Grillmarkaðurinn or Grillmarket is a popular restaurant in Reykjavik that works closely with local farmers to guarantee the very best in local produce which creates a menu that´s a magical fusion of tradition and modern cuisine. They strive to highlight the origin of each product while using fire, smoke, fire logs and coal. The outcome is an unexpected and exciting culinary treat where Icelandic heritage and the modern age meet. This was our first dinner choice while visiting the city.
The interior was a cool mix of rustic stones and wood with modern elements in metal and lighting. The smell of the charcoal grill was prominent and set the mood. Thought traditional Icelandic fare such as whale and puffin were on the menu, we decided to ease our way in. Keith ordered a local craft beer while I enjoyed the natural glacial spring water and a glass of white wine.
First, we were served complimentary housemade bread with an assortment of butters - one with volcanic salt, one made of skyr, and one made of seaweed salt. They were all great.
To start, we shared the
Grilled King Crab Legs with dulse from Hraunsós, citrus butter and grilled lemon. The flavor was sweet and the meat was tender.
For Keith's main dish, he chose the
Grilled Reindeer with smoked pork belly, creamy mushrooms, red cabbage and redcurrant-chocolate sauce, topped with "snow". The meat was lean akin to bison.
I chose the
Fish Gourmet - a combination of cod with apple fennel slaw, salmon with a miso glaze, and flounder served with garlic potatoes and mushroom glaze. All three were incredibly fresh and had unique flavor profiles.
All in all our fist Scandinavian meal was enjoyable though quite pricey, as is typical throughout Reykjavik.
Total Rating:
4.25
Food: 5, Price: 2, Service: 4, Ambience: 4.5, Accessibility: 5
