Upscale restaurant showcasing Iceland's finest ingredients cooked over open flames. Features exotic meats including puffin, reindeer, and whale alongside exceptional seafood and vegetables. Dramatic interior with lava stone and wood creating unique atmosphere.
Grillmarkaðurinn, or Grill Market, is an upscale restaurant on Lækjargata in central Reykjavík built around open-flame cooking of premium Icelandic ingredients. The kitchen grills everything from langoustine and lamb to more unusual proteins such as puffin, reindeer, and whale, alongside vegetable dishes designed to showcase local produce with the same care given to the meats and seafood. The dining room is a dramatic, multi-level space finished in dark lava stone, wood, and moody lighting, creating a striking, high-energy atmosphere that is louder and more theatrical than a typical fine-dining setting, though still smart-casual in dress code. The wine list is extensive and leans toward bottles chosen to stand up to grilled and smoked flavors, with staff able to recommend pairings by course. Because Grill Market is one of the best-known fine-dining destinations in Reykjavík for both locals celebrating special occasions and visitors seeking Icelandic delicacies, reservations are highly recommended, particularly for dinner during the busy summer season, and booking a week or more in advance is a reasonable guideline.
| Price | $$$$$ |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM |
| Reservations | Highly recommended |
| Address | Lækjargata 2a, 101 Reykjavík |
Signature dishes
- Icelandic lamb with wild herbs — $48
- Grilled langoustine — $52
- Minke whale steak — $46
Weather through the year in Iceland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Iceland.
Location
Lækjargata 2a, 101 Reykjavík
64.1474, -21.9379 View on map
Highlights
- Open-flame cooking of Icelandic lamb, langoustine, and exotic meats
- Dramatic multi-level dining room in lava stone and wood
- Extensive wine list paired to grilled and smoked flavors
- One of Reykjavík's most recognized fine-dining destinations
Tips for visiting
- Book at least a week ahead for dinner, especially in summer
- The tasting-style shared plates work well for groups wanting to sample widely
- Dress smart casual; the room is dramatic but not formally strict
Accessibility
The restaurant has step-free entry from Lækjargata; guests with mobility needs should mention this when booking due to the multi-level interior.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Grill Market serve unusual Icelandic delicacies?
Yes, the menu includes puffin, reindeer, and whale alongside more familiar grilled seafood and lamb.
How far ahead should dinner be booked?
A week or more in advance is recommended, particularly during the summer high season.
Is the restaurant loud or quiet?
The atmosphere is lively and dramatic rather than hushed, with a high-energy dining room.