Kolabrautin

The architects who designed Harpa, Reykjavik's extraordinary concert hall, created a building that seems to capture and refract light from every angle. Sitting on the top floor of this crystalline structure, Kolabrautin benefits from both the architecture and the location, offering diners sweeping views over the old harbour and the mountains beyond through walls of geometric glass.

The Food

Kolabrautin's kitchen is built around a wood-fired oven, and the dishes that emerge from it are the menu's strongest offerings. Roasted meats arrive with a smoky char that elevates simple preparations into something memorable. The pizzas -- thin-crusted, properly fired, and topped with quality ingredients -- are among the best in the city.

Beyond the oven, the menu draws on modern European cooking with Italian leanings and Icelandic ingredients. Fresh fish from the harbour below, Icelandic lamb, and seasonal vegetables feature prominently. The kitchen does not push boundaries in the way that Reykjavik's more experimental restaurants do, but it executes its repertoire with skill and consistency.

The Setting

The room itself is dramatic. Harpa's glass facade creates an ever-changing light show depending on the time of day and the weather, and from the fourth-floor vantage point the views are genuinely impressive. Watching the sun set over Faxafloi bay while eating a well-cooked meal is one of the more pleasurable experiences Reykjavik offers.

The interior design complements rather than competes with the architecture. The space is elegant, the tables are well-spaced, and the atmosphere manages to be both special-occasion-worthy and relaxed enough for a casual dinner.

Pre-Concert Dining

Kolabrautin's location inside Harpa makes it the natural choice for dinner before a concert or performance. The kitchen is experienced at managing timing for concert-goers, and if you mention your showtime when booking, they will ensure you are finished comfortably before curtain-up.

Practical Notes

Open Tuesday through Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday. The kitchen opens at 17:30 and last orders go to the kitchen at 22:00. Reservations are recommended, particularly on concert nights and weekends. The entrance is through Harpa's main lobby -- take the lift or stairs to the fourth floor. Prices are fair for the quality and setting, sitting in the upper-mid range of Reykjavik's dining spectrum.