Saegreifinn

Every food city has that one place — unpolished, slightly eccentric, impossible to replicate — that captures something essential about the local food culture. In Reykjavik, that place is Saegreifinn. Known to English speakers as "The Sea Baron," this converted fisherman's shack on the old harbour has been serving what many insist is the best lobster soup in Iceland since it opened over two decades ago.

The Lobster Soup

The lobster soup is the reason most people walk through the door, and it delivers. It is a thick, creamy bisque made from Icelandic langoustine, rich enough to serve as a meal on its own, and served with crusty bread for dipping. The flavour is deeply savoury with a sweet undertone from the shellfish, and the texture is velvety smooth. Order it as a starter and you may not need anything else. Order it as your main and no one will judge you.

It has won local awards, been featured in countless travel guides, and inspired a steady stream of visitors who come specifically for this one dish. The reputation is earned.

The Grilled Skewers

Beyond the soup, Saegreifinn is known for its grilled seafood skewers. The selection changes daily depending on what is available, but typically includes monkfish, salmon, catfish, and — more controversially — minke whale. Each skewer is grilled over an open flame and served with a simple side. The fish is fresh, the preparation is uncomplicated, and the result is honest harbour-side seafood at its most direct.

The Setting

Saegreifinn is not a place you visit for the interior design. The dining area is a small room with shared wooden tables, fishing paraphernalia on the walls, and a counter where you place your order. It is charming precisely because it is not trying to be charming. The harbour outside the door, the grill smoking away, and the general atmosphere of a working waterfront building give it an authenticity that no amount of restaurant design could manufacture.

Practical Tips

No reservations — just show up, order at the counter, and find a seat. In summer, the restaurant gets busy around lunchtime and the queue can build up, so arriving before noon or after 14:00 is advisable. Everything is clearly priced on the board above the counter. Cash and cards are both accepted.

If you are exploring the harbour area — whale watching, Harpa concert hall, the Grandi neighbourhood — Saegreifinn is the natural lunch stop. The lobster soup alone is worth the detour.