A lively evening at Forréttabarinn in downtown Reykjavík
We recently enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Forréttabarinn on the corner of Frakkastígur and Hverfisgata in the heart of Reykjavík.
There are now two Forréttabarinn restaurants in Reykjavík. Chef and owner Róbert Ólafsson has run the original location on Nýlendugata for nearly fifteen years, earning an excellent reputation. Recently he expanded with this new restaurant in the city centre.
We arrived around five o’clock in the afternoon when the atmosphere was still calm. A couple of elegant ladies were comparing books over a glass of white wine, and a few colleagues were unwinding after work. Within a short time the restaurant filled up and the room turned into a lively buzz of conversation. Clearly, the place is very popular.
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One detail we particularly appreciated was hearing Icelandic spoken among the staff. Of course there is nothing wrong with international staff in restaurants, but it is always nice when dining out in Iceland to feel that you are truly in Iceland.
Chef Róbert clearly takes pride in the kitchen. The cooking is careful and flavourful, and the presentation is attractive and inviting.
We started with several appetizers. The birch-smoked, herb-cured duck breast with beetroot, balsamic and goat cheese was delicate and beautifully balanced. A fresh Caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil was simple and delicious. The house-smoked salmon, served with rye crispbread, horseradish salad and skyr dressing, was excellent.
One real highlight was the lobster soup, served with a shellfish skewer, bread and olive tapenade. It had a deep, rich flavour rarely encountered.
The main courses were equally satisfying: tender lamb ribeye with puréed turnips and paprika coulis, a juicy Cajun-spiced burger with bacon-onion jam, cheddar and pickles, and a flavourful ling with polenta and mushroom sauce.
Dessert rounded off the evening perfectly: rhubarb cake with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream, and a light skyr mousse with blueberries and oat crumble.
All in all, this was a thoroughly enjoyable dining experience in downtown Reykjavík — lively, welcoming and full of flavour.
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