LOF Restaurant

LOF -- which translates roughly as "praise" or "commendation" in Icelandic -- takes a refreshingly unpretentious approach to fine dining. Sitting on Bankastræti, one of the most central streets in Reykjavik, it offers seasonal New Nordic cooking that is serious about quality but relaxed about everything else. No stiff formality, no hushed reverence, just good food and good wine in a welcoming space.

The Food

The menu at LOF changes with the seasons, which in Iceland means dramatic shifts between the abundant summer months and the stark winter. The kitchen works with local producers to source the best available ingredients, and the cooking reflects a deep respect for those ingredients combined with modern technique.

Summer might bring dishes built around wild herbs, new-season lamb, and the brief glut of Icelandic berries. Winter sees the kitchen turn to preserved, fermented, and stored produce -- techniques that Icelanders have perfected over centuries and which the New Nordic movement has elevated to high art.

The cooking is refined but not overwrought. Plates are thoughtfully composed rather than architecturally stacked, and flavours are clear and well-balanced. There is a lightness of touch here that distinguishes LOF from restaurants that confuse complexity with quality.

The Wine

The natural wine list is a highlight. LOF's selection leans towards low-intervention producers from across Europe, and the resulting list is full of interesting, often unusual wines that pair beautifully with the food. If you are curious about natural wine but intimidated by the category, the staff here are excellent guides -- knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and never condescending.

The Space

The interior is small, warm, and design-conscious without being overwrought. Bankastræti is one of Reykjavik's busiest streets, but inside LOF the atmosphere is calm and focused. Tables are well-spaced, lighting is gentle, and the overall feeling is of a neighbourhood restaurant that happens to serve exceptional food.

Who Should Go

LOF is ideal for anyone who wants a high-quality Reykjavik dinner without the formality and price tag of the city's most expensive establishments. It sits in a sweet spot: sophisticated enough for a special evening, relaxed enough for a Tuesday night dinner with a friend. The natural wine angle adds interest for oenophiles, and the seasonal menu rewards repeat visits.

Practical Notes

Open Tuesday through Saturday. Book ahead for the second half of the week. The Bankastræti location is impossible to miss. Smart casual dress is appropriate.