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Tapas barinnA-Worth Trying
Vesturgata 3b, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
· Tapas restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (1203 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Creative Icelandic tapas with showy tasting menus, lively atmosphere, and strong service; pricey but memorable if you enjoy adventurous ingredients.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Tapas barinn delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality anchored by creative Icelandic tapas and strong service attentiveness, positioning it competitively with the area's better neighborhood restaurants. Consistency shows some variation—occasional pacing delays and uneven doneness on steaks prevent grade A territory—while the charming Old Harbour location and lively atmosphere create a welcoming destination without reaching iconic status.
Restaurant Summary
Set near Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, Tapas barinn hums with cozy, lively energy and late-night service that rescues hungry travelers. Servers guide diners through Icelandic tasting journeys, with comments like "they paced everything perfectly and kept checking in." It can run loud at peak times, but most find the room warm and welcoming. The cooking leans modern Icelandic tapas with inventive sauces and textures rather than strict Spanish tradition. Expect lamb, scallops, arctic char, and more, framed by ponzu-gochujang, passionfruit foam, and truffle accents. Tasting menus offer the broadest experience and usually feel generous, though a few diners note occasional uneven pacing or doneness on steaks. Families should know the focus is adventurous: lamb, seafood, and specialty items dominate, with few simple comfort dishes. Portions on tasting menus can satisfy teens, but picky eaters may struggle; look instead to fries, beef cuts, or plain fish if available, and ask staff for kid-suitable picks.
At a Glance
- Memorable Icelandic tasting menus with creative sauces and strong service
- Lively, cozy vibe near the Old Harbour with a late kitchen
- Expensive for Reykjavík; some portions feel small a la carte
- Occasional long waits between tasting courses on busy nights
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- Icelandic tasting tapas
- Adventurous local proteins
- Late-night kitchen
What People Love
- Emotionally resonant tasting menus
- Lamb and scallops as repeated standouts
- Attentive servers who explain each course
- Atmosphere that feels special without stiffness
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely expensive (mains ~ISK 7,000-10,900) which may surprise casual diners
- A few reports of long gaps or uneven doneness on red meat courses
- Loud music and dark lighting can hinder menu reading for some
- Ethical discomfort with items like puffin or whale mentioned by several reviewers
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average CostISK 12,500-17,500 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose the 8-course surprise for best per-dish value
- Seafood lovers should anchor around blue ling, char, and scallops
- Vegetarians can build a meal from cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, and vegan ribs
Perfect For
- A first-night Iceland sampler with tapas and cocktails
- Date night where pacing and storytelling matter
- Adventurous eaters seeking unique local proteins
- Small groups celebrating a birthday
Location Insights
Area: Historic harbour-side area popular with travelers and locals, mixing galleries, bars, and tour operators.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, and busy in evenings with tourist foot traffic.
Nearby: Near Old Harbour whale-watching piers, boutique shops, and downtown nightlife.
MiðborgMiðborg is Reykjavík's downtown core, bustling with cafes, bars, and diverse dining options ranging from traditional Icelandic to international cuisines. The area has a lively social atmosphere, attracting both visitors and residents looking for entertainment and culinary experiences in a walkable city center.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–23:00
Tuesday17:00–23:00
Wednesday17:00–23:00
Thursday17:00–23:00
Friday17:00–00:00
Saturday17:00–00:00
Sunday17:00–23:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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