Bryggjan Brugghus

The Grandi harbour district has become one of Reykjavik's most appealing neighbourhoods for eating and drinking, and Bryggjan Brugghus is one of its anchor tenants. Part brewery, part bistro, part live music venue, it occupies a converted harbour building where you can watch your beer being brewed, eat food designed to complement it, and on good evenings, listen to live music while the harbour stretches out before you.

The Beer

Bryggjan brews its own beer on-site, and the range is impressive. Pale ales, IPAs, stouts, porters, and seasonal specials rotate through the taps, all brewed in the gleaming tanks visible from the dining area. The brewing is taken seriously — these are not novelty beers designed to be photographed and forgotten. The pale ale is clean and drinkable, the IPA has genuine hop character, and the darker offerings have the kind of depth that rewards slow drinking.

For beer enthusiasts, the brewery tour is worth booking. It includes tastings and a walk through the brewing process, ending — inevitably and happily — at the bar. Even without the tour, the experience of drinking beer brewed metres from your table has an immediacy that imported beer cannot match.

The Food

The bistro menu is built around the beer. Burgers are substantial and well-made, with beef patties that have genuine flavour. The fish and chips use fresh Icelandic cod, battered and fried to a proper crunch. The fish soup — a creamy, rich bowl built from the day's catch — is one of the better versions available in the harbour area. Steaks, seafood, and a handful of lighter options round out the menu.

This is pub food elevated by quality ingredients and a kitchen that pays attention. It is not trying to be fine dining, and it is all the better for that honesty.

The Space

The converted harbour building is spacious, with high ceilings, industrial details, and the brewing equipment forming part of the decor. It manages to feel both grand and casual — there is room to move, but the atmosphere is warm rather than cavernous. The harbour views through the large windows add character, and on clear days, Mount Esja across the bay provides a backdrop that no amount of interior design could improve upon.

Live music is a regular feature, and the space handles it well. The acoustics suit the relaxed, sociable atmosphere, and performances range from acoustic sets to full bands.

Practical Tips

No reservations are usually needed for the bar area, though dining tables can fill up on weekend evenings. The harbour location is about a 15-minute walk from the city centre — pleasant along the waterfront. Combine a visit with the Grandi Matholl food hall next door or the Marshall House galleries. Prices are moderate for Reykjavik, and the beer flights are a smart way to sample the range without committing to full pints.