Jorgensen Kitchen & Bar

Jorgensen Kitchen & Bar occupies a space that many hotel restaurants struggle to fill convincingly: it is good enough to attract diners who have no connection to the hotel whatsoever, while also serving as a reliable, high-quality option for guests staying at Midgardur by Center Hotels on the eastern stretch of Laugavegur.

The Food

The kitchen works with Icelandic ingredients and applies a contemporary Nordic approach that draws on broader European and international influences. The results are generally polished and well-executed. The menu changes seasonally, reflecting what is available from local producers, and the dishes tend toward the refined end of the spectrum without tipping into the precious territory that can make fine dining feel like hard work.

Portions are appropriate for the price point -- this is not cheap dining, but you leave feeling that you have eaten a proper meal. The wine list draws from every corner of the world and is well-curated, with knowledgeable staff who can offer genuine recommendations rather than just pointing you toward the most expensive bottle.

The Brunch

The weekend brunch has become a draw in its own right. Available Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 until 16:00, it offers a brunch menu with the option of bottomless drinks -- a proposition that has predictably proven popular. The quality holds up: this is not a cynical exercise in quantity over quality, but a properly enjoyable late-morning meal.

The Atmosphere

The interior is sleek and modern, with the kind of Scandinavian design sensibility that manages to be both stylish and comfortable. Thursday evenings bring live music, which adds energy to the room without overwhelming it. The happy hour -- running twice daily, from three to six in the afternoon and again from half nine to eleven at night -- draws a crowd of locals, which is always a reliable indicator of value.

Practical Tips

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends. The double happy hour makes this one of the better value propositions for drinks on this stretch of Laugavegur. If you are staying at any Center Hotels property, remember to ask for your 10% discount on food.