
Old Iceland Restaurant - Reykjavik
- bjkirk
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
Old Iceland Restaurant – Reykjavík
📍 Location & Ambience
Old Iceland, a family-owned gem, sits along Laugavegur 72 in downtown Reykjavík’s vibrant 101 district. Open since around 2014–15, the cozy, rustic-chic interior gives off a warm and intimate atmosphere—perfect for both romantic dinners and casual meals with friends .
👨🍳 Cuisine & Philosophy
Specialising in Icelandic produce, the menu highlights fresh seafood and lamb, enhanced with wild herbs and spices gathered from Iceland’s countryside . Seasonal starter options feature wild mushroom soup, creamy shellfish soup, cured salmon, cod cheeks, and smoked lamb tartare . Mains include pan-fried ling, fillets of cod and lamb, langoustine, and vegetarian root‑vegetable dishes .
🥂 Menus & Pairings
They offer both a three-course set menu (~7,900 ISK) and an elevated five-course tasting menu (~9,900 ISK), with optional wine pairings available—ideal for a special dining experience .
🍰 Desserts & Beverages
Desserts showcase Icelandic classics like rhubarb cake, crème brûlée with wild bilberries, Molde brownie, and an “Icelandic” affogato (with Björk birch liqueur) . The beverage list includes Icelandic craft beers, schnapps, brennivín, and curated wines .
✔️ Reputation & Reviews
With a stellar ~4.8/5 Google rating, Old Iceland is praised for its flavorful, authentic dishes and excellent service . Reviewers frequently commend the lamb ribeye, mushroom soup, and cod, noting that tables fill quickly and early reservations are advised .
From Reddit travellers (r/IcelandExplorers):
> **“Old Iceland Restaurant – Rating: 4.8 – Offers fantastic Icelandic lamb and seafood. Known for its cozy atmosphere and excellent service.”**
Another Redditor shared:
> **“I had an amazing experience… especially the lamb ribeye… The mushroom soup was also a standout"**
🕒 Practical Tips
Hours: 11:30–15:30 and 17:00–22:00 (Friday–Saturday open until 23:00) .
Arrive early or reserve, especially after 18:00, as the small space fills fast .
Explore lunch or early dinner for the full set-menu experience.
---
Bottom line: Old Iceland delivers a delicious dive into Icelandic culinary tradition—rich soups, standout seafood, and succulent lamb—served in a warm, welcoming space. Whether you're a foodie or a visitor seeking an authentic dining experience, it's a top-tier choice in Reykjavík.
Want help reserving, finding their menu PDF, or comparing it to other Reykjavik restaurants? Let me know!
