BioBorgari

The idea of an organic burger restaurant in Reykjavik might sound like a contradiction -- fast food meets slow ethics -- but BioBorgari makes the combination work with a sincerity that is hard to argue with. This compact downtown burger joint takes its ingredients seriously, sourcing organic meat and produce to create burgers that taste good and feel good to eat.

What to Expect

BioBorgari sits on Vesturgata, a quiet street in the western end of downtown Reykjavik, a short walk from the Old Harbour. The space is small and simply furnished, with room for perhaps twenty diners at a time. There are no design gimmicks, no mood lighting, and no Instagram-bait decor. The focus is entirely on what arrives on your tray.

The vibe is fast-casual: order at the counter, take a seat, and your food arrives quickly. Service is friendly and efficient, and the staff are happy to talk through the menu and explain the sourcing behind the ingredients. It is the kind of place that wears its principles openly without being preachy about them.

The Menu

The burger range covers both meat and plant-based options with equal attention. The classic beef burger uses organic Icelandic beef, and you can taste the difference -- there is a richness and depth of flavour that mass-produced patties simply cannot match. Toppings are fresh, buns are soft, and the overall construction holds together from first bite to last.

The vegetarian and vegan burgers are not token gestures. They are thoughtfully composed, generously portioned, and genuinely satisfying. In a city where vegetarian options at burger restaurants are often an afterthought -- a sad bean patty languishing at the bottom of the menu -- BioBorgari treats plant-based eating as a first-class option.

Fries are good, sides are straightforward, and the drink selection includes organic soft drinks alongside the usual options. The menu is deliberately compact, which works in BioBorgari's favour: a small menu done well is always preferable to a large menu done inconsistently.

The Organic Approach

BioBorgari's commitment to organic sourcing is genuine rather than performative. Iceland's agricultural sector is unusually well-suited to organic farming: the country uses minimal pesticides, livestock roams freely, and water quality is among the best in the world. BioBorgari leverages these natural advantages, using suppliers who meet organic certification standards.

This does not mean every single ingredient is certified organic -- supply chains in Iceland have their limitations -- but the intent and effort are real. For diners who care about where their food comes from, BioBorgari represents a credible option in a city that does not have many dedicated organic restaurants.

Practical Tips

Vesturgata 12 is in the Old West district of Reykjavik, a pleasant and slightly quieter neighbourhood than the bustling Laugavegur strip. The Old Harbour is a two-minute walk away, making BioBorgari a natural stop before or after a whale-watching tour or a visit to the Grandi Matholl food hall.

The restaurant is small, so visiting outside peak lunch and dinner hours improves your chances of finding a seat. Takeaway is always an option if the tables are full.

Note that BioBorgari's operating status may have changed -- check locally before making a special trip, as the Reykjavik restaurant scene evolves rapidly.