. The interior is casual and unfussy — bare tables, an open kitchen, and the kind of atmosphere where you feel equally welcome arriving in hiking boots or a button-down shirt.

The Grandi neighbourhood itself is worth exploring: the Marshall House galleries, whale watching tours, and Grandi Matholl food hall are all within a few minutes' walk.

Why It Works

Reykjavik has no shortage of pizza options, but most fall into the category of serviceable rather than memorable. Flatey stands apart because it takes the craft seriously without taking itself too seriously. The sourdough base is not a gimmick — it genuinely makes the pizza better. The toppings are quality-driven rather than quantity-driven. And the pricing, while not cheap, feels proportionate to what you get.

Practical Tips

Lunch is the best time for a relaxed visit — the restaurant is usually quieter and you can linger without feeling rushed. For dinner on weekends, a quick phone call to check availability is worthwhile. The walk from the city centre takes about fifteen minutes along the harbour, and it is a pleasant one. Combine it with a visit to the food hall next door or the galleries at Marshall House, and you have a solid half-day itinerary in one of Reykjavik's most appealing districts.