Confusion at Fosshotel

Hotel restaurants have a reputation problem. The assumption -- often justified -- is that they exist for convenience rather than quality, serving captive audiences who cannot be bothered to find something better. Confusion at Fosshotel Lind does not entirely shatter that assumption, but it does enough to challenge it, offering competent contemporary cooking in a part of Reykjavik that has fewer dining options than the tourist-heavy downtown core.

What to Expect

Confusion occupies the ground floor of Fosshotel Lind, a three-star hotel on Raudararstigur in the eastern reaches of central Reykjavik. The dining room is modern and functional, with clean lines and enough natural light to avoid the windowless bunker feeling that plagues some hotel restaurants. Tables are spaced comfortably, the acoustics are reasonable, and the atmosphere is the kind of quiet professionalism that suits both a business dinner and a relaxed evening meal.

The name "Confusion" presumably aims for creative intrigue, though the execution of the restaurant itself is anything but confused. The kitchen knows what it wants to do -- serve good-quality contemporary European food using Icelandic ingredients -- and it does so with steady competence.

The Menu

The dinner menu draws on European traditions filtered through Icelandic produce. Fresh fish -- cod, Arctic char, salmon -- features prominently and benefits from the quality of Icelandic seafood. Lamb is treated with respect, typically appearing in slow-cooked or grilled preparations. Starters and sides show occasional creative ambition, with seasonal vegetables and local herbs adding freshness.

The cooking is solid rather than spectacular. You will eat well here without experiencing the kind of revelatory moments that Reykjavik's top-tier restaurants deliver. The value lies in consistency and convenience: a reliable meal in a comfortable setting, without the need to book weeks in advance or navigate a trendy downtown scene.

The breakfast buffet is arguably the stronger meal. It is generous, well-stocked, and features Icelandic staples -- smoked fish, skyr, rye bread -- alongside continental options. For hotel guests, it sets the day up well. For non-guests, it may be worth asking if external breakfast visitors are accommodated.

Practical Tips

Raudararstigur runs through a quiet, residential area of east-central Reykjavik. The location is about a 10-minute walk from the Laugavegur shopping strip, close to the Hlemmur bus interchange and several other hotels. It is less immediately exciting than dining downtown, but the trade-off is a calmer atmosphere and easier parking.

Reservations are recommended for dinner, particularly during the summer tourist season when the hotel is likely to be full. Walk-ins may be accommodated but are not guaranteed.

Confusion is not a destination restaurant. It is a convenience restaurant that happens to be better than it needs to be, and for travellers staying at Fosshotel Lind or in the surrounding area, that makes it a perfectly good option for a pleasant evening meal.