Seemor
Reykjavík › Reykjavík › Íslenski Barinn - The Icelandic Bar
Íslenski Barinn - The Icelandic BarA-Worth Trying
43W8+QP5, Ingólfsstræti 1a 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
· Icelandic restaurant, Bar, Restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (4840 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Bustling downtown spot for classic Icelandic specialties and pub comforts; great for trying iconic dishes, but expect queues and ethical objections to certain menu items.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Íslenski Barinn delivers solid A-grade performance through strong food quality anchored by signature Icelandic dishes and exceptional service attentiveness that explains unfamiliar items with genuine warmth. Tight quarters during peak hours and modest design appeal prevent grade A territory, though the cozy pub atmosphere and fair value make it competitive with the area's better neighborhood restaurants.
Restaurant Summary
Set just off Rainbow Street, this cozy pub-restaurant hums with a warm and bustling energy. Servers often explain the more unusual items with easy charm, and plates arrive quickly even when it is busy. As one diner put it, the room feels like a refuge after a cold day, with friendly, efficient service and plenty of local beer to explore. The cooking skews classic Icelandic comfort with hearty, traditional dishes rather than culinary theatrics. Expect lamb shank with beer sauce, creamy fish pie, reindeer burgers, and small plates like puffin or fermented shark for the adventurous. Most guests praise the flavors and portions, though a few note the occasional dry burger or long wait during peak hours. Prices are typical for Reykjavík, and value feels fair given the ingredients and serving sizes. Families do well here: burgers, fish and chips, pancakes, and skyr keep kids happy alongside more daring options for adults. Reviews mention a generous kids fish portion, and the menu includes vegan and gluten-free notations, making it a practical stop for mixed dietary needs.
At a Glance
- Classic Icelandic specialties in a cozy pub setting
- Friendly staff who explain unusual items
- Hearty portions and fair value for Reykjavík
- Queues and crowded peak periods
- Whale and puffin on menu may conflict with personal ethics
What Sets It Apart
- Wide range of traditional Icelandic dishes
- Central downtown setting
- Large selection of local beers
What People Love
- Warm pub vibe after a cold day
- Lamb shank and fish pie comfort
- Helpful guidance on unusual items
- Sampler platters for sharing
Points of Concern
- Peak-time waits of 15–25 minutes are common; limited reservations
- Occasional reports of dry or undercooked reindeer burger patties
- Lively room can feel tight for large groups
- Whale and puffin offerings trigger ethical objections for some diners
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average CostISK 9,500-13,500 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose fish pie or lamb shank for reliable comfort
- Sampler platter lets a table try puffin, lamb, and salmon without over-committing
- Vegan burger and salad cover plant-based needs
- Kids can share fish and chips
Perfect For
- First-night Icelandic food sampler
- Casual group dinner with local beers
- Adventurous eaters trying iconic dishes
- Families seeking accessible comfort food
Location Insights
Area: Lively downtown core popular with tourists and locals; pubs, shops, and sights within short walks.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, with steady foot traffic; typical urban crowds during peak hours.
Nearby: Near Rainbow Street, museums, and major tour bus stops; nightlife and retail mix.
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 casual and upscale restaurants. The area is popular for both daytime sightseeing and evening socializing, offering a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
IngólfsstrætiIngólfsstræti is a well-known street in the heart of Reykjavík's city center, lined with bars, cafes, and restaurants that cater to a casual and social dining crowd. It is a popular spot for nightlife and informal gatherings, blending traditional Icelandic culture with contemporary urban vibes.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday09:30–01:00
Tuesday09:30–01:00
Wednesday09:30–01:00
Thursday09:30–01:00
Friday09:30–03:00
Saturday09:30–03:00
Sunday09:30–01:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →