Seemor

Dill RestaurantA+Must Try

Name: Dill Restaurant
Address: Laugavegur 59, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
Rating: 4.5

Laugavegur 59, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland · Icelandic restaurant · 4.5/5 Google (629 reviews)

Reservations

Destination New Nordic tasting menu with standout creativity, excellent chef-counter service, and premium pricing; some diners report pacing, acidity/salt balance, and service lapses.

Why it gets an A+ for overall quality

Dill Restaurant stands among the region's finest dining establishments, earning Michelin recognition through exceptional food quality anchored in ingredient-driven New Nordic creativity and outstanding service knowledge that transforms each course into storytelling. Warm, attentive service and the immersive chef-counter theater create a distinctive culinary experience, though occasional pacing constraints and minor consistency variations prevent absolute perfection. This is essential dining for those seeking Icelandic terroir explored through refined technique.

Restaurant Summary

Set on Reykjavík’s main artery, the evening unfolds in stages: a welcome downstairs, a pause in the lounge, then the open kitchen where chefs present courses with calm precision. Service feels warm and polished, and at the counter you watch a quiet ballet in motion. One guest summed it up as, "the teamwork felt almost silent yet effortless," capturing the chef counter theater. However, some report seatings with firm end-times that can compress the pacing. The cooking channels New Nordic ideas through Icelandic terroir: fish off-cuts turned delicate, lamb aged for depth, spruce and birch woven into sauces. Expect flavors that lean bright and savory—sometimes assertive—with storytelling pairings that make sense of unusual ingredients. This is ingredient-driven creativity rather than showy tricks, best for diners who enjoy discovery and a bit of challenge. The onion cake and cod gellur often steal the show, while the non-alcoholic kombucha series is a thoughtful alternative pairing. For families, this is not a kids’ spot. The long tasting, unfamiliar cuts, and foraged accents mean few dishes a child would embrace. There is no kids menu and portions are tasting-sized. If bringing young diners, consider a shorter evening elsewhere with familiar comfort dishes before saving Dill for an adult night focused on culinary exploration.

At a Glance

Chef-counter seats offer immersive interaction with the kitchen
Distinctive New Nordic menu highlighting Icelandic terroir
Fixed time slots can lead to rushed pacing near turnover
A few reports of over-acidity/salt and service lapses
Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food

What Sets It Apart

chef_counter_experience
multi_stage_arrival_service
whole_animal_new_nordic

What People Love

Immersive chef interaction
Inventive use of local fish and lamb
Elegant multi-stage flow
Thoughtful wine and NA pairings
Memorable onion cake staple

Points of Concern

Pricing is genuinely expensive (ISK 23.5k tasting; drinks add significantly)
Reports of fixed seating times creating rushed pacing for some diners
Isolated food-safety incidents (fish bone, plastic film) with limited compensation
A minority find flavors too acidic or salty; pescatarian menu perceived as weaker by some
Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average CostISK 23,500-28,500 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Choose the classic tasting; request onion cake spotlight if offered
If selecting NA pairing, ask for greater variation beyond kombucha to avoid repetition
Pescatarians should confirm course balance to ensure satisfying variety

Perfect For

Celebrating a milestone trip night
Culinary travelers seeking Icelandic terroir
Adventurous date night at the chef counter
Non-drinkers wanting serious NA pairings

Location Insights

Area: Central shopping and dining artery with boutiques, bars, and visitor traffic; stylish but relaxed.

Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, and walkable; active foot traffic in evenings.

Nearby: Near downtown hotels, shops, and galleries; easy stroll to Harpa and waterfront.

MiðborgMiðborg is Reykjavík's downtown core, bustling with activity and home to many of the city's best restaurants, bars, and cultural institutions. The dining scene here is diverse, ranging from casual eateries to high-end fine dining, attracting both locals and visitors seeking quality and innovation.

LaugavegurLaugavegur is Reykjavík's main shopping street and a popular area for dining and nightlife, known for its eclectic mix of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. It has a lively atmosphere with a blend of traditional Icelandic culture and modern urban trends.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday Tuesday18:00–00:00 Wednesday18:00–00:00 Thursday18:00–00:00 Friday18:00–00:00 Saturday18:00–00:00 Sunday

Available: Reservations

View full analysis on Seemor →