Skal!
New Nordic small plates inside Hlemmur Matholl — seasonal, creative, and surprisingly refined for a food hall restaurant.
It would be easy to walk past Skal! — it is, after all, a counter inside a food hall. But that would be a mistake. Behind the casual format is a kitchen turning out some of the most creative and seasonally driven small plates in Reykjavik, at prices that undercut most sit-down restaurants by a comfortable margin.
The Food
The menu at Skal! changes with the seasons and the availability of ingredients. On any given evening, you might find cured Arctic char with skyr and dill, roasted root vegetables with fermented grains, or lamb tartare with pickled onion. The plates are small, beautifully composed, and packed with flavour. Order three or four per person and share across the table.
What impresses most is the level of refinement. These are dishes that would hold their own in any serious restaurant, yet they arrive at your table in a food hall for a fraction of the typical fine dining price.
The Setting
Hlemmur Matholl provides the backdrop — a lively food hall at the eastern end of Laugavegur with communal seating and a buzzy atmosphere. The informality of the setting is part of the charm. There is no dress code, no ceremony, and no pretension — just excellent food arriving from a small kitchen that punches well above its weight.
Practical Tips
No reservations. Arrive early on weekend evenings if you want to guarantee a seat. The natural wine selection is worth exploring. Skal! is an ideal first stop on an evening out — eat well, drink well, and continue along Laugavegur to whatever comes next.
Skal! is proof that great food does not need a formal dining room. It just needs a good kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Skal!?
- Skal! is a Nordic small plates restaurant located inside Hlemmur Matholl food hall. Despite the casual food hall setting, the food is refined and creative, with a seasonal menu that changes regularly.
- How does ordering work at Skal!?
- Order at the counter, find a seat in the food hall, and your plates are brought to you. The casual format keeps prices accessible while the kitchen delivers food at a level above most food hall vendors.
- How much does a meal at Skal! cost?
- Small plates range from ISK 1,800-3,200 (approximately €12-22). Most people order three to four plates. A full meal with drinks runs ISK 6,000-10,000 per person.
- Does Skal! have good wine?
- Yes. Skal! has a carefully curated natural wine selection that is impressive for a food hall setting. It pairs well with the seasonal plates.
- Do I need a reservation?
- No reservations — it is first come, first served. Arrive early on weekends to avoid waiting for a table in the food hall.
- Where is Skal!?
- Inside Hlemmur Matholl food hall at Laugavegur 107, at the eastern end of the main street near the Hlemmur bus station.
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