Meze Restaurant & Bar
Turkish and Mediterranean flavours on Laugavegur, with sharing plates, grilled meats, and a warm atmosphere that brings a taste of the south to the far north.
After a week of Icelandic cuisine -- lamb, fish, skyr, repeat -- the flavours of the eastern Mediterranean can feel like a revelation. Meze on Laugavegur provides that change of pace with a menu rooted in Turkish and Mediterranean traditions, offering warmth, spice, and colour in a city that can sometimes feel monochromatic.
The Food
The mezze spreads are the best way to eat here. Order a selection of small plates -- hummus, falafel, baba ganoush, grilled halloumi, stuffed vine leaves -- and share them across the table. The flavours are well-balanced, the portions are generous, and the variety keeps things interesting. It is the kind of meal that encourages conversation and lingering.
The grilled meats are solid. Lamb kebabs arrive juicy and well-seasoned. Chicken is marinated with care. The accompaniments -- rice, salads, flatbread -- are fresh and properly prepared. Main courses are larger and more suited to individual dining, but the sharing format is where Meze really shines.
The kitchen is not attempting to reinvent Middle Eastern cuisine. It is cooking familiar dishes well, with good ingredients and honest execution. In Reykjavik's dining landscape, that straightforwardness is welcome.
The Setting
The interior is warm and inviting, with Mediterranean colours and textures that create an atmosphere quite different from the minimalist Nordic aesthetic that dominates most Reykjavik restaurants. It is cosy without being cramped, and the lighting is flattering in the way that good restaurant lighting should be.
The bar area serves cocktails and wine that complement the food. A glass of something from the eastern Mediterranean with a plate of mezze is an excellent way to spend an hour on Laugavegur.
Practical Tips
Book for dinner, walk in for lunch. The sharing plates offer the best experience and the best value -- order four or five between two people and you will eat well without overspending. The restaurant is centrally located on Laugavegur, making it easy to combine with shopping or a bar crawl.
For travellers who are craving something other than Icelandic food, Meze is a reliable and satisfying option. It does not pretend to be something it is not, and that honesty extends to the plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of food does Meze serve?
- Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine adapted with Nordic influences. Sharing plates, grilled meats, hummus, falafel, kebabs, and mezze spreads.
- How much does a meal cost?
- Sharing plates ISK 1,500-3,000, main courses ISK 3,000-5,500 (approximately 10-38 EUR). Good value for the portion sizes.
- Is Meze good for sharing?
- Yes. The menu is designed around sharing plates and mezze-style dining. Order several dishes for the table and eat communally.
- Does Meze serve alcohol?
- Yes. There is a full bar with cocktails, wine, and beer. The drinks menu complements the Mediterranean theme.
- Do I need a reservation?
- Recommended for dinner, especially at weekends. Lunch is usually fine for walk-ins.
- Where is Meze on Laugavegur?
- At Laugavegur 42, roughly in the middle of the main shopping street.
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