Apotek Kitchen + Bar serves modern Icelandic cuisine and award-winning cocktails inside the storied Apotekið building — once Reykjavík's main pharmacy. The pharmacy-inspired drinks menu, handmade patisserie, and grand interior set it apart from every other restaurant in town.
Apotek Kitchen + Bar is a fantastic restaurant on Austurstraeti Street in the heart of Reykjavik, offering a diverse menu, artisan desserts, and an innovative cocktail selection. Booking your table at Apotek Kitchen in advance is recommended.
Apotek Kitchen + Bar is also one of the dining spots featured in Guide to Iceland's VIP Club.
The Historic Building
Photo from Apotek Hotel
The Apotek restaurant is located in Austurstraeti 16, an iconic building in the city center designed by state architect Guðjón Samúelsson (1887-1950). It was built in 1917 and was one of the first large concrete buildings in Iceland! Today, it also houses the 4-star Apotek Hotel Reykjavik.
The interior of the building has been well preserved, with decorated high ceilings, large arched windows, and towering stone pillars. The Apotek restaurant also draws its name from this history, as the building used to house an apothecary.
Dinner Menu Highlights
Apotek is known for its diverse and delicious menu featuring dishes like rack of lamb and tiger shrimp salad. The starters also deserve a special mention, as they're some of the must-try items on the menu, such as the arctic char on a Himalayan salt block and the "Icelandic landscape" lamb tartar!
With many great options to choose from, it can be a good idea to try the multi-course menus, as you'll get to try the whole range of flavors on offer.
Photo from Apotek Kitchen + Bar.
If you're in need of something sweet after your meal, you're in for a treat, as Apotek has a truly special patisserie! Their artisan desserts offer a modern Icelandic take on traditional European methods and are a must-try.
Lunch, Afternoon Tea, and Cocktail
Photo from Apotek Kitchen + Bar. The Afternoon Tea at Apotek is delightful.
Apotek is also a great option for lunch or a special afternoon tea in Reykjavik, as they have a different and diverse menu. Above all, there are the cocktail options that elevate Apotek to the next level, which you can enjoy at your table or while relaxing at the lounge and bar.
They have a range of award-winning cocktails, all themed around the building's pharmaceutical history. The Dillagin cocktail is a favorite among regulars, but there are plenty more options to choose from.
Photo from Apotek Kitchen + Bar. The Dillagin cocktail is one of the most popular drinks at Apotek.
There is also a range of non-alcoholic cocktails, or "placebos" as they call them, so you don't have to miss out if you prefer to skip the alcohol.
Visit Apotek Kitchen + Bar
Include a visit to Apotek in your itinerary for a fantastic culinary experience. As this is one of the more popular restaurants in Reykjavik, make sure to book your table at Apotek Kitchen + Bar ahead of time, especially for a dinner visit!
