Dinner at Skál! – A Cozy Reykjavík Gem with a Michelin Bib Gourmand
It may feel a bit redundant to sing the praises of Skál!, since the place has already earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its outstanding food at reasonable prices. But trust me, it deserves all the love it gets.
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Skál! is one of those restaurants where you instantly feel at ease — cozy, wrapped in warm earthy tones, with simple yet tasteful décor, soft lighting, and comfortable seating. There is nothing stiff or pretentious about it. The servers are casual and friendly (yes, in T-shirts!), which makes the whole experience feel warm and welcoming — like you’ve been invited into someone’s home for a beautifully cooked dinner.
We started with cured scallops from Djúpið, served with currant ice, horseradish cream, and dill oil. It was one of those moments where you look at each other with wide eyes and just think: What a start! The presentation was stunning, almost like a little piece of Icelandic nature on a plate. Alongside, we were served warm garlic bread with herb butter — simple, but ridiculously good.
What struck me throughout the meal was how fresh and light everything felt — even the beef tartare tasted like a spring breeze. Dishes followed one another like a well-composed tasting menu:
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Beef tartare with bilberries, rye bread, squash cream, and cress
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Crispy leaf salad with cream, rose vinegar, apple, and pistachios
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Radishes with smoked sour cream, rye crumbs, and cress
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Charred leek with stracciatella cheese, dried olives, thyme, and buckwheat
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Karfa (sea bream) ceviche with pickled rhubarb, tomatoes, sea herbs, tomato juice, and a dusting of burnt garlic — hallelujah-worthy!
The fish course — grilled coal fish with crushed potatoes, a velvety blanquette sauce with lightly smoked cod roe, grilled kale, and clover — was pure comfort food, but elevated. It reminded me of the traditional Icelandic “soðning” (boiled fish with potatoes and butter), just infinitely better.
And then came the lamb sirloin — perhaps the most iconic dish of the evening. The meat was wrapped in leek ash and served with smoked onion, cabbage, and black garlic BBQ sauce. It was smoky, tender, and unforgettable.
For dessert, we had a beautiful skyr mousse with wild blueberries, hazelnut crumble, and sorrel — a perfect finish, light yet indulgent.
Skál! really nails the balance between creativity and comfort, and it’s a place where you leave feeling both inspired and satisfied. If you’re in Reykjavík and want a dining experience that is casual yet Michelin-worthy, put this restaurant at the top of your list.
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