Gandhi Indian Restaurant & Bar

Indian food in Reykjavik is a niche market, and Gandhi has owned that niche for years. Tucked away on Bergstadastraeti, a residential street just off the main drag, this restaurant brings genuine subcontinental flavours to a city more commonly associated with lamb and fermented shark.

The Food

The menu is comprehensive by any standard, covering tandoori dishes, biryanis, an extensive curry selection, and all the breads and sides you would expect from a proper Indian restaurant. The chefs are from India, and it shows — the spicing has depth and confidence. The lamb biryani is a reliable highlight, fragrant and well-layered. The chicken tikka masala is executed without shortcuts. The vegetarian options are not filler — the dal makhani and palak paneer both stand as dishes worth ordering on their own merits.

Portions can lean towards the modest side given the pricing, which is a common complaint. At ISK 4,000-5,000 for a main course, you are paying Reykjavik prices. This is not cheap, but the quality is consistent.

The Space

Gandhi occupies a cosy, intimate space. The decor nods to Indian traditions without overcommitting to theme-restaurant territory. It seats perhaps 40 at a push, which gives it a warm atmosphere but means booking ahead is sensible. The bar adds versatility — you can come just for drinks if you prefer.

Context in Reykjavik

Finding good Indian food in Iceland is not straightforward. Gandhi is the city's most established option and, by most accounts, the best. If you have been travelling the country for a week on a diet of fish, lamb, and hot dogs, a properly spiced curry can feel like a revelation.

Practical Tips

Dinner only — the kitchen opens at 16:00. Friday and Saturday are the busiest nights. The restaurant is a two-minute walk from Laugavegur, making it easy to combine with an evening stroll along the main street. The bar stays open after the kitchen closes, which is worth knowing if you are after a quieter late-night drink.