I tried the fermented shark and the whale; the shark are 6 very tiny pieces, it comes with dry fish (almost inedible, even with butter) . The whale was very good, it comes with 3 onion rings and a salad, the whale is with a...very tasty sauce. A little pricey but worth it.More

Went here after reading other reviews and it did not disappoint, food was amazing! Definitely recommend if you are looking for traditional Icelandic food and not wanting to pay over the top for it! Staff were lovely and helpful. It was busy so I’m glad...I booked in advance, I emailed the restaurant direct and got a reply within an hour so definitely recommend booking!More

It’s a popular restaurant which serves a variety of informal dishes ranging from burgers, fish and chips to more traditional Icelandic fare such as smoked lamb, puffin and whale if you are a mire adventurous carnivore. After 10:30 the restaurant is becomes a busy bar.

Came here because of the lobster hotdog. It was quite busy on a weeknight so we sat at the bar as there were no more tables. I ordered the hotdog with seafood soup, and the spouse got the sheep head. Love love love the hotdog;...crispy pieces of meat that was juicy inside, with nicely grilled bun. The soup was delicious; lots of seafood chunks. I did not touch the sheep head but the spouse said it reminded him of pork knuckle. Must have been not bad since he polished it off. Great service; we chatted a bit with one of the staff since we sat at the bar.More

This was our first dining experience in Reykjavik, recommended by a receptionist of a hotel we had checked in. It was full when we entered, but luckily, a group was just leaving, and we took the table. We tried smoke salmon, soup, lobster hotdog (I...do not recommend), fish soup, and crepe cake. We enjoyed the food and atmosphere. We went back to have dinner in a couple of days later. Again, it was packed with groups, couples, solo-travelers, and of course, local people.More

This restaurant had great service from friendly staff and a delicious selection of Icelandic food, I chose the Lamb hotdog which exceeded my expectations as well as the Skya yogurt which was prepared well with an Icelandic pancake. While we did have to wait a...short while for seating, we were shown to a seating area and able to order from a selection of drinks while we waiting, and the staff were happy to give us updates about when a table would likely be available. Overall a very pleasant experience in a restaurant with great food and atmosphere.More

A very popular place and hard to get a table. We were left not understanding why as the food was average at best. At least it wasn’t as expensive as other places in Reykjavik and the atmosphere is quite good, do not a total loss,...but was left with the feeling we could have done better elsewhere.More

This place is always crowded, if you can, make a reservation and stick to the time. They aren't flexible to change. Local food like whale, reindeer burger are available along with local lobster roll and creamy seafood soup. Adventurous eaters should try the fermented shark...meat. I would say food is tasty but not above the average of the other 2 restaurants we tried (Old Iceland Restaurant and Saeta Svinid). Service is spotty, some guys are really cool and some girls are kind of "I don't know.."More

The food was really great and the waiters very nice. A can totally recommend that place in Reykjavik.

Great restaurant in the centre of Reykjavik. Amazing locally sourced food. Friendly staff, lovely location and setting. Will be back again.

Everything we had was delicious - you cannot go wrong at this hidden gem. When you get there, there may be a line - just wait until you can get the wait staff's attention. They have a system and they will get you a seat...in the order you arrive. It felt disorganized but turned out to be very organized. I can't say enough good things about this restaurant.More

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