Apotek Kitchen + Bar

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. This trendy downtown restaurant specializes in fresh seafood, lamb and local ingredients prepared with a modern twist.

It's located in a historic building and features a beautiful interior. Booking your table at Apotek Kitchen in advance is recommended.

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 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.

Apotek is known for its diverse and delicious menu featuring dishes like Icelandic rack of lamb, tiger shrimp salad, and mouth-watering dry-aged steaks. 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. If you don't have space after your delicious meal, simply request to take some with you to enjoy later!

Apotek is also a great option for lunch or a special afternoon tea in Reykjavik, as they have a different menu and affordable offers. On weekends, they also have a brunch menu, which is the perfect way to start a day of exploration.

Photo from Apotek Kitchen + Bar. The Afternoon Tea at Apotek is delightful.

Apotek has a great wine list, and your waiter can help you find the best pairing for your meal. However, it's 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, Don Estragon, and Hekla cocktails are favorites among regulars, but there are plenty more options to choose from. 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.

Photo from Apotek Kitchen + Bar. The Dillagin cocktail is one of the most popular drinks at Apotek.

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!