1919 Restaurant

The Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel occupies one of the most handsome buildings in downtown Reykjavik, and its restaurant carries the weight of that setting with appropriate seriousness. Originally built in 1919 as the headquarters of Eimskip, one of Iceland's historic shipping companies, the building has been converted into a hotel that retains the elegance and proportions of its original purpose.

The Setting

The dining room is the real draw here. High ceilings, period details, and large windows overlooking Posthusstraeti create an atmosphere that most Reykjavik restaurants -- housed in converted basements or modern builds -- simply cannot match. There is a sense of occasion to eating in a room that has seen a century of Icelandic history, and the hotel has been careful not to modernise away the character that makes the space special.

The Food

The dining concept at 1919 has evolved over the years. The space has hosted various culinary concepts, including the Michelin-recommended Brut, and the menu direction may change with the seasons and the hotel's partnerships. What remains consistent is a commitment to quality ingredients and a Nordic-influenced approach to fine dining.

Breakfast, served daily, is the most reliable offering -- a well-stocked buffet that goes well beyond the standard hotel fare. Fresh bread, Icelandic dairy, cured fish, and hot dishes make for a substantial morning meal, and the dining room is a far more pleasant place to start the day than most hotel breakfast rooms.

Location

The Posthusstraeti address puts 1919 at the geographical and social heart of Reykjavik. Austurvollur square is steps away, Laugavegur is a short walk, and the harbour is just around the corner. As a dinner destination, it works perfectly within a walking itinerary of the city centre.

A Note on Current Status

The dining programme at 1919 has been in transition. What was once a standalone restaurant with a fixed concept has become a more fluid proposition, with concepts rotating and the space serving multiple purposes. This is not unusual in Reykjavik's dynamic restaurant scene, but it does mean that checking the current menu and opening hours directly with the hotel is advisable before planning a visit.

Worth Visiting?

For the building alone, yes. Dining in a century-old Reykjavik landmark, surrounded by architectural details that most of the city's newer restaurants lack, is an experience in itself. Whether the current food offering matches the setting will depend on timing, but the bones of something special are always present.