ÓX

ÓX is a Michelin-starred chef's counter at Laugavegur 55b in central Reykjavik, Iceland, built around a single tasting menu served to roughly 17 guests at a time. The restaurant sits just off the capital's main shopping street, and the intimate format means diners watch the cooks plate each course at close range. The cuisine is modern Icelandic: seasonal fish, lamb and other local ingredients are treated with precise technique and presented as a sequence of small, carefully paced courses rather than a conventional starter-and-main structure. Signature elements of the experience are the chef's-counter tasting menu itself and the seasonal Icelandic fish and lamb courses that change with what is available. The dining room is quiet and focused, closer to a performance space than a bustling restaurant, with conversation naturally directed toward the kitchen team across the counter. Dress is generally smart-casual, and the atmosphere rewards diners who are curious about ingredients and provenance. Pricing reflects the format: the tasting menu typically runs ISK 30,000-40,000 (about $240-320) per person, with drinks extra, so a full evening with a wine or non-alcoholic pairing is a significant spend even by Reykjavik standards. Beverage pairings are usually offered alongside the menu, and visitors who prefer to skip alcohol can ask about non-alcoholic options when booking. Reservations are essential. With only about 17 counter seats and dinner seatings typically offered Wednesday to Saturday, tables fill well ahead of time, particularly in the summer high season and around holidays, so booking several weeks in advance is sensible and months ahead for peak dates. Dietary requirements should be declared at the time of booking because the menu is set in advance. Opening days and seating times can change, so confirming current details through the restaurant's website before travelling is advisable. For visitors to Iceland who want one memorable special-occasion meal, ÓX offers a distinctive, ingredient-led introduction to contemporary Icelandic cooking in a setting where the kitchen is part of the show.