Grill Kebab

Every city needs a reliable kebab shop, and in Reykjavik -- where even a modest meal can cost more than you would pay for a three-course dinner elsewhere in Europe -- a good one is practically a public service. Grill Kebab on Laekjargata is that place. It does not aspire to anything beyond what it is: a straightforward grill serving generous, flavourful food at prices that feel almost rebellious in a city this expensive.

The Food

The menu is refreshingly simple. Kebabs are the main event, available as wraps or on plates with rice and salad. The lamb kebab is well seasoned and properly grilled, with that slightly charred exterior that separates a good kebab from a lazy one. The chicken shawarma is reliable, the falafel is crisp rather than soggy, and the sauces -- garlic, chilli, tahini -- are made in-house and applied with a generous hand.

There is no pretence here. The food arrives quickly, portions are large, and the flavour-to-price ratio is among the best in central Reykjavik. It is exactly the kind of meal you want at one in the morning after walking Laugavegur in the rain.

Late-Night Lifeline

Grill Kebab comes into its own after dark. On Friday and Saturday nights, when most Reykjavik restaurants have long closed their kitchens, this place stays open until three in the morning. The queue of revellers outside at midnight tells you everything you need to know about its role in the city's nightlife ecosystem. If you have been out in Reykjavik on a weekend night, there is a good chance you will end up here.

The Setting

The interior is basic -- counter service, a few tables, and a focus on efficiency rather than ambience. This is not a place for a romantic dinner. It is a place for fuel, and it fulfils that function well. Most people order takeaway and eat walking along the street or sitting on a nearby bench, weather permitting.

Why It Matters

In a dining landscape that can feel overwhelmingly expensive for budget travellers, Grill Kebab is a genuine lifeline. It proves that eating well in Reykjavik does not require a credit card and a sense of resignation. The food is honest, the portions are generous, and the late-night hours fill a gap that the rest of the restaurant scene largely ignores.

If you are looking for atmosphere and tablecloths, look elsewhere. If you want a solid, filling meal for under ISK 2,500, Grill Kebab delivers without fuss.