Matarkjallarinn
Experience exceptional Icelandic cuisine at this highly-rated Reykjavik restaurant. Enjoy a memorable meal with excellent service and a unique atmosphere. Book your table today.
Dine at a top Reykjavik restaurant with a 4.6-star rating. Experience creative Nordic cuisine in an elegant setting. Reservations recommended.
Nestled in the heart of Reykjavik, this establishment offers a dining experience that consistently earns high praise, boasting an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars. Diners highlight the venue's exceptionally well-designed atmosphere, characterized by elegant, sophisticated decor, dim lighting, and comfortable seating, creating a romantic ambiance. The food is frequently described as flavorful and creative, with artfully presented dishes that deliver a truly fine dining experience. This popular spot, known for its creative combinations and quality ingredients, is a favorite among those seeking a memorable meal in the city. The $$$ price range reflects the quality and experience provided.
Restaurant Analysis
This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.
Price Range (Upscale)
Upscale dining ($$$) - Fine dining with premium prices
Meal Time (dinner)
This restaurant primarily serves dinner. Based on opening hours.
Group Size (Groups Welcome)
Welcomes large groups and families. Great for group dining.
Atmosphere (Casual)
Relaxed and laid-back atmosphere
Dining Style (Flexible)
Flexible options. Reservations available but not required.
Features & Amenities
This restaurant offers: Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Coffee, Groups Welcome, Reservations
Set your dining preferences to see how well this restaurant matches your taste.
Get 5-12× more clicks with prominent CTAs, a sticky button, and a TOP badge. Starting at just $4.99/month.
Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.
Ambience: Very well design venue. Dim lighting, dark brown furniture , very elegant and sophisticated. The seats were extremely comfortable . Loved how romantic the ambience was. ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ Food: Very flavorful. The food was extremely delicious and the combination of flavors and ingredients were very creative. The plates were artistically designed and well presented. It was truly a fine dining experience in terms of taste and quality. It appeared to me that there was a lot of inspiration from other cuisines mixed with the local cuisine which made the food even more interesting. There was a touch of Mediterranean cuisine infused with every dish which not only did not affect the authenticity of the dish itself but added another complexity and color to it which I found very amusing. ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ Service: Excellent. There were plenty of staff on the floor attending the guests. Unlike what we have experienced with other restaurants in Iceland, where there weren’t enough team members attending the guests,this place had the right ratio and the staff were all very warm and were fully focused on the guest experience which was great to see. ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ Overall: Highly recommend it! One of the city’s more stylish dining spots, set in a historic building that used to house a pharmacy. The interior blends a modern, upscale feel with touches of old-world charm, making it an inviting choice for a nice evening out. It’s centrally located, so it’s easy to include as part of a day exploring downtown. The menu is Icelandic with a creative twist, featuring local ingredients like lamb, fresh seafood, and Arctic char, often prepared with a contemporary or international influence. Presentation is elegant, and the dishes are crafted with attention to detail. Portion sizes aren’t huge, but the quality is consistently high, and the flavors are balanced. The cocktail menu is also a highlight, with inventive drinks that reflect the restaurant’s pharmacy heritage. Service is generally polished and attentive, though it can feel a bit brisk when the restaurant is busy. Prices are on the higher side, but in line with other fine dining spots in Reykjavík. Reservations are strongly recommended, as Apotek is popular with both locals and visitors, especially in the evenings and on weekends. The atmosphere manages to strike a balance between classy and relaxed, making it suitable for both a special occasion and a memorable night out during your trip. If you want to experience Reykjavík dining at its more refined, this is one of the best places to do it. Overall, Apotek Restaurant delivers on presentation, flavors, and atmosphere. While it’s not the most budget-friendly option, it’s a strong choice if you’re looking for a stylish dining experience that highlights Icelandic ingredients with creativity. Took the 3 course set dinner. Portions are huge and delicious so make sure you come hungry. Cocktails are great too! The arctic char and cod were a bit salty but still delicious. The stars of the evening were the lamb tartare and lamb rump steak! Excellent service and great ambiance. Will definitely go back.
