Austur-Indíafélagið — Restaurant in Reykjavik

Disclaimer: I didn’t get chance to taste their food (thus added second star for courtesy). But my initial experience left sour taste. The manager/reception person was extremely arrogant and rude. We arrived without reservation (yes didn’t know Iceland’s busy schedule), but we’re well early to arrive.

We were given extremely high regards of their food from friend so we made it a must stop on our trip. Yet, as we walked in to ask if we had reservation. The manager immediately changed his look and tone. Perhaps he didn’t like his own Indian decent people. Yet instead of turning us away with friendly tone he responded with a such rude demeanor. My wife asked him nicely if he can take us later in the day perhaps one to two hours later..his response “no I can’t take you.” We asked perhaps we can come tomorrow (Sunday) at their time of preference. Response “no”. These were a very simple questions we asked without any other argument. So we were like perhaps we can do take out, he’s like it’ll take an hour or more for take out; we aren’t sure when it can be ready for you.

Lastly, before being saddened to leave place, we asked if there was any other recommendations either Indian or vegetarian places he can recommend. The managers response was “no I don’t know any, you can check online”.

BTw, while all discussion was going around. Another perhaps a lower level staff on background pointed to two separate tables in a corner to say perhaps they can seat us there. Yet the manager (again perhaps wasn’t appropriate of his own Indian decent people) says no. So it wasn’t like they didn’t have place for us, but it was more being racist.

We did like the aroma and decor of the place. But such arrogant manager welcoming people was reason I had to write this review. If he has happily turned us away I would have not written anything. Note, after walking around and nicely turned away by multiple restaurants. We got to Gandhi Indian restaurant, the manager was amazing who had same issue as this one regarding reservation and space. He was very kind and friendly to give us alternative, and saw sadness in our faces and asked us to come an hour later to seat us. The manager here isn’t even an owner, yet he treated place...

As the Icelandic evenings draw in, there's a warm glow emanating from the heart of Reykjavík – it's Austur-Indíafélagið, a culinary jewel where the spices of India meet the cool composure of Iceland. A place where the Murgh Makhani isn't just buttery, it's a velvety revolution on a plate, perfectly paired with garlic naan that whispers secrets of the tandoor. And if that's not enough to tantalize, they serve you a whole bottle of Jack to mix with your diet Pepsi, because here, generosity is the daily special.

My better half, in an act of culinary wanderlust, indulged in the Lamb Biryani – a dish where each grain of rice tells a story of distant lands, all while sipping on the Holi Mango, a drink that's not just a beverage, but a liquid festival.

Our companion, an adventurer in the realm of char-grilled delights, embarked on a journey with the Murgh Kebab, a testament to the tandoor's smoky whispers.

Service? Imagine the friendliest Viking descendant with a PhD in hospitality, who doesn't just serve you, but also educates you on pronouncing Grundarfjörður with a finesse that could only be rivaled by the elves of Icelandic lore.

And the ambiance? Imagine dining under a constellation of eclectic lanterns, where each light seems to dance to the rhythm of Icelandic sagas and Indian epics. The wooden interiors, reminiscent of a Viking longhouse meets Mughal palace, radiate warmth and mystery.

In the heart of Iceland's capital, Austur-Indíafélagið isn't just a restaurant; it's a voyage to the spice-laden coasts of India from the volcanic shores of Iceland. A five-star odyssey for the senses, where the food arrives swift as a Nordic gale and every bite is a saga...

If I can rate this restaurant any higher I would! I have been waiting 6 months to eat here. Six months- I traveled all the way from America, and this place was a HUGE highlight for me. My husband and I kinda ran in as we were late for our reservation- the staff all greeted us immediately not mentioning our tardiness. The second I sat down and opened the menu I read “ 7 course tasting menu” and that was all I needed to know! I made my husband put down his menu too cause we were ordering the tasting menu!! I’m no stranger to Indian food, but it is hard to come by good quality ingredients as well as traditional cooking technique where I am in the Midwest. I have been hearing about the spin to flavor Iceland gives these traditional Indian dishes and I was ELATED to try it! ( I’m a foodie if you couldn’t tell) The food was divine!!!! All of it. I couldn’t tell you the names of these dishes but man I wish I could experience it all over again ( and I may just go back before I leave ) The staff was on top of it! We were checked on several times by multiple different staff members each one watching as I cleaned my plate course after course. I failed to take a few photos because I was too anxious to try it. Dessert was a pistachio icecream and oh man- chefs freaking kiss! So so good! The salmon course was most unique and my oh may. Never have I ever had salmon cooked like that. It was incredible!!! The chicken and the veggies and the lamb and the naan- it was HEAVEN. I genuinely enjoyed my experience here and I hope...