Höfnin Restaurant — Restaurant in Reykjavik

Eating in Iceland is ridiculously expensive, particularly if you come for a less wealthy country, so unless you are made out of money, I recommend choosing wisely where you'll spend it. This restaurant was our choice, and I believe it should be yours too. Höfnin was recommended to us by the manager at the hostel we were lodging as it was a family run locale overlooking the harbour and with excellent Icelandic classics. Although the view to the harbour is rather mundane and almost unappealing, the manager was absolutely right on all other accounts. The staff is efficient and very helpful; the menu, although it includes some odd dishes and the umpteenth mangling on paella, has a couple of extremely well executed key items of Icelandic cuisine. Even though it has been lauded as the second worst cuisine in the world, everyone should taste a Plokkfiskur (Fish stew) like the one here. As a free entrée we had some nice warm bread and excellent butter, as a dessert we had a skyr and strawberry cup, quite big and refreshing. Life is expensive in Iceland, you might as well make it worthwhile with places like Höfnin,...

We made a same day reservation and glad we did as the place was packed. The owner greeted us and was very friendly and accommodating in making sure we were happy with our seat. The view upstairs was stunning with a huge window of the harbor. The service was a bit slow but we understood there were few staff and big crowds. We enjoyed the fresh bread and rye butter. AllThe Basil cocktail was a bit weak but tasty. The seafood soup was outstanding, so fresh and creamy and flavorful. Essence of the sea. All of our dishes were presented well, tasty and the portions were satisfying. However our whole evening was made delightful by our waitstaff ,( i didn't get a name but have his picture) he was happy, fast, friendly and went the extra mile to tell us about secret tourist spots. He was interested in our travels and wanted to show off his country. It was a great first meal because of him in Reykjavik. He made sure we were well taken care of at all times, apologizing for the wait etc. All in all we had a great experience at Hofnin and happy we visited. The quality of the food and cooking speaks...

The by far the best so far in Iceland.

I had the cured reindeer for the starter, seasoned perfectly, and an amazing combination of flavours, from raspberry, Parmesan and salad, complimented the subtlety of the flavours and texture of the meat.

For the main, I had the lobster with deep grilled cat fish cheeks, with a mushroom risotto, cooked to perfection. I always make an on risotto at home, but I wish I could make it as good as this, tasty, well balanced flavours, not over seasoned, just fantastic.

My table had a view of the harbour, they dimmed the lights down low, and played music from my fathers generation, with the soft voices of many crooners of that time, when Nat King Cole came on, I didn’t want to leave.

If you are in Reykjavik, go down to the harbour and eat at this restaurant, you won’t be...