Find the Restaurant
August 18, 2025
Ambience: Very well design venue. Dim lighting, dark brown furniture , very elegant and sophisticated. The seats were extremely comfortable . Loved how romantic the ambience was. ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ Food: Very flavorful. The food was extremely delicious and the combination of flavors and ingredients were very creative. The plates were artistically designed and well presented. It was truly a fine dining experience in terms of taste and quality. It appeared to me that there was a lot of inspiration from other cuisines mixed with the local cuisine which made the food even more interesting. There was a touch of Mediterranean cuisine infused with every dish which not only did not affect the authenticity of the dish itself but added another complexity and color to it which I found very amusing. ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ Service: Excellent. There were plenty of staff on the floor attending the guests. Unlike what we have experienced with other restaurants in Iceland, where there weren’t enough team members attending the guests,this place had the right ratio and the staff were all very warm and were fully focused on the guest experience which was great to see. ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ Overall: Highly recommend it!
September 30, 2025
One of the city’s more stylish dining spots, set in a historic building that used to house a pharmacy. The interior blends a modern, upscale feel with touches of old-world charm, making it an inviting choice for a nice evening out. It’s centrally located, so it’s easy to include as part of a day exploring downtown. The menu is Icelandic with a creative twist, featuring local ingredients like lamb, fresh seafood, and Arctic char, often prepared with a contemporary or international influence. Presentation is elegant, and the dishes are crafted with attention to detail. Portion sizes aren’t huge, but the quality is consistently high, and the flavors are balanced. The cocktail menu is also a highlight, with inventive drinks that reflect the restaurant’s pharmacy heritage. Service is generally polished and attentive, though it can feel a bit brisk when the restaurant is busy. Prices are on the higher side, but in line with other fine dining spots in Reykjavík. Reservations are strongly recommended, as Apotek is popular with both locals and visitors, especially in the evenings and on weekends. The atmosphere manages to strike a balance between classy and relaxed, making it suitable for both a special occasion and a memorable night out during your trip. If you want to experience Reykjavík dining at its more refined, this is one of the best places to do it. Overall, Apotek Restaurant delivers on presentation, flavors, and atmosphere. While it’s not the most budget-friendly option, it’s a strong choice if you’re looking for a stylish dining experience that highlights Icelandic ingredients with creativity.
August 18, 2025
Took the 3 course set dinner. Portions are huge and delicious so make sure you come hungry. Cocktails are great too! The arctic char and cod were a bit salty but still delicious. The stars of the evening were the lamb tartare and lamb rump steak! Excellent service and great ambiance. Will definitely go back.
August 22, 2025
We visited Apotek Restaurant in Reykjavík and chose the 7-course tasting menu. To say I was impressed would be an understatement. I truly appreciate good food — we’ve dined at Michelin-starred restaurants and many outstanding places around the world — but this restaurant absolutely amazed me. The service was flawless: we asked to change a few courses in the tasting menu, and our waitress carefully discussed everything with the chef. Each dish was perfectly thought out and beautifully executed. From the different kinds of fish to the lamb and even a vegetable steak — it was a true culinary journey. The evening ended with the most delightful dessert — local yogurt. Even though I was already full, this sweet course was so light and delicious that I couldn’t resist finishing it. Huge thanks to the chef, the entire team, and the professional staff for creating such an unforgettable evening. An absolute highlight of our trip!
July 13, 2025
It was extremely delicious. We order set of 3 pieces. And it was tasty and very nice looking. The portions were big, so we even haven’t managed to finish our main course. We were celebrating our anniversary, and the restaurant gifted us with two glasses of Champaign which was very nice. We were there at Friday evening and it was full, atmosphere was very nice as well
Features and amenities that make Apotek Restaurant special
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Coffee
Groups Welcome
Reservations
Everything you need to know before you visit
Build your own culinary trail—save these spots for future nights out in Reykjavik.
