Goya Tapas Bar

Reykjavik has no shortage of places to eat, but it does have a shortage of restaurants where you can sit with a glass of wine and slowly work through a procession of small, carefully made plates without the formality of a fine dining experience. Goya Tapas Bar fills that gap with quiet confidence.

The Food

The menu borrows from the Mediterranean tapas tradition but makes no attempt to replicate it faithfully. Instead, Goya takes the format -- small plates designed for sharing -- and fills it with Icelandic ingredients. Lamb appears in tender skewers seasoned with herbs. Fish arrives marinated or lightly cured, tasting of the sea rather than the kitchen. Vegetables, often overlooked in Icelandic restaurants, get proper attention here: roasted, dressed, and treated as worthy dishes in their own right.

The best approach is to order four or five plates for two people and let them arrive as they are ready. This is food built for conversation and unhurried evenings, and the kitchen paces deliveries accordingly.

Wine and Drinks

The wine list is compact but well chosen, leaning toward Southern European bottles that complement the food without competing with it. Spanish reds and Italian whites feature prominently, and the staff are knowledgeable enough to suggest pairings without being pushy about it. There is also a decent selection of Icelandic craft beers for those who prefer something local.

The Space

Goya occupies a small basement space on Laugavegur that manages to feel intimate rather than cramped. Warm lighting, wooden tables, and understated decor create the kind of atmosphere where you settle in rather than rush through a meal. It is not the place for large groups or celebrations -- this is a restaurant for two to four people who want good food and good conversation.

Worth Knowing

The small size means booking ahead is wise, especially at weekends. Weekday evenings are more relaxed and often the better time to visit. If the weather is particularly harsh outside, which in Reykjavik is simply called "weather," the warm basement setting makes for a welcome retreat.

Goya does not try to reinvent the wheel. It takes a familiar dining format, executes it well with local ingredients, and creates an evening that feels distinctly Reykjavik. Sometimes that is exactly enough.