Bergsson RE
A brilliant harbourside lunch spot on Grandagarður serving a daily-changing menu of the freshest fish, with views over Reykjavik's Old Harbour.
There are complicated restaurants and there are simple restaurants, and Bergsson RE is gloriously, unapologetically simple. A small dining room on the harbour. A menu that changes every day based on what the fishermen brought in. Fish so fresh it practically introduces itself. This is lunch in Reykjavik at its very best.
The Concept
Bergsson RE operates on a principle that is difficult to argue with: buy the best fish available each morning, cook it with skill and restraint, and serve it in a pleasant room with a view of where it came from. The menu typically offers two or three options -- a fish of the day, perhaps a soup, and a simpler option. That is all, and that is enough.
The Fish
The quality is outstanding. The fish arrives from the harbour that sits just outside the window, and the kitchen treats it with the respect it deserves. Preparations are clean and unfussy -- pan-fried cod with butter and capers, baked haddock with seasonal vegetables, or a rich fish soup that warms you from the inside. The simplicity is the point. When the ingredient is this good, anything more would be a distraction.
Side dishes are equally considered. Salads are fresh, potatoes are properly cooked, and bread is the kind that you want to mop the plate with. The coffee is excellent, too -- this is a Bergsson operation, after all.
The Setting
The Grandagarður location is ideal. The Old Harbour area has become one of Reykjavik's most appealing neighbourhoods, and sitting by the window at Bergsson RE with a plate of fish and a view of the harbour is one of the city's quiet pleasures. The interior is minimal and light -- wooden tables, clean lines, and enough space to feel comfortable without feeling empty.
Timing
This is a weekday lunch operation only, closing at 16:00 and dark on weekends. Plan accordingly. The lunch rush between 12:00 and 13:00 can fill the small room quickly, so arriving slightly early is wise. There are no reservations -- it is first come, first served, which suits the casual, democratic spirit of the place.
For the best fish lunch in Reykjavik at a price that does not make you wince, Bergsson RE is the answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Bergsson RE serve?
- Bergsson RE serves a daily-changing lunch menu built around the freshest fish available each morning. The menu is simple -- typically two or three options -- but executed with great skill. It is a seafood-focused lunch spot.
- Is Bergsson RE open for dinner?
- No. Bergsson RE is a daytime-only operation, open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 16:00. It does not serve dinner and is closed on weekends.
- Is Bergsson RE related to Bergsson Mathus?
- Yes, both are part of the Bergsson family of restaurants. Bergsson Mathus on Templarasund focuses on breakfast and brunch, while Bergsson RE specialises in seafood lunch by the harbour.
- Do I need a reservation at Bergsson RE?
- Reservations are not typically required, but the restaurant is popular and the dining room is not large. Arriving early for lunch, before 12:00, is advisable to secure a table.
- Where is Bergsson RE located?
- Bergsson RE is at Grandagarður 16 in the Old Harbour area of Reykjavik, near the Maritime Museum and the whale watching departure points.
- How much does lunch cost at Bergsson RE?
- The daily fish dish typically costs ISK 2,800-3,500, which represents excellent value for the quality. Coffee and light bites are also available at lower prices.
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