Haust

Bankastraeti connects two of Reykjavik's most important streets — Laugavegur and the area around Austurvollur — and Haust sits at the intersection of these two worlds. It is a restaurant that straddles the line between casual and refined with confidence, offering Nordic cooking that takes Icelandic ingredients seriously without disappearing into the kind of conceptual territory that alienates ordinary diners.

The Food

The menu at Haust is seasonal in the truest sense. Icelandic seasons are extreme — long summer days that produce intense, if brief, harvests, and dark winters that demand a different culinary vocabulary. The kitchen navigates both with skill. Summer brings lighter dishes: fresh fish, salads built from Icelandic herbs and greenhouse vegetables, preparations that let the ingredients speak. Winter shifts toward warmth and depth: braised lamb, root vegetables, and the rich, slow-cooked dishes that Nordic winters demand.

The seafood is handled with the understated confidence of a kitchen that knows it has access to some of the best raw materials on Earth. Arctic char, cod, and langoustine all appear, prepared simply enough to highlight quality but with enough technique to justify the price point. The lamb — Icelandic lamb being one of the genuinely great ingredients of European cuisine — is consistently excellent.

The Wine

The wine programme at Haust is notably strong for Reykjavik. The list is curated rather than encyclopaedic, with selections from France, Italy, Spain, and increasingly from Scandinavian natural wine producers. The sommelier can guide you toward pairings that enhance rather than compete with the food, and the by-the-glass options are generous enough to allow exploration without commitment.

The Setting

The interior is polished without being stiff. Clean Nordic design, warm lighting, and comfortable seating create an atmosphere that works for both business lunches and romantic dinners. The Bankastraeti location means there is constant life outside the windows, and the restaurant benefits from the energy of one of Reykjavik's most vibrant streets.

Who It Is For

Haust occupies the space between casual dining and fine dining — a category that Reykjavik does well and that suits most visitors perfectly. It is the restaurant for a birthday dinner that does not require a suit and tie, for a business lunch where the food matters, or for a couple who want something memorable without the formality of a tasting-menu experience.

Practical Tips

Lunch is the value play — the same kitchen quality at lower prices, in a more relaxed setting. Dinner requires reservation on weekends but is worth the planning. The central location makes Haust easy to combine with any itinerary in central Reykjavik. Service is attentive and knowledgeable, with staff who can discuss both the food and the wine list with genuine enthusiasm. If you want one polished dinner in Reykjavik that does not involve a full fine-dining commitment, Haust is a smart choice.