No. 17
A centrally located European-style restaurant and bar on Posthusstraeti, serving reliable lunch and dinner in one of Reykjavik's most historic downtown streets.
Posthusstraeti is one of those Reykjavik streets that tourists walk along every day without paying much attention to the individual buildings. That is a shame, because the street has genuine historic character, and No. 17 -- which takes its name from its house number -- is one of the places that rewards a closer look and a longer stay.
The Food
No. 17 serves the kind of European-influenced food that works well in a central Reykjavik location. The menu covers grilled meats, fresh fish, pasta, and salads, all prepared with competence and served in portions that leave you satisfied. It is not trying to reinvent cuisine or earn Michelin recognition. It is simply a good restaurant doing good food, consistently, day after day.
Lunch is the better meal in terms of value. Set menus and lighter options make it a practical choice for midday refuelling without the cost that Reykjavik's dinner menus can reach. The soup of the day is usually reliable, and the sandwiches use good ingredients on proper bread.
Dinner is a fuller affair, with grilled lamb, pan-fried fish, and pasta dishes that rise to the occasion of an evening out. The kitchen treats Icelandic ingredients with respect, and the fish in particular benefits from the short supply chain between harbour and plate.
The Setting
The restaurant occupies a ground-floor space on Posthusstraeti, with the kind of warm, slightly dim interior that suits both a rainy lunch and an evening dinner. In summer, pavement tables appear, and the street -- particularly in the evening light -- has a charm that is easy to appreciate from the outside of a wine glass.
The location is excellent: a two-minute walk from Austurvöllur square, close to the parliament, the cathedral, and the main shopping streets. It is the kind of place you stumble across and end up returning to.
Practical Notes
Open daily for lunch and dinner. Weekend evenings are the busiest times, and booking is advisable. The lunch set menu offers the best value. Service is friendly and efficient. Cards accepted, as everywhere in Reykjavik.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does No. 17 serve?
- No. 17 serves a European-influenced menu of lunch and dinner dishes, including grilled meats, fish, salads, and pasta. The food is straightforward and well-prepared.
- Where is No. 17?
- No. 17 is on Pósthússtræti, one of the oldest streets in central Reykjavik, a short walk from Austurvöllur square and the parliament building.
- Is No. 17 good for lunch?
- Yes, the lunch menu offers good value with set options and lighter dishes. The central location makes it a convenient midday stop.
- Does No. 17 have outdoor seating?
- Yes, pavement seating is available in warmer months, offering views of Pósthússtræti and the surrounding city-centre architecture.
- Is No. 17 expensive?
- Prices are moderate for central Reykjavik. Lunch mains cost ISK 2,500-3,500, dinner mains ISK 3,500-6,000.
- Does No. 17 take reservations?
- Yes, reservations are accepted and recommended for dinner, particularly on weekends.
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