Punk Restaurant

Punk is the kind of restaurant that announces itself before you even sit down. The decor is loud — floral couches, greenery cascading from walls and ceilings, a cherry blossom tree that belongs in a Kyoto garden — and the menu follows suit with a Japanese fusion approach that swings confidently between sushi and steak. Whether it all works depends largely on what you are in the mood for.

The Concept

Calling Punk a Japanese restaurant would be reductive. Calling it a fusion restaurant would be more accurate but less interesting. What it actually is: a cocktail bar with seriously ambitious food, drawing from Japanese techniques and Icelandic ingredients, wrapped in an aesthetic that is part Tokyo lounge, part botanical garden. The name fits — there is a deliberate irreverence to the whole operation.

The Food

The menu is broad, which is both its strength and its risk. The spicy shrimp tacos are a crowd favourite and deserve their reputation — crispy, well-seasoned, with enough heat to be interesting. The sushi is competent, though Reykjavik is never going to compete with coastal Japan on raw fish. Where Punk shines is in its grilled dishes — the robata-style preparations bring out the best in Icelandic lamb and fish, and the kitchen handles fire well.

Portions are reasonable, and the presentation is careful without being fussy. You will want to order a few small plates to share alongside a main — the menu is designed for that kind of exploration.

The Drinks

The cocktail programme is one of Punk's genuine strengths. Creative, well-balanced, and served with enough flair to make the happy hour (Wednesday to Friday, 16:00-19:00) worth planning your evening around. The bartenders know what they are doing, and the list changes often enough to reward repeat visits.

Practical Tips

Punk is open Wednesday through Sunday only, dinner service from 17:00. This is not a lunch spot. The location on Hverfisgata puts it on one of Reykjavik's busier streets, close to the main shopping drag on Laugavegur. Reservations are advisable on weekends, though the bar area tends to have walk-in availability.

A note: some reports in late 2024 suggested temporary closure. Check the website or call ahead before visiting, particularly in the off-season. When it is open, though, Punk delivers an evening that is entertaining, flavourful, and just a little bit over the top — in the best way.