When I first visited Litli Barinn in June 2024, I left with a lasting impression of creativity. There were so many inventive dishes on the menu, using Icelandic, locally sourced ingredients, presented with easy simplicity.
That first visit to Litli Barinn was with coworkers and ended up becoming one of my favorite evenings out in Reykjavik that summer, as it was simply such a delightful surprise.
Now, more than a year later, Litli Barinn has really gained a reputation for being one of the top restaurants in Reykjavik, while still maintaining the charm of a casual local hangout spot with pretty affordable prices.
So when I heard that Litli Barinn had launched a brand-new menu, I knew it was time to return, and this time, it was for a date night on a relaxed Thursday evening.
Litli Barinn at a Glance
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Best for: Casual date nights, a laid-back weekday dinner, relaxing with a great cocktail, or for anyone looking for a cozy neighborhood experience in central Reykjavik.
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Atmosphere: Cozy, casual, local, candlelit.
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Price range: Starters between 1,600-2,900 ISK, most mains between 3,000-4,000 ISK, desserts between 1,400-2,900 ISK.
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Open: Daily from 3 PM to 10:30 PM. Happy hour from 3 PM to 6 PM.
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Address: Ranargata 4a, 101 Reykjavik.
A Familiar Welcome at Litli Barinn
Litli Barinn is hidden away on Ranargata Street, on the ground floor of Local 101 Hotel. It's just a few minutes’ walk from the busy Ingolfstorg Square, inside a residential neighborhood.
The bar’s cozy glow welcomed us in from the chilly October weather, and the homey local vibe is something you sense right away upon entering.
The flickering candlelight and the soft yellow tones reflecting off the rain-streaked windows set the perfect autumn mood. Laufey’s melodic voice floated through the speakers, followed by other Icelandic favorites, giving the evening a relaxed, familiar feel.
Around us, locals unwound after work, chatted over a drink, with a couple in the corner playing a quiet board game. It's the kind of understated coziness that makes Litli Barinn feel a bit like home.
The Litli Barinn Menu: A Feast of New Flavors
We had a seat in the corner by the window and started our night with a round of drinks. I went for a colorful, refreshing Spritz, while my husband, on my recommendation from my previous visit, chose the Spicy Margarita.
He quickly confirmed that it lived up to the hype.
Taking a look at the menu, I was happy to see some familiar favourites remained, like the confit tomatoes, the lamb sausage, and most importantly, the oven-baked brie, which I had been dreaming about for months. You can learn more about these dishes in my first visit review of Litli Barinn.
Tonight, however, was about the new flavors on offer, and we decided to go all in and share as many plates as possible.
Cured Arctic Char
The cured Arctic char arrived first, creamy yet bright, the subtle smokiness balanced perfectly by the tart burst of berries. It was served with rich Icelandic rye bread, or "rúgbrauð", with some butter, playing on Icelandic traditional flavors in inventive ways.
That wouldn’t be the last time we’d see that theme, but this small dish started the evening with a bang and is highly recommended.
Oven Baked Brie
Of course, I couldn’t resist revisiting the oven-baked brie, a dish I loved the first time I had tried it and was excited to share. It didn’t disappoint.
The molten cheese was rich and smooth, topped with honey and berries that added a beautiful balance of sweetness, and served with warm, freshly baked bread. Simple, decadent, and delicious.
Fresh Caesar Salad
Next came the Caesar salad, the first main. It was crisp and flavorful, a classic done perfectly. The fresh salad coated in just the right amount of dressing, layered with umami and crunch, and the chicken packed with flavor.
I’d happily order it again, especially paired with a glass of dry white wine.
After the two smaller dishes and the fresh first main, it was time for the heartier plates.
Mushroom Risotto
The mushroom risotto, made with Icelandic mushrooms, was lush and creamy, with a delicate earthiness perfect for autumn. The subtle purple and green hues from the herbs on top added a whimsical touch, and every bite felt like comfort in a bowl. It was one of my favourites of the evening.
