Was recommended by a local bartender at another pub! Always ask locals for tips and suggestions. Reservations fill up quickly, but walk-ins accommodated if lucky or willing to eat at the bar. Best chance for walk-ins is lunchtime.
Very friendly staff. Cozy atmosphere decorated to...feel like a home, down to the loveseat where one sits while waiting for one’s table. Be sure to check out huge Islenski Barrin painting and see if you can identify each animal that make up the letters of the restaurant.
Great Meat Soup, a traditional soup that is a Minestrone with tender lamb morsels. Even better is the decadent Creamy Seafood Soup with langoustines. One of the best langoustine soups in town.
The bartender, who recommended this place highlighted the whale meat appetizer. Unlike most places that serve Minke whale meat, Islenski Barrin serves Fin / Finback whale meat. It is grilled medium rare served over crumpet or flat bread topped with remoulade, pickled cucumber, parsley and onion rings. It was flavorful like a choice Angus cut of beef, juicy, not gamey and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Definitely superior yo Minke whale.
Another treat was the ‘Pylsur’ or local hotdog. I enjoyed the Icelandic Lobster ‘Dog’, which was a toasted hot dog bun filled with deep fried battered langoustine, bell pepper jam, lettuce, garlic mayo and Tindur cheese.
A variety of cocktails, beers and wine available. Go with the local brews like Gull, Thule or what the bartender, Stefan, recommends to go with the meal.
Enjoyed it so much I had to return a second time a week later.More