Loftid Nordic Tapas
A second-floor Nordic tapas restaurant on Austurstræti offering Icelandic ingredients in small sharing plates, perfect for groups wanting to taste their way through the menu.
The tapas format -- small plates, shared among friends, ordered in waves as the evening unfolds -- is a brilliant way to eat, and Loftid applies it to Icelandic ingredients with considerable success. From a second-floor perch on Austurstræti, this restaurant offers one of the most enjoyable group dining experiences in central Reykjavik.
The Concept
Nordic tapas is not as contradictory as it sounds. The principle is identical to its Spanish ancestor: small, well-crafted dishes designed for sharing, allowing a table to taste a wide range of flavours over the course of an evening. The difference is in the ingredients -- arctic char instead of anchovies, lamb instead of chorizo, skyr instead of manchego.
Loftid makes this translation feel natural rather than forced. The dishes are designed to work both individually and as part of a larger spread, and the kitchen understands that the whole should be greater than the sum of its parts.
The Food
A typical order might include smoked arctic char with dill and crème fraiche, crispy cod cheeks with tartare sauce, slow-braised lamb in Icelandic herbs, pickled vegetables with grain mustard, a creamy langoustine dish, and warm bread with Icelandic butter. Each plate is small but precisely composed, and the progression from lighter to richer dishes creates a satisfying arc to the meal.
The kitchen changes the menu seasonally, which keeps things interesting for repeat visitors. Summer brings lighter, fresher combinations; winter sees heartier, more warming dishes appear.
The Setting
The second-floor location gives the dining room a slightly elevated perspective on central Reykjavik. The interior is contemporary and comfortable, with enough space between tables that conversation flows easily. On a busy Saturday evening the atmosphere is lively and convivial -- exactly right for a sharing-plate restaurant.
Practical Advice
Order more than you think you need. The portions are tapas-sized, which means they are smaller than you expect, and the temptation to try one more plate is irresistible. The cocktail list is solid, and the wine selection has been chosen with the tapas format in mind -- lighter, food-friendly wines that pair well with multiple flavours.
Book ahead for weekends. The restaurant opens at 17:00 daily and is open seven days a week, which is unusual for Reykjavik's better restaurants. The Austurstræti location is about as central as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Nordic tapas?
- Loftid takes the Spanish tapas concept -- small sharing plates -- and applies it to Icelandic and Nordic ingredients. Expect dishes like mini cod fillets, lamb skewers, langoustine bites, and pickled vegetables, all sized for sharing.
- How many dishes should we order?
- The restaurant typically recommends 4-6 dishes per person, depending on appetite. The plates are designed to be shared, so ordering a selection for the table works best.
- Is Loftid expensive?
- Individual tapas dishes range from ISK 1,500-3,500. Ordering the recommended number per person, a meal typically costs ISK 6,000-12,000 per person before drinks.
- Where is Loftid?
- Loftid is on the second floor at Austurstræti 9, near the main square in central Reykjavik. Look for the entrance and take the stairs up.
- Is Loftid good for groups?
- Excellent for groups. The sharing format works perfectly for tables of four or more, and the variety of dishes means everyone finds something they love.
- Does Loftid take reservations?
- Yes, and they are recommended, especially on Thursday through Saturday evenings. Walk-ins may be accommodated but are not guaranteed.
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