Fish Market

Fish Market — Fiskmarkadurinn — bridges two worlds that turn out to complement each other beautifully: Icelandic seafood and Japanese technique. The raw fish coming out of Iceland's cold North Atlantic waters is among the finest in the world, and when treated with the precision and respect of Japanese culinary tradition, the results can be extraordinary.

The Food

The menu spans the gap between Nordic and Asian with confidence. The sushi and sashimi are standouts — Arctic char and langoustine prepared as nigiri or sashimi have a freshness and sweetness that rivals what you would find in Tokyo. The tempura is light and precisely fried. The fusion dishes — which in lesser hands might feel confused — work here because the kitchen understands both traditions well enough to combine them meaningfully.

For the full range of what the kitchen can do, the tasting menu is the best option. It moves fluidly between Nordic and Japanese preparations, building a meal that feels coherent despite drawing from very different culinary cultures.

The Setting

The restaurant occupies a basement space on Adalstraeti that manages to feel both intimate and stylish. The sushi bar counter offers the most engaging seats — watching the chefs work with the precision and focus that good sushi demands is part of the experience.

Practical Tips

Reserve ahead — Fish Market is consistently one of the most popular restaurants in the city. The sushi bar counter seats should be requested specifically when booking. The tasting menu offers the best overview of the kitchen's range. Expect to spend two to three hours for the full experience.