Experience exceptional Icelandic cuisine at this highly-rated Reykjavik restaurant. Enjoy a memorable meal with excellent service and a unique atmosphere. Book your table today.
Experience exceptional vegan cuisine in Reykjavik. This highly-rated spot (4.8/5) offers a welcoming atmosphere, generous portions, and live music. Discover your new favorite.
Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Old Iceland in Reykjavik. Highly rated at 4.8 stars, this restaurant offers delicious dishes like lamb and fish. Book your table.
Savor exceptional Icelandic cuisine in Reykjavik. This highly-rated restaurant (4.8/5) offers a memorable dining experience with delicious food and expertly crafted cocktails.
Experience exceptional seafood dining in Reykjavik at Sjávargrillið. Highly rated 4.7/5. Discover exquisite dishes and a welcoming atmosphere. Book your table.
Experience authentic Icelandic flavors at this highly-rated Reykjavik gem (4.7/5). Sample local delicacies and enjoy a warm atmosphere. Reserve your table!
Discover Reykjavik's gem with a 4.7-star rating! Enjoy hearty, refillable soups and free waffles at this budget-friendly spot. A must-visit!
Experience top-rated burgers in Reykjavik at Le KocK. Enjoy delicious food and a relaxed vibe. Discover why this spot has a 4.7-star rating.
Experience exceptional dining by Reykjavik's harbor. This celebrated restaurant boasts a 4.7-star rating and fresh, delicious cuisine. Book your table!
Experience exceptional dining in Reykjavik with a 4.7-star rating. Savor delicious seafood and more in a vibrant setting. Discover your new favorite spot.
Experience Reykjavik's finest dining at Grillmarkaðurinn. With a 4.6-star rating, savor exquisite grilled dishes in a beautiful setting. Book your table for an unforgettable meal.
Experience Reykjavik's beloved bread bowl soup at Svarta Kaffið. Enjoy a cozy atmosphere and delicious, hearty soups. Rated 4.6 stars. Discover this unique culinary gem.
Dine at Reykjavik's highly-rated Messinn (4.6 stars) for exquisite fresh seafood. Discover unique flavors and a welcoming atmosphere. Book your table today!
Discover a highly-rated Reykjavik restaurant (4.6/5). Experience delicious Icelandic cuisine, vibrant atmosphere, and outdoor seating. Book your table today.
Savor delicious Icelandic cuisine at Salka Valka in Reykjavik. With a 4.6-star rating, this cozy spot offers a memorable dining experience.
Experience exceptional dining in Reykjavik at TIDES Restaurant, a 4.5-star gem offering delicious food and a great atmosphere. Discover your next favorite meal.
Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine with stunning views at this 4.5-star Reykjavik gem. Enjoy traditional dishes and a warm atmosphere. Reserve your table today!
From transportation to stays, we help you build a complete itinerary around this must-visit restaurant in Reykjavik.
Good public transportation with buses. Walking is perfect for exploring the compact city center, and organized tours provide access to surrounding natural attractions.
Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.
Find the perfect accommodation for your Reykjavik adventure. From luxury beachfront resorts to boutique hideaways, we highlight the best basecamps for food lovers.
Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Trivago USA.
Explore comprehensive guides to plan your perfect trip, including food tours, cultural experiences, and more.
Experience Iceland's wild side with glacier hiking, ice caves, volcano exploration, and Arctic thrills!
Relax in Iceland's iconic geothermal spa with milky-blue waters, silica mud masks, and volcanic beauty!
Taste authentic Icelandic cuisine and discover Viking heritage, local culture, and Nordic traditions!
Explore Iceland's bubbling hot springs, steaming vents, and volcanic geothermal wonders!
Explore Iceland's most famous route - geysers, waterfalls, and tectonic plates in one spectacular day!
Witness the magical Aurora Borealis dancing across Iceland's Arctic sky - nature's greatest light show!