Brasserie Askur

Brasserie Askur has been feeding Reykjavik since 1966, and restaurants do not survive nearly six decades without understanding what their city wants. What Reykjavik wants, it turns out, is reliable European brasserie food — steaks, seafood, and lamb — served with professional efficiency, honest portions, and a salad bar that arrives gratis with every main course. In a dining scene that changes faster than the weather, Askur's steadiness is its own kind of achievement.

The Food

The menu is classic European brasserie fare with an Icelandic accent. The pan-fried halibut is consistently excellent — a substantial fillet, crisped on the outside and flaking gently within. The lamb chops are the kind of straightforward, well-executed dish that reminds you how good simple cooking can be when the ingredients are right. The tenderloin is reliable, the seafood gratin is rich and satisfying, and the burgers serve as a competent fallback for less adventurous diners.

Every main course comes with complimentary access to the salad bar, which is more generous than the term implies — think bread, soup, salad, nuts, and condiments, enough to function as a proper starter. It is a touch that feels both old-fashioned and generous.

The Sunday Steak Buffet

On Sunday evenings from 18:00, Askur lays out a steak buffet that draws a loyal crowd. For a set price, you eat your way through various cuts with sides and accompaniments. For committed carnivores, it is one of the better-value dining experiences in Reykjavik.

The Setting

Brasserie Askur sits near Laugardalur valley, Reykjavik's green recreational area, rather than in the downtown tourist core. The interior is comfortable and understated — warm lighting, solid furniture, and the kind of professional atmosphere that comes from decades of doing the same thing well. It is not fashionable; it is dependable. The two are not the same, and Askur has made its peace with being the second.

Practical Tips

Location. Sudurlandsbraut 4 is about a 25-minute walk from the city centre, or a short drive or bus ride. If you are staying at the Hilton or visiting Laugardalslaug (the city's best swimming pool), Askur is a two-minute walk.

Lunch. The weekday lunch service from 11:30 to 14:00 offers good value. Combine the lunch menu with the salad bar and you have a filling midday meal at a reasonable price.

Reservations. Recommended for dinner and essential for the Sunday steak buffet. Weekday lunches are typically walk-in friendly.

Best for. A proper sit-down dinner outside the tourist bubble, the Sunday steak buffet, or a solid lunch near Laugardalur. Also a strong choice for anyone who values consistency over novelty.

Brasserie Askur does not have a social media strategy or a chef with a personal brand. It has been serving good food to Reykjavik for nearly 60 years, and if you walk in on any given evening, the chances of a satisfying meal are about as close to certain as any restaurant can offer.