Barber Bistro

The concept sounds like a novelty: a restaurant adjoining a working barbershop, separated by a decorative glass wall. But Barber Bistro has outlasted the gimmick. Located on the upper stretch of Laugavegur, Reykjavik's main street, it has settled into a comfortable identity as a good, honest bistro that happens to have an unusual neighbour.

The Food

The menu leans Icelandic without being exclusively traditional. Lamb soup is a standout — rich, warming, and packed with tender meat — and the lamb chops are the kind of straightforward, well-executed dish that needs no clever twists to satisfy. The fish of the day varies but is consistently fresh, and the barbecue ribs draw a loyal following.

This is not a kitchen that is trying to reinvent anything. The dishes are familiar, the portions are generous, and the flavours are clean and well-judged. For visitors looking to try Icelandic lamb in a relaxed setting without the formality or price tag of the city's upmarket restaurants, Barber Bistro fits the bill.

The Setting

The restaurant occupies a stylish, modern space with industrial touches and warm lighting. The famous glass wall separating the bistro from the barber shop is more decorative than intrusive — it adds character without being distracting. The overall feel is casual-smart: perfectly fine for hiking-boot-clad tourists, equally comfortable for a planned evening out.

The building also houses a hotel, but the restaurant operates independently and walk-ins are welcomed. You do not need to be a guest to eat here.

Happy Hour

The daily happy hour from 16:00 to 19:00 is generous by Reykjavik standards — three hours of discounted drinks on a street where most happy hours are shorter and stingier. If you time your visit for 17:00, you can combine drinks and an early dinner and keep the bill within reason.

Practical Tips

Location. Laugavegi 66-68 is at the Hlemmur end of Laugavegur, a 10-minute walk from the main shopping stretch. It is slightly less touristy than the harbour end of the street, which some will consider a benefit.

Best for. A relaxed dinner with good lamb, happy hour drinks, or a casual meal on Laugavegur without the crowd pressure of the more central restaurants.

Reservations. Not usually necessary, though booking ahead on weekend evenings is sensible.

Barber Bistro is neither the most exciting nor the most famous restaurant on Laugavegur, and that is part of its appeal. It is a solid, dependable bistro with good food, fair prices, and a three-hour happy hour — and sometimes, that is exactly what you need.