Chido Mexican Grill
A now-closed Mexican grill in West Reykjavik that offered Scandi-Mex burritos, tacos, and quesadillas -- part of the Danish Chido chain's brief Icelandic venture.
Chido Mexican Grill is permanently closed. What follows is for the record and for anyone who encounters references to this restaurant while planning a trip to Reykjavik.
What It Was
Chido was a Mexican restaurant chain from Denmark that arrived in Reykjavik in September 2018, part of a wave of Mexican-inspired restaurants that opened in the city around that time. Located at Aegisida 123 in the Vesturbor neighbourhood of West Reykjavik, it offered what it called Scandi-Mex cuisine -- burritos, tacos, quesadillas, bowls, and salads prepared with a Scandinavian sensibility and served with house-made sauces and Mexican Jarritos soft drinks.
What Went Right and Wrong
The concept was sound on paper. Reykjavik lacked affordable, casual Mexican food, and Chido aimed to fill that gap. Some visitors found exactly what they were looking for: decent burritos, good guacamole, and house-made hot sauces with fresh chilies and pineapple. The Taco Tuesday promotion drew regulars.
However, the execution was inconsistent. Reviews frequently noted a disconnect between the appealing marketing photography and the reality on the plate. Flour tortillas replaced the white masa tortillas shown online, fresh pico de gallo gave way to older tomato salsa, and some dishes arrived tasting bland rather than vibrant. For a restaurant trading on authenticity, these gaps proved damaging.
The Broader Context
Chido's brief stint in Reykjavik coincided with what the Reykjavik Grapevine memorably called "The Taco Takeover" -- a period when several Mexican restaurants opened simultaneously, testing whether the city's appetite for tacos and burritos could support multiple venues. The answer, evidently, was complicated.
Where to Go Instead
For Mexican food in Reykjavik today, La Poblana on Laugavegur is the clear recommendation -- genuine Mexican cooking with real depth of flavour. Burro offers good tacos and steaks in a more upscale setting. Several vendors in the city's food halls also serve Mexican-inspired dishes at reasonable prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Chido Mexican Grill still open?
- No, Chido Mexican Grill is permanently closed. The restaurant ceased operations and there are no plans for reopening at this location.
- What was Chido Mexican Grill?
- A Mexican restaurant chain from Denmark that opened a Reykjavik location in September 2018 at Aegisida 123 in West Reykjavik, serving burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and bowls in a Scandi-Mex style.
- Why did Chido close?
- The specific reasons for closure have not been publicly stated. The restaurant operated for a relatively short period and reviews were mixed, with some customers praising the food and others finding it inconsistent.
- What alternatives exist for Mexican food in Reykjavik?
- La Poblana on Laugavegur is the standout for authentic Mexican food. Burro for tacos and steaks, and several vendors in the food halls also offer Mexican-style dishes.
- Where was Chido located?
- At Aegisida 123 in the Vesturbor (West Reykjavik) neighbourhood, away from the tourist centre. The location was part of a residential area near the coast.
- What were the reviews like?
- Mixed. Positive reviews praised the guacamole, burritos, and house-made sauces. Critical reviews noted inconsistency, bland flavours in some dishes, and a gap between the marketing and the actual food quality.
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