Sumac

On a street dominated by Icelandic seafood and Nordic tasting menus, Sumac offers something refreshingly different. This Middle Eastern-inspired grill and cocktail bar on Laugavegur draws its inspiration from the warmth and generosity of Beirut's dining culture — sharing plates piled high, bold flavours built on spice and smoke, and a bar programme that takes its cocktails as seriously as the kitchen takes its food.

The Food

Sumac's menu is built around sharing. Tables fill up with small and medium plates — smoky lamb kebabs, silky hummus topped with slow-cooked meat and pine nuts, charred aubergine with tahini and pomegranate, and flatbreads pulled from the grill. The kitchen works with seasonal Icelandic ingredients wherever possible, which gives the Middle Eastern flavour palette an unexpected but welcome Nordic edge.

The lamb, in particular, benefits from this approach. Icelandic lamb is among the best in the world, and when treated with Middle Eastern spice and grilling technique, the result is something genuinely distinctive — tender, deeply flavoured, and unlike anything you will find in Beirut or Reykjavik.

Order four to six plates between two people and let the meal build naturally. The staff are knowledgeable and will help you compose a balanced selection if you are unfamiliar with the menu.

The Cocktails

The bar at Sumac is one of the best in Reykjavik. The cocktail list draws on Middle Eastern ingredients — pomegranate, rose water, sumac, and za'atar — blended into drinks that are inventive without being gimmicky. The arak-based cocktails are a particular highlight, offering something you genuinely cannot find at most bars in town. If you arrive early, a drink at the bar before moving to your table is the ideal way to begin the evening.

The Atmosphere

Sumac is warm, lively, and deliberately convivial. The design nods to its Middle Eastern inspiration without falling into cliche — exposed brick, warm lighting, and the kind of background music that sets a mood without dominating conversation. On a busy Friday night, the energy in the room is palpable. It is the kind of restaurant where dinner naturally extends into a longer evening.

Practical Tips

Reserve for Friday and Saturday. Weekday evenings are easier to walk into, and the atmosphere is only slightly less buzzy. Budget ISK 8,000-12,000 per person for a full dinner with drinks. Sumac opens at 17:00, and early arrivals benefit from a quieter start before the room fills up.

For a dining experience that breaks from the Nordic mould while still showcasing the quality of Icelandic ingredients, Sumac is one of the most enjoyable evenings you can have in Reykjavik.