Grillstofan

Akureyri may be the capital of North Iceland, but it is still a town of fewer than twenty thousand people, and its dining scene reflects that in the best possible way. Grillstofan, sitting on the Art Street in the centre of town, is a prime example: unpretentious, reliable, and the kind of place where locals actually eat rather than somewhere that exists primarily for tourists.

The Food

The name translates roughly to "the grill room," and that is a fair description of what happens here. The menu centres on burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and assorted grill dishes -- the sort of food that tastes best when you have spent the day driving the Ring Road or hiking in the Eyjafjordur valley and need something substantial.

The burgers are the standout. Thick patties, decent buns, and toppings that go beyond the standard lettuce-and-tomato formula. The pizza is serviceable without being remarkable. The sandwiches are generous. Nothing here will win any culinary awards, but everything is prepared with care and served in portions that leave you satisfied.

The Atmosphere

Grillstofan has the comfortable feel of a neighbourhood pub that happens to serve food. The interior is warm, slightly dim, and furnished with the kind of worn wooden tables that suggest years of good service. On weekday evenings it is a quiet, pleasant place for dinner. On Fridays and Saturdays the volume rises, the bar fills up, and it takes on the character of a proper night out -- Akureyri-style, which is to say friendly, slightly chaotic, and thoroughly enjoyable.

Kaupvangsstræti

The location on Art Street is worth noting. Kaupvangsstræti is one of the most charming streets in Akureyri, lined with small galleries, shops, and cafes. Having dinner at Grillstofan and then wandering the street afterwards is a perfectly pleasant way to spend an evening in the north.

Practical Notes

Grillstofan opens at 18:00 daily, so it is an evening-only establishment. On weekends the kitchen and bar stay open until 01:00, which in Akureyri counts as a genuinely late night. No reservations needed on most nights, though weekends can get busy. Cards accepted everywhere, as is standard in Iceland.