Gourmet Reykjav�k
Iceland�s main attraction to foreign tourists is its magnificent natural wonders. The country is still in the process of evolving, still changing with every earthquake, with every volcanic eruption, with the continuous movement of glaciers edging their way forward.
Iceland is called the land of ice and fire, though it would be more accurate to include �water.� One of the first things tourists notice about Iceland is the clean air and crystal clear lakes and rivers. Clean water and air are main contributing reasons why food grown or raised or caught in Iceland has a taste all its own: pure and fresh and bursting with natural flavor.
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It has been said, with justification, that the most recent discovery in Icelandic tourist attractions is food. Icelandic chefs and restaurants are becoming �in� among food journalists from the USA, some of whom have commented that the Icelandic kitchen is among the most exciting in Europe today.
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There are several reasons for this interest: raw materials are of the finest quality, Icelandic chefs are well educated and trained, and Icelanders are demanding customers. Chefs can choose from a great variety of marine life, as well as the finest free-range lamb that spend their lives eating clean mountain grasses and drinking pure water. Vegetables are grown in this same, natural environment of pristine elements, and cows produce milk of incredible quality. The results are food products unparalleled for taste, texture and wholesomeness.
For these reasons, tourists now visit Reykjav�k for gourmet holidays. We would like to particularly welcome you to the following restaurants that are members of the Gourmet Reykjav�k chain, among the very best in the capital. They each have their own specialties and atmosphere, but their all place key emphasis on choice raw ingredients, and a well-trained staff providing quality service. When dining at a Gourmet Reykjav�k restaurant you�re ensured of a meal to remember.
The Pearl Restaurant
Paris has its Eiffel Tower, Reykjav�k has The Pearl � an architectural and artistic accomplishment. The Pearl is also a temple of gourmet cooking, where several of the country�s best chefs work, chefs who have been named Chef of the Year in Iceland. Head chef Sturla Birgisson is considered one of the best in the world, after his fifth place finish in Bocuse d�or. While your taste buds delight to superb cuisine, you enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Reykjav�k and beyond, as the glass-domed restaurant gently completes a full rotation every two hours. During summer months you can watch the midnight sun dance along the horizon, and in winter the sky is ablaze in Northern Lights. But the food is most important, and The Pearl prides itself on a personal variety of dishes that its chefs have created, served by professional waiters who know that details can make all the difference to a wonderful dining experience.
The Pearl
�skjuhl��
Tel: (+354) 562 0200
Fax: (+354) 562 0207
Thr�r Frakkar Restaurant
Thr�r Frakkar is a small, friendly eatery in the old part of Reykjav�k. A father and son handle the cooking while the mother and daughter, along with a capable staff, take care of the dining room. In this restaurant there is the feeling of being one of the family rather than a guest, or at least a close friend as most of the customers are regulars. Thr�r Frakkar is known for excellent seafood dishes made from newly caught fish specially selected every morning. The chefs are often available to chat with guests, so don�t be shy about asking for the recipe of that delicious meal you just enjoyed.
Thr�r Frakkar
Baldursgata 14
Tel: (+354) 552 3939
Fax: (+354) 561 3939
Argent�na Steakhouse, �A rare steakhouse�
There is no place in Iceland like Argent�na Steakhouse: it is not your standard grill. One can naturally order choice char-grilled steaks and wonderfully succulent lamb. But there are also great fish and shellfish dishes. This eatery has been very popular for years, in part because of its friendly, laid-back atmosphere. For a before- or after-dinner drink, the Jakopstofa Room provides a relaxed setting where you can order various kinds of Whiskey, Cognac, Armaniac and a good choice of Port. They also have an excellent variety of handmade cigars from countries such as Cuba, Honduras and Nicaragua. Argent�na Steakhouse, particularly popular among American tourists, has an international flavor about it, yet the atmosphere is decidedly Icelandic, as is the food.
