Íslenski Barinn - The Icelandic Bar

This place was AMAZING!!!!!! This was our first time in Iceland and wanted an authentic dining experience. We tried a few things we’ve never had before and WOW! This food is 5 star as well as the service. You can tell the staff are one cohesive team and all help each other out. In my opinion when you see happy staff you’re in for a great experience all around. Everyone was so friendly. I hope this place wins some awards because it’s THAT GOOD! 🔥

We had a great meal here. I had the meat soup and it was delicious. I also had a taste of the puffin and whale, they were both very tasty and definitely worth a try. We booked ahead as a table of six but arrived early, the staff were very accommodating and were able to seat us when we arrived. The service was fast and friendly.

Íslenski Barinn was where we went to have what we hoped would be fairly traditional Icelandic fare. We were there early and it was already packed, by the time we were done, there was a line out the door, given how cold it was, I thought it must be good. We were lucky enough to slip in just before the rush. It was a lively atmosphere, a warm, busy pub vibe. Looking at the menu, we decided to make the night a full Icelandic food adventure. This was my first time trying whale, puffin, reindeer. I’ve also never ordered a full lamb’s head before. I started with a few of the local beers to get myself ready for what was to unfold. The Lundi (puffin) and Skonsa hvalur (whale on Icelandic flatbread) were both surprisingly good: rich, smoky and far more approachable than we expected. The Hreindyraborgari (reindeer burger) was lean and had some of the usual elements of game meats, but was worth trying - but it won’t be replacing the usual fattier, beef burger mix anytime soon. They had fermented shark here too I think, but we didn’t try it as a local said it is not eaten that often and it’s more of a tourist dare than a dish these days. Then came the lamb’s head. The cheek meat was tender, the tongue was somewhere between what I think of as organ meat and lean more traditional meat in texture, the eyeball was not something I was sure I’d be able to stomach but it is apparently some sort of delicacy. It’s definitely a dish that requires some effort and a bit of bravery. It is probably one of things I’ve tried once, appreciate it for what it is, and will definitely remember doing. For dessert, we wrapped the night up perfectly with some rhubarb dessert and some pönnukökur (Icelandic pancakes) - the desserts were great and if you have room, give them a try. With friendly service, a buzzing atmosphere, and a menu that lets you be adventurous - Íslenski Barinn is obviously a popular location with locals and tourists and was a nice location to sit, relax, keep warm and eat some Icelandic cuisine.

Small restaurant in the center of town with lots of atmosphere and a really good menu. Even if you don't feel adventurous and try the fermented shark or whale meat, you will find a bunch of great options. We had the fish pie (delicious!), a burger (fantastic!) and some of the dogs, which were also great. My personal favourite was the Popped cod skin. Staff was friendly and very quick. Great beer selection, too. Absolute recommendation!

This place is absolutely amazing our server was Pepe and he was so informative and knowledgeable he explained all about the icelandic traditions the food abd his background. The food is really good the meat soup was probably mone and my partners favourite we did try the fermented shark which was actually not that bad. We ordered a lit of food and the portions are huge. I would definitely recommend this palce if you are visiting. Thank you Pepe

Was ours first time trying island food, so we went directly for shark, whale and dry fish… We ordered Skonsa með langreyði and Hákarl (6 bitar) & harðfiskur með smjöri - you need to know that shark could smell very strong- and both dishes were really good!! Whale meat is soft and tasty and dry fish is salty and tasty too. Place is nice and is located a few blocks from the main church. Prices, like all Iceland, high… but really worth it

Such a variety of interesting foods. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. We tried whale to start followed by two hotdogs one reindeer and one lobster. Prepared and presented really well. Definitely worth a visit!

We have decided to go for some traditional islandic food and this place didn’t disappoint. However, it didn’t give the very Wow factor either. My favorite is actually the platter. 4 different types of delicacies - the whale, the smoked salmon (my absolute favorite)… it came with some tuna salad and the different cheese to pair with. Lamb shank is good but not wow. The dried fish of the day dish is also good but just kind the same as fish fish you get everywhere else in Europe. The reindeer burger was good, I love the Smokey flavored of it. Beer was good!