Íslenski Barinn - The Icelandic Bar
Experience authentic Icelandic flavors at this highly-rated Reykjavik gem (4.7/5). Sample local delicacies and enjoy a warm atmosphere. Reserve your table!
Down-to-earth restaurant offering unique seafood & meat dishes including shark, reindeer & whale.
About Íslenski Barinn - The Icelandic Bar
Nestled in the heart of Reykjavik, this popular establishment offers a vibrant taste of Iceland. With an impressive 4.7-star rating from over 4,600 diners, it's clear this spot captures the local spirit. The atmosphere buzzes with character, making it a delightful place to explore Icelandic cuisine, whether you're feeling adventurous enough for traditional delicacies or prefer comforting, well-executed dishes like their renowned fish pie and fantastic burgers. Patrons consistently praise the friendly and efficient service, as well as the extensive beer selection. It's a highly recommended destination for those seeking a genuine culinary experience in the city.
Restaurant Analysis
Restaurant Characteristics
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 (Moderate)
Moderate pricing ($$) - Mid-range restaurants with good value
Meal Time (lunch)
This restaurant primarily serves lunch. 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: Live Music, Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Coffee, Groups Welcome, Reservations
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Why Travelers Love Íslenski Barinn
Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.
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! 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 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!
Find the Restaurant
Where to Find Them
43W8+QP5, Ingólfsstræti 1a 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
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Recent Reviews
Marina
October 5, 2025
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!
Erick P.
September 28, 2025
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
annie A.
October 3, 2025
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!
Wai'oli B.
September 14, 2025
We love this place. Been here few times now and The service is always good and food is excellent. Lamb shank is so delicious. Also the reindeer burger was very good. And they do also have svid the sheep’s head, which was surprisingly so good also! One of our favorites was the creamy seafood soup. It Was very filling. On our first trip to Iceland we tried the shark and Brennivin here. Definitely a must try.
Melissa B.
August 31, 2025
Delicious meal. We went around dinner time with no reservation and only had to wait 15 mins. It was really fun to try the puffin. I was expecting it to taste like chicken or turkey but it tasted like a meat and was good. The lamb soup was also tasty (tender and flavorful). Fish and chips were interesting. I've never had curry seasoned batter but I liked it. Super cozy inside and the staff really friendly / nice. We are from the US and so of course went to leave a tip and our waiter was so sweet he explained to us it is not custom to tip in Iceland, he really wouldn’t let us 😂it was so different to not leave a tip but he was so kind to explain to us the culture there.
What to Expect
Features and amenities that make Íslenski Barinn special
Live Music
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Coffee
Groups Welcome
Reservations
Practical Information
Everything you need to know before you visit
Payment Options
Parking
Accessibility
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Transportation Tips
Good public transportation with buses. Walking is perfect for exploring the compact city center, and organized tours provide access to surrounding natural attractions.
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