Argent�na Steakhouse
Bar�nst�gur 11a
Tel: (+354) 551 9555
Fax: (+354) 552 9585
Email: [email protected]
Vi�eyjarstofa - Restaurant in the bay
At the doorstep of Reykjav�k lies the island of Vi�ey, one of the most historical in Iceland. The island was once home to a monastery, and some of Iceland�s historical figures lived there. Situated in the bay with Mt. Esja forming the backdrop, this island is particularly lovely. An interesting variety of birdlife is found there among the grassy knolls, making for unusually interesting walks. A ferry makes regularly scheduled trips to the island, which only take five minutes. The large house on the island, one of the oldest in Iceland, has been refurbished as a restaurant serving haute cuisine. Dishes of delicious seafood, game and lamb are on the exciting menu. A visit to Vi�ey combines an wonderful nature experience with dining at its best in an historical atmosphere.
Vi�eyjarstofa Mansion
Vi�ey Island
Tel: (+354) 562 1934
Fax: (+354) 562 1994
La Prima Vera
La Primavera is a contemporary kitchen which has its most notable influences from Northern Italian cooking and the local Icelandic produce. The unique menu that results from this combination features homemade pastas, risotto, gnocchi, polenta and a wide variety of the freshest vegetables, fish, poultry, meat and game available. The dishes are classical, healthy and above all, delicious. In addition, our comprehensive, exclusively Italian wine list provides the perfect complements to any meal. Join us for lunch, dinner, or dessert with espresso and grappa.
La Primavera
Austurstr�ti 9
Tel: +354 561 8555
Fax: +354 561 8571
L�ni� � Bistr�
L�ni�-Bistr� is a restaurant in H�tel Loftlei�ir, well known for wonderful buffets and a marvelous selection of Icelandic and Scandinavian dishes, along with creative desserts and a light, � la carte menu. Dining here is the ideal opportunity to taste varieties of Icelandic and Scandinavian cuisine � you decide your own menu, as an experienced team of chefs creates an evening to remember using only the best ingredients. The atmosphere is international, and the staff is trained to fulfil your wishes.
L�ni�-Bistr�
H�tel Loftlei�ir
Tel: (+354) 5050 0925
Fax: (+354) 562 7573
�dinsv� Restaurant
This small, friendly restaurant is located in H�tel �dinsv�, in front of a peaceful square in the old part of Reykjav�k. The head chef, while young in years, has worked in one of the best restaurants in London. A special lunchtime menu offers a number of light fish dishes as well as delicious vegetarian and meat dishes. Both at lunch and dinner a simple yet creative a la carte menu is also available. This menu has relatively few, but extremely appetizing dishes of various types, with one price for starters and another for the main course. Dishes on �dinsv� menu very much reflect what is in season. and of course there are the variety of enticing desserts.
�dinsv� Restaurant
Tel: (+354) 552 8470
Fax: (+354) 562 3465
Vid Tj�rnina
Vid Tj�rnina restaurant, which translates as �By the Pond,� is situated by Tj�rnin Lake in midtown Reykjav�k, across from Parliament and D�mkirkjan church. The restaurant reminds one more of an aristocratic home from the early part of the century than a restaurant. The chefs are a father and son team: R�nar Marvinsson and Gunnar P�ll R�narsson. R�nar has been called a revolutionary of the Icelandic kitchen: he takes choice marine life and creates seafood masterpieces. Gunnar P�ll worked in the USA for several years and when he came home he brought with him new and fresh ideas. These two chefs have put together a creative menu of fine dishes using the best fresh ingredients Iceland has to offer. Vid Tj�rnina is considered one of the very best fish restaurants in Europe.
Vid Tj�rnina
Templarasund 3
Tel: (+354) 551 8666
Fax: (+354) 561 8666
The Grill
The Grill ranks as one of Iceland�s finest � la carte restaurants. Located on the top floor of Reykjav�k�s Radisson SAS Saga Hotel, it has a magnificent panoramic view over Reykjav�k all the way to Sn�fellssj�kull glacier. The Grill has many regular guests, including foreigners who visit Iceland periodically for business or pleasure. Each season the Grill changes its menu to reflect availability of certain ingredients: fresh fish in summer, game in the fall, and a variety of lamb and steaks year round. This restaurant is famous for it delicious lamb dishes, as chefs are masters at creating recipes that emphasize its delicately wild flavor. Emphasis is also placed on using the freshest of ingredients. The style has a French touch about it, and the wine list should please most every gourmet.
The Grill
Radisson SAS Saga Hotel
Tel: (+354) 525 9900
Fax: (+354) 525 9909
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