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Reykjavík › Reykjavík › Sjávargrillið
SjávargrilliðBWorth Trying
Skólavörðustígur 14, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
· Icelandic restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (2080 reviews)
Reservations · Outdoor seating
Creative Icelandic seafood spot with standout langoustine tacos and tasting menus; great ambiance, occasional service delays; prices reasonable for Reykjavík.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Sjávargrillið delivers solid neighborhood dining through excellent seafood execution—particularly langoustine tacos and fresh-caught fish—paired with warm, inviting design on a prime central location. However, inconsistent quality in dishes like salty cod and uneven sushi and notably slow service pacing prevent it from reaching higher territory. The review authenticity concerns add moderate uncertainty to the assessment, though the volume of consistent praise suggests solid underlying quality.
Restaurant Summary
Set on Rainbow Street, the room feels warm and cozy with wood, candles, and that playful lava-rock butter moment. Service is often friendly and helpful, though a few nights run slow. Guests gush about fresh-caught fish and tacos, saying things like, "the cod was spot on and the room had a lovely buzz." However, there are some review authenticity concerns - some review patterns are consistent with solicited or influenced feedback. The cooking leans modern Icelandic with global accents—think langoustine tacos, shellfish pasta, and pristine local fish alongside touches of teriyaki and kimchi. Most plates land beautifully, though a minority find sauces heavy or cod overly salty. Ideal for diners who enjoy creative seafood without fine-dining stiffness. Families are welcome: there is a children menu with grilled fish or chicken plus free ice cream, and simple sides like fries. Sushi rolls and plain salmon offer accessible options, but adventurous mixes may not suit picky eaters; consider the kids dishes or grilled salmon for the safest bet.
At a Glance
- Signature langoustine tacos deliver crisp texture and balanced sweet-savory flavors
- Cozy design and central Rainbow Street location
- Service can be slow at peak with seating delays
- Salted cod and sushi quality are inconsistent
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- lava_rock_butter_presentation
- signature_langoustine_tacos
- central_rainbow_street_location
What People Love
- That lava-rock butter reveal
- Fresh, well-cooked fish
- Langoustine tacos with addictive crunch
- Tasting menu that feels like good value
Points of Concern
- Waiting times between courses can stretch unexpectedly, especially during busy hours
- Salt levels on the salted cod divide opinion, with several finding it overpowering
- Sushi rolls draw mixed feedback compared to hot seafood dishes
- Pricing is genuinely expensive for some travelers relative to quality expectations
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average CostISK 10,500-14,500 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose langoustine tacos to share as a starter
- Balance a richer main with lighter sides; confirm preparation of salted cod
- Pescatarians will find ample options across starters, mains, and sushi
Perfect For
- Seafood-focused date nights
- First-night Reykjavik dinners near sights
- Travelers seeking modern Nordic with global twists
- Small groups celebrating with a tasting menu
Location Insights
Area: Central shopping and dining street near Hallgrímskirkja, popular with visitors and locals.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, high foot traffic; petty crowding in peak seasons.
Nearby: Boutiques, bars, galleries, Rainbow Street photo spot; easy stroll to major sights.
MiðborgMiðborg is Reykjavík's downtown core, characterized by a mix of historic and modern architecture, bustling pedestrian streets, and a lively dining scene featuring a variety of international and Icelandic cuisines. The area is popular for casual dining as well as upscale restaurants, attracting both locals and visitors seeking quality food experiences.
SkólavörðuholtSkólavörðuholt is a small, distinct area within Miðborg known for its proximity to Hallgrímskirkja church and a cluster of trendy cafes, galleries, and restaurants. It offers a charming and somewhat quieter atmosphere compared to the busiest parts of downtown.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:30
Tuesday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:30
Wednesday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:30
Thursday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:30
Friday11:30–14:30, 17:00–22:00
Saturday17:00–22:00
Sunday17:00–21:30
Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating
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