About

Sjávargrillið (Seafood Grill) is a small, intimate seafood restaurant located in central Reykjavík at Skólavörðustígur 14. The restaurant opened in 2012 and is run by chef Þráinn Freyr Vigfússon, who built a reputation for creative, daily-changing seafood menus. The restaurant's defining characteristic is its flexibility: the menu is written fresh each day based on what is available from local fishermen and suppliers. This approach ensures maximum freshness and supports sustainable fishing practices. Typical offerings include: - Icelandic cod, haddock, and halibut - Langoustine and scallops - Arctic char and salmon - Monkfish and wolffish - Lobster (when available) The cooking style is modern Icelandic with international influences, often incorporating Asian and Mediterranean techniques. Presentation is artistic but not overly fussy. The restaurant is small — seating only 34 guests — creating an intimate, personal dining experience. The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, with exposed brick walls and simple décor that lets the food take center stage. Sjávargrillið has been consistently praised by Icelandic food critics and international visitors. It's considered one of Reykjavík's best seafood-focused restaurants. Reservations are essential, especially in summer. The restaurant offers both à la carte and tasting menu options.

📖 Story

Sjávargrillið means 'Seafood Grill,' but that simple name hides a restaurant philosophy: serve only what's freshest that day. The chef doesn't decide the menu until morning, when the fishing boats return and the day's catch is known. Cod, haddock, monkfish, langoustine, scallops, Arctic char — whatever is best becomes dinner. This commitment to freshness and seasonality has made Sjávargrillið one of Reykjavík's most respected seafood restaurants, intimate and focused, with just a dozen tables and a single chef crafting each dish.

Key Facts