Grillmarkadurinn

The Grill Market — Grillmarkadurinn in Icelandic — is one of those restaurants that seems designed for the kind of evening you will remember long after you leave Reykjavik. Set in a dramatic dining room with exposed volcanic stone walls and an open kitchen at its heart, it has established itself as one of the city's most consistently excellent upscale restaurants.

The Grill

Everything at Grillmarkadurinn revolves around the open grill, and the kitchen uses it with the confidence of a team that has been perfecting their craft for years. The dry-aged Icelandic beef is outstanding — deeply flavoured, tender, and with a char from the grill that adds complexity without masking the quality of the meat. The lamb fillet, from free-range Icelandic sheep, is equally impressive. And the langoustine tails, grilled simply and served with butter, are among the best you will find in the city.

The menu changes seasonally, but the commitment to premium Icelandic ingredients cooked over flame remains constant. If you are a carnivore visiting Reykjavik, this is your restaurant.

The Setting

The dining room occupies a basement space on Laekjargata that has been transformed into something special. The stone walls and low ceilings create an intimate, almost cave-like atmosphere, while the open kitchen and grill add warmth and theatre. The lighting is low and flattering, and the overall effect is one of refined drama — upscale enough for a special occasion, relaxed enough that you never feel overdressed.

Practical Tips

Reserve in advance, especially for Friday and Saturday. The tasting menu is worth considering if you want the full experience — it moves through the kitchen's greatest hits and includes some dishes not available a la carte. The wine cellar is serious and the sommelier team will guide you well. Allow two to three hours for dinner.

Grillmarkadurinn is not the most innovative restaurant in Reykjavik, but it may be the most satisfying. Great ingredients, expertly grilled, in a room that makes you feel like the evening matters.