Laekjarbrekka

Laekjarbrekka is the kind of restaurant that makes you feel the weight of history the moment you walk through the door. The timber building at Bankastraeti 2 dates to 1834, and it has been serving as a restaurant since 1981 — more than four decades of tradition that have made it one of Reykjavik's most respected dining establishments.

The Setting

The building itself is remarkable. One of the oldest surviving structures in Reykjavik, it has been lovingly maintained while being adapted for fine dining. Low ceilings, dark wood, white tablecloths, and candlelight create an atmosphere that is formal without being stuffy. It feels like dining in a piece of Reykjavik's story, which in a city that has changed dramatically in recent decades, is increasingly rare.

The Food

Laekjarbrekka's kitchen works almost exclusively with Icelandic ingredients. The seafood is the standout — fresh fish prepared with precision, langoustine that tastes of the cold North Atlantic, and seafood soups that showcase what Iceland's waters have to offer. The Icelandic lamb is predictably excellent, tender and flavourful from animals that roam the highlands in summer.

For those seeking traditional Icelandic specialities, the menu occasionally features more adventurous options — think smoked and cured fish, lamb preparations that honour old methods, and seasonal ingredients that tie the dishes to the land and sea.

The Experience

Service is attentive and knowledgeable. Staff can guide you through the menu's Icelandic specialities, which is helpful if you are unfamiliar with the cuisine. The pace of the meal is unhurried — this is a place to settle in for an evening, not rush through.

The wine list is well-curated, with selections that complement the seafood and lamb-heavy menu.

Worth the Price?

Laekjarbrekka is expensive. There is no way around that. But for what you get — historic atmosphere, quality ingredients, skilled preparation, and attentive service — it represents genuine value within Reykjavik's fine dining scene. This is not a place for an everyday meal, but for a special dinner that captures the essence of Icelandic cuisine in a setting that feels truly unique, it is hard to beat.

Practical Notes

Open daily from 11:30. Book ahead, especially for dinner. The location on Bankastraeti is central — a one-minute walk from Laugavegur. Email reservations require two days notice.