Veitingastaðurinn Ráin — Restaurant in Reykjanesbær

First, this location changed ownership - I don't know how long ago. So... Um. Not sure what the previous people did, but I love these owners.

It isn't often that I save a review for last because I would be writing WAY too long otherwise. Rain looks like an old Irish bar from the outside - and in fact there is a section dedicated to a sports bar. Then you go around the corner and see the extravagant dining hall with incredible views. The interior follows a British design, bathrooms downstairs, etc. The Irish pub looks like a pub with wooden beams and all. The dining area seems like it could easily host a battalion in style and comfort. We arrived on a day that the dining area was booked for a party. We didn't really know this. However, we were hungry and it seems that people that desire food past 7pm are weird in Iceland so we headed out to follow the 6pm rush? You know, I never did figure out when the rush was. This odd location told us that food wouldn't be available until 7. We shrugged, it already smelled incredible in there so we would wait - besides footie was on in the pub. We met the most wonderful people (being weirdos that walk up to strangers and ask to sit at their table). It was a grand time. Then we finally moved to the dining area and started to understand that we had been invited by the hosts of a private function to join them when the owners asked if the travelling Canadians could dine. Well! I never would have ordered the feast put before us and I can attest to the chef here being delightful. The chef came by our table often to explain the delights put before us. In a pure accident of luck we were able to try everything Icelandic (and I think some Dutch was snuck in there). Local lamb (evenly marbled - right to the edges and so soft. I'm a fan of Alberta lamb, but this did taste better), beef (seemed to be grass fed), pork (again, more evening marbled - not quite sure how you do that with pork), salmon (nice and clean - tasted just like Salmon in upper BC), lightly and heavily pickled herring (I fell in love. I liked pickled herring already, but the lightly pickled here was much better than I can find at home, incredibly fresh, and I loved the take on the spices), herring and other local (and probably fresh caught) fish with Icelandic sauce (most Icelandic sauces contain mayo, a touch of heat, and a spice suitable to the dish - such as dill), a sweet marshmallow 'salad' (much less sweet than the British/Canadian equivalent - I believe because they use Skyr, which is a take on yogourt that is different enough you wouldn't want to get confused), Iceland geyser bread (a fairly dense rye bread, but tastes so much better - missing the bitter edge somehow - and is usually cooked in the volcanic ash, Rúgbrauð), several other fish and crustaceans, and deserts to die for (which I thought I would by the time I ate them, I was so full). I missed a ton of items, I have to admit, but those were the highlights. Not one dish disappointed - little did they know that they were offering their delights to foodies, so I honestly would tell you if I didn't like the preparation or seasoning. Incredible find and if I ever am back I hope to hunt down this chef again. Thank you and thank you to the party that chose to take us in for their holiday meal! Even more thanks for dropping by often to talk about the food, the area, and even work with our friend that we picked up at the bar to translate a few...

Disappointing. The food came super cold, we told the waitress and she sent it back to the kitchen. They just put the plate in the microwave ( even with the salad, I could feel the tomato a little bit warm ) but it came back cold yet. We complained again and she said it was like that, normal. Ridiculous, cold fish. As it was cold, it was obvious it had been prepared in advance, they just placed it on a plate. It was an important moment for us. So. We went for a nice dinner in a nice place, I wouldn't say it was a cheap dinner and we got completely disappointed. They just ruined our special dinner. The waitress was friendly and talkative, the place is fancy and beautiful. But we really hated the food and the service. I guess as they don't have regular customers, they just don't care. We'll never go back to...

We spent an hour or so here in September 2018 during a 6-hour layover at Keflavik airport. Very nice establishment with friendly and knowledgeable staff. I ordered two strong beers with lunch, and the waiter spaced them out just enough to keep me reasonably sober. Not overpriced.

Ráin features a gorgeous view of the ocean from tables right next to perfect picture windows. If you have just five or six hours to kill at the airport, don’t miss a visit to downtown Keflavik. The cab rides both ways are reasonably priced and quick. Everyone seems to speak perfect English. The little shops are tourist oriented but tons of fun. If you only have a few hours in Iceland, my recommendation is to not spend them traveling to and from Reykjavík, but to relax and enjoy Keflavik, just minutes from...