OTO — Restaurant in Reykjavik

Okay, that's going to be a long one. I was asked to write my opinion, so I'll do it honestly. In general, the look of the restaurant was really good—sophisticated design and atmosphere. The waitress was so nice and kind, responding to all of our questions, of which we had plenty, so bravo to her for her patience. But! There were a few that she didn't know, so she even learned about some stuff regarding the food and products. The food, I would say, was really good—very nice level of cooking, but there were some issues that I didn't like. I mean, in general, it was fine, good, but it could be better in my opinion. We ordered regular dishes, not a degustation menu, because it was a bit different from the regular one. But I guess maybe it was because in the kitchen I didn't see a head chef; I saw kind of young people, probably interns or people who are starting their journey in the kitchen, which is probably why the dishes weren't as finished and as good as they could be.

We had Japanese bread, which was okay, tasty, soft, and the butter with miso paste was so interesting, regarding the combination of flavors. Then the burrata—that was so good, light, fresh, and with a bit of sweetness flavor, that was really good. Then the skewers—those were amazing! I loved the consistency, structure, and softness of the meat. Then the scallop with Italian cheese—I think that's not a good dish. I think the cheese covers the flavor of the scallop and it was a bit too salty, but it looked good on the seashells of St. Jack scallop. Then the lobster—that was good. Lobster itself is delicious, and it goes well with Italian sides (sauce and garnish), but I think it could be more Icelandic in style. Then we had anelotti (Italian dumplings), and I think they were very good in general, but the dough was too hard, a bit too thick, it was not al dente, but too short boiled. However, the sauce was so delicious; I loved it. Also, the filling inside was good, with good flavor. And in the end—tiramisu, that was really good. The structure and consistency were really good, maybe a little bit too much of pistachios, but that's probably how the chef wants it. It was so soft, not overloaded with cream; I could feel the mascarpone, and the shape was really good served, because it was like a separated piece. Also, I have to add that the drinks were very well served. They looked very good, sophisticated, and elegant. In general, I would say that it's a very good restaurant with a very big potential, but these little errors, for me, make a difference. I would come...

I wanted to like it. There's been a some hype around this restaurant. As it usually is, unfortunately this was a bad sign. I did not feel it was good value for money. It's an interesting concept but it's missing the mark for the prices they are charging. It might be novel in Iceland but if you are visiting from a major international city you will probably be underwhelmed.

The food is pretty good and it is tasty but it is overpriced for what it is. It's not as interesting as I was expecting from Italian-Japanese fusion. A couple of things were delightful but mostly I was left feeling a bit underwhelmed, mostly by the portion sizes but also by some of the execution of the dishes. It is a challenge to serve pasta at this price bracket and the challenge wasn't quite met. I arrived reasonably hungry and my hunger was only just about sated by the end of the tasting menu, when usually it doesn't take much at all to take the edge off my hunger. For the majority of the second half of the meal we were discussing whether we would need to get a pylsur after the meal! Also the cocktails are not worth the price being charged just because of some jazzy blend with exotic Japanese ingredients that ultimately comes out... just a cocktail.

The service was unfortunately the nail in the coffin. Impersonal, casual, lacking in the standard I've come to expect for Iceland at these prices. We did not feel welcomed. It took too long for menus to arrive and for our orders to be taken. Why bring only the wine menu and the food menu later? What if we want to order drinks to compliment our food? Food was way too slow: the table next to us was served 3 courses in the space of time it took for us to get one and this was later in the evening when the restaurant had emptied significantly. The staff realised their error before we could raise it with them, and we were proactively comped our bottle of wine for it, but personally I would have preferred to pay for the wine and feel like I was actually valued as a customer. At the end of it all the staff didn't seem to care. I was left feeling like it was all a bit of a waste of time and money.

All the other restaurants I've eaten at in this price bracket in Reykjavík have been a better experience and better value for money. We should have gone to something we knew would be good. I will not be recommending OTO to my colleagues...

OTO is a culinary gem that has quickly become a must-visit spot in Reykjavík. The combination of Italian and Japanese flavors might seem unconventional, but OTO pulls it off with finesse, creating a unique and memorable dining experience.

Upon entering OTO, you are greeted by a modern and inviting ambiance. The restaurant's interior is a blend of contemporary Icelandic design with subtle nods to both Italian and Japanese culture, creating a cozy yet cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Now, onto the food – it's truly exceptional. The menu at OTO is a carefully curated selection of dishes that beautifully marry the two culinary traditions. Start your culinary journey with their signature sushi pizza, a mouthwatering fusion of fresh sashimi and Italian-style thin crust. It's a delightful explosion of flavors and textures.

For main courses, the options are equally impressive. The homemade pasta dishes, infused with Japanese ingredients and techniques, are a revelation. Don't miss the Miso Carbonara or the Sake-infused Pappardelle – they are nothing short of exquisite.

The attention to detail in every dish is evident, and the use of high-quality ingredients is commendable. Whether you're a fan of Italian classics or a sushi aficionado, OTO caters to a wide range of palates.

The dessert menu is equally enticing. Try the Matcha Tiramisu, a brilliant fusion of the classic Italian dessert with Japanese green tea flavors – it's a delightful ending to a memorable meal.

The service at OTO is attentive and knowledgeable, with staff who are passionate about the food they serve. The wine and sake selection complements the menu perfectly, and the staff can recommend pairings that enhance your dining experience.

In summary, OTO in Reykjavík is a culinary adventure that takes your taste buds on a delightful journey through the fusion of Italian and Japanese cuisine. With its stylish ambiance, innovative dishes, and attentive service, OTO is a standout restaurant in the vibrant Reykjavík dining scene. Whether you're a local or a visitor, OTO is a dining experience you won't want to...