RUB23 Restaurant
RUB23 is one of Akureyri's best restaurants, known for its inventive twist on Japanese-inspired cuisine using fresh North Iceland seafood and locally sourced in…
About
About RUB23 Restaurant
RUB23 is one of Akureyri's best restaurants, known for its inventive twist on Japanese-inspired cuisine using fresh North Iceland seafood and locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant also features an outdoor hot tub for diners to use.
Akureyri's best seafood — choose your fish and 'rub' preparation, plus excellent sushi in modern harbor setting.
Background
History & Background
This site in North Iceland 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.
RUB23 is located in central Akureyri. Menu: - Fresh Icelandic fish (choose fish + rub) - Sushi and sashimi - Meat options - Creative cocktails Rub options: - Asian (soy, ginger, garlic) - Mediterranean (olive oil, herbs) - Jamaican jerk - Classic (butter, lemon) Price: Mains ~5,000-8,000 ISK Atmosphere: Modern, harbor building Reservations: Recommended Open: Dinner daily Address: Kaupvangsstræti 6, Akureyri
Folklore
Story & Folklore
RUB23 revolutionized Akureyri dining when it opened. The concept is simple: pick your fish (salmon, Arctic char, cod, monkfish) and choose your preparation 'rub' (Asian, Mediterranean, Jamaican spices, etc.). The result is fresh Icelandic fish with creative flavors. Also excellent sushi using Icelandic fish. The restaurant occupies a renovated harbourside building with modern Scandinavian interior. It's become North Iceland's go-to date-night and celebration restaurant. Reservations recommended. Prices mid-to-high (~5,000-8,000 ISK mains).
Local Legend
The Lagarfljót Wyrm
The lakes and rivers of North and East Iceland are said to harbor the Lagarfljótsormurinn, a fearsome serpent similar to Scotland's Loch Ness Monster. According to legend, a young girl placed a gold ring on a heath serpent to make it grow, but the creature grew so large and fierce that she threw it into Lagarfljót lake. The serpent continued to grow and has terrorized the area for centuries. Sightings have been reported well into the modern era, with some photographs and videos purporting to show the creature. Whether real or imagined, the legend reflects Iceland's deep connection to its watery landscapes and the mysteries they hold.
Experiences
Tours Near RUB23 Restaurant
Best-rated Iceland experiences — book with free cancellation
Culture
Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Akureyri
Akureyri is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Ljósvetninga saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Kaupangur
Kaupangur: A Viking marketplace where sagas of trade and conflict unfold.
Oddeyri
Oddeyri is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Ljósvetninga saga, Víga-Glúms saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Sigluvík
Sigluvík is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Víga-Glúms saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Explore
Hidden Gems Nearby
✦ 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Location
📍 Location
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