Eggplant Parmigiana
Now, for one of the stars of the night, the eggplant parmigiana. It featured layers of eggplant with marinara, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, served with fresh bread.
It scored very high on my list, and this dish was my husband’s absolute favorite. He immediately declared it the best dish and called it “Super fresh… and with the toasted bread? Super good.”
He’s now determined to try recreating it at home, which I feel says it all.
Both dishes of these mains happened to be vegetarian, and there’s even a vegan version of the parmigiana available upon request.
At this point, we took a short break before the final main course and ordered another round of drinks.
I tried the Rhubarb on Lemon cocktail. It was sweet, but not overly so, and perfectly refreshing before the evening’s finale. My husband switched to a glass of Montepulciano, the house red wine, which ended up pairing nicely with the last dish.
Icelandic Lamb Shank
The nostalgic grand finale of the evening was the Icelandic lamb shank. It was tender and perfectly cooked, paired with a salty, rich wine sauce. It was beautifully plated with mashed potatoes, green peas, carrots, and pickled red onions.
The colors were lovely, with pink, green, red, and yellow all on one plate, and there were subtle surprises, like the depth of flavor in the caramelized carrots.
In many ways, it felt like a reinvention of a classic Icelandic lamb roast, paired with the potatoes, peas, and sauce, with the red pickled onion replacing the traditional pickled red cabbage.
It felt thoughtful and nostalgic while bringing some new, playful flavors to the table.
We lingered as the rain continued to fall outside, taking a moment to breathe. The atmosphere in the little restaurant had mellowed further. The candlelight and modern but warm LED lights in the windows were the main source of glow as darkness wrapped the city.
The Sweet Surprise of the Night
At this point, it was time to wrap things up with dessert. I went for a chamomile tea from Te & Kaffi, soothing and fragrant, while my husband enjoyed a strong espresso that paired nicely with the sweeter flavors.
As there were two new options on the dessert menu, we joined forces to try them both, splitting them between us even though there really wasn't much space left.
Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Simply put, the banana bread was the star for me. The sweet banana, airy cream, crunchy nuts, and small chunks of chocolate throughout made it a true standout.
To share my unedited notes from the night, after the first bite, I had scribbled: “The banana stuff is the clear winner omg”
Chocolate Lava Cake
The chocolate lava cake, too, was excellent. Warm, aromatic, and served with quality vanilla ice cream and pistachio shavings.
It was pure comfort, especially alongside tea, though admittedly overshadowed by how great the banana bread was.
If you get the chance, go for both desserts (or even more if you can). I was tempted to name this entire review simply “Go for the banana bread,” but that wouldn’t have been entirely fair to the other great dishes we tried this evening.
It shouldn’t have come as a surprise how good the desserts were.
During my last visit to Litli Barinn, I had a slice of their vegan chocolate cake, which I boldly declared the best in Reykjavik. I might need to return soon to see if that claim still holds up… and, of course, for another serving of that banana bread.
Whether you’re visiting for a full dinner or just stopping by for an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, Litli Barinn is always a great choice.
They’re open daily from 3 PM to 10:30 PM, with happy hour from 3 PM to 6 PM, and their central location makes it an easy stop while exploring downtown Reykjavik.
Final Thoughts on the Little Local Restaurant
Returning to Litli Barinn felt like visiting an old friend, one who has grown more confident, creative, and sure of itself with time.
The bar still carries that same cozy neighborhood charm that first made it stand out, with its focus on local ingredients and affordably priced dishes. But the kitchen has clearly evolved, refining its flavors while embracing bold new ideas.
The food is excellent, the atmosphere intimate and sincere, and the service effortlessly warm.
Whether it’s a casual night with friends or a romantic date on a rainy Reykjavik evening, Litli Barinn remains one of the city’s most charming restaurants. And with its new menu, it’s better than ever.
Conclusion: The new Litli Barinn menu is full of creativity and flavor, and it remains one of the best value restaurants in Reykjavik. We had such a lovely evening at Litli Barinn, with the cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and inventive menu. Don't miss out on this lovely local spot.
