Snaps Bistro
Reykjavik's French-Danish bistro — moules frites, steak tartare, a serious wine list, and the kind of easy, convivial atmosphere that makes any evening feel like a good one.
Every good city needs a reliable French bistro — the kind of place where the moules frites are always good, the wine list is always honest, and the atmosphere makes even a Tuesday evening feel worth getting dressed for. In Reykjavik, that place is Snaps. Occupying a corner position on the pleasant square of Odinstorg, Snaps has been delivering bistro classics with quiet consistency since it opened, and it remains one of the safest bets for a satisfying dinner in the city.
The Food
The menu at Snaps reads exactly as it should: French-Danish bistro food, executed with care. The moules frites arrive in a generous pot, the mussels plump and the broth worth mopping up with bread. The steak frites are properly cooked to your specification — a rarer achievement in Reykjavik than you might expect. The steak tartare is prepared tableside at dinner. The duck confit has the kind of crisp skin and tender meat that suggests a kitchen that understands the difference between doing something and doing it well.
Daily specials rotate and often feature whatever is fresh from the market. The brunch, served until 16:00, is among the best in the city — croque monsieur, eggs Benedict, and pastries alongside excellent coffee.
The Wine
The wine list at Snaps covers the French regions with the seriousness they deserve. It is not the longest list in Reykjavik, but it is one of the most thoughtfully assembled. Prices are fair by local standards, and the staff know their list well enough to make recommendations that match both your meal and your budget. The house wines are reliable, and the by-the-glass selection rotates frequently.
The Atmosphere
Snaps has the easy, convivial energy of a neighbourhood restaurant where everyone seems to be having a good time. The room is lively without being loud. The service is efficient and warm. On summer evenings, the outdoor terrace on Odinstorg is one of the most sought-after spots in the city — sheltered from the wind, catching whatever sun is on offer, and perfect for lingering over a glass of wine.
Practical Tips
Reserve for dinner, particularly on weekends. Brunch is usually available on a walk-in basis, though a short wait is possible during peak hours. The restaurant is open daily from 11:30, with the kitchen serving until 22:00 and the bar staying open until 23:30. Snaps also has a private dining room available for events, seating up to 50 guests.
If you want a guaranteed good meal in Reykjavik without the fine dining formality or the street food informality, Snaps is your answer. It does what it does extremely well, and it does it every night of the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of food does Snaps Bistro serve?
- Snaps serves French-Danish bistro classics — moules frites, steak frites, steak tartare, duck confit, and a rotating selection of daily specials. The cooking is straightforward and confident, focused on quality ingredients and proper technique rather than innovation.
- Does Snaps Bistro serve brunch?
- Yes. Brunch is served daily from 11:30 to 16:00 and is one of the most popular in Reykjavik. Expect classic brunch dishes with a French accent — eggs Benedict, croque monsieur, and freshly baked pastries alongside good coffee.
- How much does dinner at Snaps cost?
- Main courses range from ISK 4,500-7,500 (approximately €31-52). The wine list is fairly priced by Reykjavik standards. A full dinner with wine typically runs ISK 10,000-15,000 per person.
- Do I need a reservation at Snaps?
- Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends. For brunch, walk-ins are usually possible but there may be a short wait during peak hours.
- Does Snaps Bistro have outdoor seating?
- Yes. When the weather cooperates, Snaps opens a terrace area that is one of the most pleasant outdoor dining spots in central Reykjavik. The square it faces is sheltered and catches the sun.
- Where is Snaps Bistro located?
- Snaps is at Thorsgata 1, on the square known as Odinstorg in central Reykjavik. It is a short walk from Laugavegur and within easy reach of most central hotels.
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