Central restaurant focused on grilled Icelandic lamb, beef and fish, set in a room of lava rock, wood and sheepskin.
Grillmarkaðurinn, or Grill Market, is a restaurant at Lækjargata 2a in central Reykjavik, Iceland, focused on grilled Icelandic lamb, beef and fish. Cooking over wood and charcoal is the organising idea, and the menu is built around local produce, from lamb raised on Icelandic highland pasture to fish landed in the surrounding waters. The restaurant is classed as fine dining and sits within a short walk of the city's main square and the Tjörnin pond.
The menu moves between grilled mains, small starters and tasting menus. Icelandic lamb and beef from the grill are the staples, while puffin and Arctic char starters give visitors a chance to taste regional specialities. Mains typically cost around ISK 5,800-9,800, and tasting menus offer a broader route through the kitchen for those who prefer not to choose.
The dining room is a defining feature. Lava rock, wood and sheepskin are used throughout, creating a warm, tactile space that evokes the Icelandic landscape without feeling theatrical. Lighting is low, tables are well spaced, and the noise level is lively but manageable. There is no formal dress code, though many diners dress smartly for dinner. The beverage list covers wine, cocktails and Icelandic spirits, and the bar is a pleasant place to start the evening.
Service is dinner only, typically Sunday to Thursday 18:00-21:30 and Friday to Saturday 18:00-22:00, so visitors should confirm current hours before planning. Reservations are recommended every night and essential on Friday and Saturday, when the room is regularly full. Booking several days ahead is wise in the busy summer months and during winter holiday periods. The central address makes the restaurant easy to reach on foot from most downtown hotels.
| Price | ISK 5,800-9,800 (~$46-78) per main |
|---|---|
| Hours | Dinner, typically Sunday-Thursday 18:00-21:30, Friday-Saturday 18:00-22:00; confirm hours |
| Reservations | Recommended; essential Friday and Saturday |
| Address | Lækjargata 2a, 101 Reykjavik |
Signature dishes
- Icelandic lamb and beef from the grill
- Puffin and Arctic char starters
- Tasting menus
Good to know
- Known for
- Wood-and-charcoal grilled Icelandic meat
Location
Lækjargata 2a, 101 Reykjavik
64.1464, -21.9395 View on map
Highlights
- Icelandic lamb and beef grilled over wood and charcoal
- Puffin and Arctic char starters
- Dining room of lava rock, wood and sheepskin
- Tasting menus for a broader sample of the kitchen
Tips for visiting
- Reserve for Friday and Saturday; the room is usually full.
- Consider a tasting menu rather than ordering à la carte if undecided.
- Mains run about ISK 5,800-9,800.
- Dinner only; confirm hours before visiting.
- Start at the bar for cocktails before the table is ready.
When to visit
Sunday to Thursday evenings are calmer; Friday and Saturday require advance booking.
Accessibility
Step-free access and restroom details are not confirmed here; visitors with mobility needs should contact the restaurant before booking.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the speciality at Grillmarkaðurinn?
Wood-and-charcoal grilled Icelandic meat, mainly lamb and beef, alongside fish and starters such as puffin and Arctic char.
Is a reservation needed?
Reservations are recommended and essential on Friday and Saturday.
Are tasting menus available?
Yes, tasting menus are offered alongside the à la carte selection.