LAX

The name says it all. LAX means salmon in Icelandic, and this food hall stall at Grandi Matholl has built its identity around the simple proposition that Iceland's fish, prepared with care and a touch of Mediterranean warmth, needs very little else to shine.

The Food

LAX occupies a stall in the Grandi food hall, which means the format is counter-service and the setting is communal. What you lose in white tablecloths you gain in freshness, value, and the pleasant buzz of a busy food market.

The smoked arctic char is the dish that keeps people coming back. Icelandic arctic char is one of the great underappreciated fish of the North Atlantic -- delicate, subtly flavoured, and beautifully suited to smoking. LAX handles it with skill, producing fillets that are silky-textured with a gentle smokiness that enhances rather than overwhelms the natural flavour.

The smoked trout mousse is excellent: light, creamy, and served with good bread. Grilled prawn skewers arrive hot, properly seasoned, and substantial enough to constitute a light meal. The ceviche, when available, shows the Mediterranean side of the operation -- bright, acidic, and refreshing.

The Mediterranean Touch

What lifts LAX above a standard fish counter is the kitchen's willingness to look south for inspiration. Olive oil, citrus, herbs, and the lighter touch of Mediterranean cooking complement Icelandic seafood beautifully. The result is food that feels fresh and vibrant rather than heavy, which is exactly what you want in a harbour-side food hall.

The Setting

Grandi Matholl is one of Reykjavik's most enjoyable casual dining spaces. The harbour-district food hall houses multiple vendors under one roof, with shared seating that encourages the kind of communal eating that Icelanders increasingly love. LAX fits perfectly into this environment -- order your smoked char at one counter, grab a craft beer from another vendor, and settle in at a long table with a view of the harbour.

Practical Notes

Grandi Matholl is at Grandagarður 16, about a fifteen-minute walk from the city centre along the harbour front. LAX is open daily, and no reservations are needed -- you simply queue, order, and find a seat. The food hall tends to be busiest at lunchtime on weekends, so weekday visits are slightly calmer. Cards accepted everywhere.