Capital Region
OX Restaurant
About OX Restaurant
Michelin-starred grill restaurant in Reykjavík specializing in Icelandic beef and open-fire cooking. Featuring locally sourced ingredients such as fresh seafood, free-range lamb, and unique Icelandic specialties, it offers visitors an authentic taste of the country. The dining experience is enhanced by the distinctive atmosphere and warm Icelandic hospitality. OX opened in 2016 as Reykjavík's first dedicated grill restaurant. The concept is simple: take Iceland's exceptional beef (grass-fed, raised in unpolluted pastures) and cook it perfectly over open flame. The kitchen uses charcoal, wood, and traditional grilling techniques combined with Nordic precision. In 2019, OX earned a Michelin star and has kept it every year since. The atmosphere is intimate and industrial — exposed brick, open kitchen, smoke and sizzle. Tasting menus feature Icelandic ingredients cooked with fire and smoke. Visitor Information: This site is located in Reykjavík, Iceland. As a restaurant, it provides visitors with a distinctive experience of Iceland's remarkable natural and cultural heritage. What to Expect: - A unique restaurant experience in one of Iceland's most scenic regions - Opportunities for photography and exploration - Connection to Iceland's natural landscape and cultural heritage - Accessible during the main tourist season (June-September) - Can be combined with other nearby attractions in Reykjavík Best Time to Visit: The site is most accessible during summer months (June-August) when daylight hours are longest and weather is mildest. However, each season offers its own unique character — winter brings possible Northern Lights, while spring and fall offer fewer crowds. Nearby: Explore other attractions in Reykjavík to make the most of your visit to this beautiful region of Iceland.
🐉 The Guardian Spirit of Reykjavík
Icelandic tradition holds that each of the four quarters of Iceland is protected by a landvættur — a guardian spirit. Reykjavík falls under the protection of the great bird (sometimes described as a griffin or eagle) that guards the southwest. According to the 13th-century Heimskringla, when the Danish king Harald Bluetooth sent a wizard to spy on Iceland in the shape of a whale, the guardian bird of the southwest drove him away with a great rush of wings. The four landvættir appear on Iceland's coat of arms to this day — the dragon, eagle, bull, and giant — representing the supernatural protection that Icelanders believe watches over their island.
📖 History of OX Restaurant
This site in Reykjavík is part of Iceland's evolving culinary scene. Traditional Icelandic cuisine was shaped by isolation and harsh conditions — preservation methods like smoking, fermenting, and drying were essential for survival through long winters. Dishes like hákarl (fermented shark), harðfiskur (dried fish), and hangikjöt (smoked lamb) reflect this heritage. The modern Icelandic restaurant scene has flourished since the late 20th century, blending traditional ingredients with international techniques. Today, Icelandic chefs celebrate local ingredients — Arctic char, lamb, skyr, and wild herbs — creating a distinctive New Nordic cuisine that honors the past while embracing innovation.
✈️ Why Visit
Michelin-starred Icelandic beef cooked over open fire — Nordic fine dining at its most primal and delicious.
💡 Did You Know?
OX earned a Michelin star in 2019 and has kept it every year — one of only a handful of Michelin restaurants in Iceland.
Key Facts
Michelin one-star (since 2019)
Open-fire & charcoal grill
Icelandic beef focus
Grandi harbor location
Reservations essential
💎 Hidden Gems
Best Time of Day
Visit this attraction during golden hour (the hour after sunrise or before sunset) for the most beautiful light.
Iceland's low-angle sunlight creates long shadows and warm colors that transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary ones.
Local Knowledge
Ask locals for their favorite nearby spots — Icelanders are friendly and love sharing recommendations.
The best experiences often come from local tips about lesser-known viewpoints, cafés, or hidden natural features.
Weather Changes
Don't leave if the weather is bad — wait 15 minutes and it often changes dramatically.
Iceland's rapidly changing weather can transform a gray scene into a spectacular display of light and clouds in minutes.
🕐 Best Time
Year-round; book ahead during summer peak season
🚗 Access
Located in towns and along main roads.
⏱ Duration
1-2 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation?▾
Reservations are recommended, especially during summer tourist season and weekends. Many restaurants accept online bookings.
What are the typical prices?▾
Dining in Iceland is generally expensive by international standards. Expect main courses to cost 3,000-6,000 ISK at most restaurants.
Do they have vegetarian options?▾
Most Icelandic restaurants offer vegetarian and often vegan options. Iceland's food scene has become increasingly diverse in recent years.
📍 GPS Location
Explore Tours Near OX Restaurant
Find guided tours, day trips and activities. Compare prices and book instantly with free cancellation.