Sjávargrillið is a two-level Icelandic seafood and grill restaurant at Skólavörðustígur 14, 101 Reykjavík, in the city-centre Þingholt area. Open since 2011 on the corner of Skólavörðustígur and Óðinsgata, it draws diners for grilled Icelandic ingredients, international spice-led cooking and an interior made with reclaimed materials that gives a distinctly local setting to lunch and dinner.
What to Expect at Sjávargrillið
The kitchen focuses on seafood and grilled Icelandic dishes, using fresh ingredients and pronounced spice blends rather than a strictly traditional, minimalist Nordic approach. Menus are divided into lunch, dinner, desserts, drinks and wine, making this a useful choice whether you want a daytime meal between sights or a longer evening dinner. The cooking reflects Iceland’s fishing culture while bringing in international flavours, so seafood is the central reason to come, with grilled preparations forming the restaurant’s identity.
Its atmosphere is as considered as its food. Sjávargrillið occupies two floors, with corrugated-iron sheets repurposed from the old fish-processing house in Flatey on Skjálfandi Bay and driftwood from Héðinsfjörður used in the décor. Those materials give the dining rooms a warm, weathered character tied to Icelandic coastal life. The restaurant says it aims to accommodate differing dietary needs; mention allergies, vegetarian requirements or gluten concerns when reserving so the kitchen can advise on suitable current options.
- Grilled Icelandic seafood: The core culinary focus is seafood prepared on the grill, with locally rooted ingredients and layered seasonings.
- International spice blends: Expect Icelandic produce interpreted with bolder global flavour combinations rather than only classic regional seasoning.
- Lunch and dinner menus: Weekday lunch service provides a central-city dining option, while dinner is served every day.
- Reclaimed coastal materials: Corrugated sheets from an old Flatey fish house and Héðinsfjörður driftwood shape the restaurant’s visual identity.
- Wine, drinks and desserts: Separate drinks, wine and dessert menus make it easy to extend dinner beyond the main course.
Sjávargrillið at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Skólavörðustígur 14, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland |
| Neighborhood / Area | Þingholt, Reykjavík city centre; corner of Skólavörðustígur and Óðinsgata |
| Operating Hours | Mon–Fri 11:30am–2:30pm and 5–10pm; Sat–Sun 5–10pm |
| Admission / Price Range | No admission; $$$ restaurant, with food and drinks priced at an upscale Reykjavík dining level |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2 hours for dinner; about 1 hour for lunch |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | About a 12-minute walk from Hlemmur bus hub; paid city-centre street parking is available nearby |
| Official Website & Phone | sjavargrillid.is & +354 571 1100 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve ahead for dinner, especially on Friday and Saturday, when the compact central dining room is most in demand. An early 5pm table is a practical choice before the evening rush; weekday lunch is the option for a more time-efficient meal. Book through the restaurant’s official website and flag dietary needs at the time of booking. Smart casual clothing is appropriate, and a meal here fits naturally after exploring the boutiques and design shops on Skólavörðustígur.
Reykjavík has no metro or tram; Hlemmur is the closest major Strætó bus interchange, roughly 900 metres east, while central stops around Lækjargata are also walkable. Drivers should allow time for paid street-parking restrictions in the centre rather than expecting a dedicated restaurant lot. The premises extend across two floors, so guests using wheelchairs, strollers or with limited mobility should request an entry-level table and discuss step-free access when booking. Hallgrímskirkja is about five minutes uphill on foot, Laugavegur’s shopping and dining street is four minutes away, and the Reykjavík Art Museum–Hafnarhús is around a 12-minute walk downhill toward the harbour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sjávargrillið’s hours, and when is the best time to go?
Lunch runs Monday through Friday from 11:30am to 2:30pm, followed by dinner from 5pm to 10pm. On Saturday and Sunday, dinner is served from 5pm to 10pm. Arrive at opening for a calmer dinner or choose weekday lunch for a shorter central Reykjavík stop.
How expensive is Sjávargrillið, and should I reserve?
This is a $$$ restaurant, with an upscale Reykjavík price level for a seafood-focused meal, wine and desserts. There is no entry fee. Reservations are strongly recommended for evening dining, particularly on weekends; use the official website for the current menu and table availability.
How long should I plan for a meal?
Allow about 90 minutes to two hours for dinner if you are ordering drinks and dessert. A weekday lunch can work in approximately an hour, making it convenient before walking up to Hallgrímskirkja or along Skólavörðustígur.
Is Sjávargrillið suitable for dietary needs and guests with limited mobility?
The restaurant welcomes varied dietary requirements, but advance notice gives the kitchen the best chance to guide your order. The dining space is arranged over two levels; request ground-level seating when booking if stairs are a concern. Families are welcome, though the evening experience is best suited to diners ready for a full sit-down meal.
When planning your Reykjavik travel guide or browsing verified icelandic restaurant in Reykjavik, pair this stop with standout local spots including The Icelandic Phallological Museum (Hið Íslenzka Reðasafn), Hotel Reykjavík Grand, Hotel Borg by Keahotels, and Rammagerdin (nearby).
