Brass Kitchen & Bar
A ground-floor restaurant and bar at the Alda Hotel on Laugavegur, serving modern Icelandic-inspired dishes in a refined yet relaxed setting on Reykjavik's main street.
Laugavegur is Reykjavik's main artery, and the restaurants that line it range from excellent to forgettable. Brass Kitchen and Bar, occupying the ground floor of the Alda Hotel at number 66, lands firmly on the right side of that spectrum. It manages the difficult trick of being a hotel restaurant that people would choose to eat at even if they were not staying upstairs.
The Food
The menu at Brass draws from Iceland's larder with intelligence and restraint. Fish arrives fresh and prepared with techniques that enhance rather than disguise its quality. Icelandic lamb -- which needs very little help to be extraordinary -- is treated with the respect it deserves. Seasonal vegetables and foraged ingredients appear when available, adding variety without gimmickry.
The lunch menu offers the best value, with a focused selection of dishes that showcase the kitchen's ability at a more accessible price point. Dinner expands the offering and adds complexity, with a menu that rewards those willing to spend a little more.
The Bar
Brass takes its cocktails seriously. The bar programme features Icelandic spirits alongside international options, and the bartenders have the skill and creativity to produce drinks that are genuinely interesting rather than merely competent. The wine list is thoughtful, and craft beer from Icelandic breweries is available on tap.
The bar works equally well as a standalone destination for drinks or as a prelude to dinner. A cocktail at Brass before heading out to explore Reykjavik's nightlife is a civilised way to begin an evening.
The Space
The interior is clean, modern, and comfortable without trying too hard. Large windows look out onto Laugavegur, providing excellent people-watching opportunities. The atmosphere hits a sweet spot between casual and refined -- smart enough for a dinner date, relaxed enough for a spontaneous lunch stop.
Timing Your Visit
The variable opening hours require some planning. Monday and Tuesday are lunch only, while the fuller schedule from Wednesday to Saturday makes evening dining possible. Sunday is a rest day. For the best experience, aim for a Thursday or Friday dinner when the restaurant is at its liveliest and the full menu is available.
Why Brass Works
Hotel restaurants in Reykjavik have an uneven reputation, but Brass has earned its standing through consistent quality and a menu that respects both its ingredients and its diners. It does not try to be the most innovative restaurant on Laugavegur. It tries to be reliably good, and it succeeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of food does Brass serve?
- Brass serves modern Icelandic-inspired cuisine with Nordic influences. The menu features dishes built around local ingredients -- Icelandic lamb, fresh fish, seasonal vegetables -- prepared with contemporary techniques and plating.
- Is Brass Kitchen & Bar part of a hotel?
- Yes. Brass is located on the ground floor of the Alda Hotel at Laugavegur 66-68. It is open to both hotel guests and the public, and functions as a standalone restaurant and bar.
- Is Brass expensive?
- Brass is moderately priced for what it offers. Main courses run ISK 3,500-6,000, and the lunch menu offers better value. It is not budget dining, but it is fair for the quality and location.
- Does Brass have a bar?
- Yes. The bar programme at Brass features craft cocktails, Icelandic spirits, and a curated wine list. The cocktails are well made and reasonably priced for central Reykjavik.
- What are the opening hours of Brass?
- Hours vary by day. Monday and Tuesday are lunch only (12:00-15:00). Wednesday through Friday offer longer hours. Saturday opens at 14:00 and closes at 21:00. Brass is closed on Sunday.
- Where is Brass Kitchen & Bar located?
- Brass is at Laugavegur 66, right on Reykjavik's main shopping and dining street. The central location makes it easy to combine with shopping or sightseeing.
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