What is Tapas Barinn known for?

Tapas Barinn is known for its Icelandic-inspired tapas format — small plates featuring uniquely Icelandic ingredients like whale, puffin, minke whale, and langoustine alongside more familiar options like lamb and fish.

Does Tapas Barinn serve whale and puffin?

Yes. Both minke whale and puffin are available as tapas dishes. These are traditional Icelandic ingredients, legally sourced, and presented as part of the cultural dining experience. There is no pressure to order them.

How much does dinner cost?

Individual tapas plates range from ISK 2,000-3,500 (approximately €14-24). Most people order the set menu of seven plates for approximately ISK 9,500 per person, which offers the best variety.

Do I need a reservation?

Strongly recommended. Tapas Barinn is one of the most popular restaurants in Reykjavik and regularly fills up, especially in summer.

Where is Tapas Barinn?

At Vesturgata 3b, near the Old Harbour in central Reykjavik.

Is Tapas Barinn a tourist restaurant?

It is popular with tourists, but the quality is genuine. The kitchen takes its ingredients seriously and the execution is consistently good. Locals eat here too, particularly the set menus.

EuropeanCasual Dining

Tapas Barinn

Name: Tapas Barinn
Address: Vesturgata 3b, 101 Reykjavik, IS
Telephone: +354 551 2344
Price range: $$$
Rating: 4.3

4.3(1876 reviews)$$$$Upper mid-rangeReykjavik, Iceland

Icelandic-inspired tapas — whale, puffin, langoustine, and lamb served as small sharing plates in one of Reykjavik's most popular and long-running restaurants.

Tapas Barinn is one of Reykjavik's longest-running and most popular restaurants, and its endurance is no accident. The concept — Icelandic ingredients served as tapas-style small plates — hits the sweet spot between culinary adventure and accessibility. It allows curious visitors to try a range of uniquely Icelandic flavours in manageable portions, and it gives locals a convivial way to eat out without committing to a single dish.

The Food

The menu covers the full spectrum of Icelandic ingredients. Langoustine tails with garlic butter. Lamb fillet with liquorice sauce. Smoked puffin with blueberry sauce. Minke whale with wasabi. Salt cod with chorizo. Each plate is small enough that you can try several without overcommitting, and the set menu of seven plates is the most popular order — it provides a well-curated tour through the Icelandic larder.

The more adventurous items — whale, puffin, fermented shark — are presented without fanfare. They are available for those who want to try them and easily avoided for those who do not.

The Atmosphere

Tapas Barinn is lively and convivial. The room fills up early and stays busy, with a buzz that makes it feel like the kind of place where good evenings happen. The late hours — midnight on weekends — mean you can arrive for a late dinner and linger.

Practical Tips

Reserve ahead, especially in summer when the restaurant is consistently full. The seven-plate set menu is the best value and the best way to sample the range. Dietary requirements can be accommodated — just mention them when booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tapas Barinn known for?: Tapas Barinn is known for its Icelandic-inspired tapas format — small plates featuring uniquely Icelandic ingredients like whale, puffin, minke whale, and langoustine alongside more familiar options like lamb and fish.
Does Tapas Barinn serve whale and puffin?: Yes. Both minke whale and puffin are available as tapas dishes. These are traditional Icelandic ingredients, legally sourced, and presented as part of the cultural dining experience. There is no pressure to order them.
How much does dinner cost?: Individual tapas plates range from ISK 2,000-3,500 (approximately €14-24). Most people order the set menu of seven plates for approximately ISK 9,500 per person, which offers the best variety.
Do I need a reservation?: Strongly recommended. Tapas Barinn is one of the most popular restaurants in Reykjavik and regularly fills up, especially in summer.
Where is Tapas Barinn?: At Vesturgata 3b, near the Old Harbour in central Reykjavik.
Is Tapas Barinn a tourist restaurant?: It is popular with tourists, but the quality is genuine. The kitchen takes its ingredients seriously and the execution is consistently good. Locals eat here too, particularly the set menus.