Dill Restaurant – Reykjavík

Dill Restaurant brings the flavours and traditions of Iceland to the fine-dining table through a distinctive New Nordic approach. Located on Laugavegur in central Reykjavík, the restaurant explores the relationship between food, nature and Icelandic heritage. Rather than relying on elaborate presentation alone, its kitchen focuses on ingredient quality, thoughtful preparation and combinations that allow local flavours to stand out.

Founded in 2009, Dill helped introduce a new direction for Icelandic gastronomy. Its cooking reflects the country's changing seasons and the ingredients available from local producers, fishermen and the surrounding countryside. Wild herbs, regional vegetables, Icelandic seafood and responsibly sourced meats can all play a role in the restaurant's evolving menus. The team also aims to reduce waste by using ingredients as completely as possible and finding creative uses for materials that might otherwise be discarded.

Dill is particularly suited to diners who appreciate tasting menus and want to discover Iceland beyond its famous landscapes. The experience is designed as a progression of dishes rather than a conventional meal built around a single main course. Guests can explore different textures, flavours and preparation methods while learning how Icelandic ingredients and traditions influence contemporary Nordic cooking.

The restaurant's interior combines a distinctive setting with a welcoming atmosphere, and its open-kitchen arrangement allows diners to feel closer to the cooking process. Reservations are recommended because the restaurant operates on selected evenings and offers a more intimate dining experience than a typical casual restaurant.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Dill Restaurant famous for?

Dill Restaurant is known for its innovative New Nordic cuisine, Icelandic ingredients and sustainability-focused approach to fine dining. Its menus reflect the country's landscape and seasonal produce, combining traditional food knowledge with contemporary culinary techniques. Instead of depending on imported luxury ingredients, the restaurant places considerable emphasis on what Iceland and its surrounding waters can provide. This philosophy makes dining at Dill an opportunity to experience Icelandic culture through carefully composed dishes.

2. Where is Dill Restaurant located?

Dill Restaurant is located at Laugavegur 59, on the second floor, in Reykjavík, Iceland. Laugavegur is one of the city's principal shopping and dining streets, making the restaurant convenient for visitors staying in central Reykjavík. Its location allows travellers to combine an evening meal with exploring downtown shops, cafés and cultural attractions. Guests should allow a little extra time to find the entrance and reach the restaurant's upstairs dining area.

3. What type of cuisine does Dill Restaurant serve?

Dill specialises in New Nordic cuisine, a style that emphasises seasonal ingredients, regional food traditions, simplicity and a close relationship with nature. At Dill, this approach is expressed through Icelandic seafood, local vegetables, wild herbs, carefully sourced meat and creative preparations inspired by the country's environment. The menu may incorporate preserving, fermenting, drying, smoking and other techniques that develop flavour while respecting the ingredients. The result is a contemporary interpretation of Icelandic food rather than a conventional international fine-dining menu.

4. What can guests expect from the tasting-menu experience at Dill?

Guests can generally expect a carefully sequenced meal in which individual courses build a broader story about Icelandic ingredients and culinary traditions. Rather than selecting a starter, main course and dessert from a large conventional menu, diners experience a progression of preparations created by the kitchen. Courses may vary in size, flavour and technique, introducing unfamiliar local ingredients alongside more recognisable foods. Guests should check the current menu and booking details to understand the available experience, course structure and any dietary limitations before reserving.

5. Does Dill Restaurant focus on sustainability?

Yes. Sustainability is a central part of Dill's culinary philosophy. The restaurant describes an approach that prioritises responsible sourcing, makes use of ingredients as fully as possible and seeks practical ways to reduce waste. Its sourcing principles include selecting fish species from Icelandic government-approved lists and using lower-impact fishing methods where possible. The team also looks for ways to transform food by-products into useful preparations, such as seasonings and miso. These practices connect the restaurant's cooking with wider questions about responsible food production and environmental care.

6. Who founded Dill Restaurant, and what is its culinary philosophy?

Dill was founded in 2009 by chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason, who helped establish a distinctive contemporary Icelandic dining identity. The restaurant's philosophy is rooted in exploring native ingredients and finding new ways to prepare them while respecting their origins. Its cooking draws inspiration from Iceland's countryside, local producers and traditional food practices. The kitchen aims to let ingredients express their natural character while using modern techniques to create surprising combinations and a memorable tasting experience.

7. Is Dill Restaurant suitable for tourists visiting Reykjavík?

Dill is an excellent option for travellers who want to explore Icelandic cuisine in greater depth. Visitors can discover how the country's natural environment influences ingredients, flavour combinations and cooking methods. Its central location makes it practical to include in a Reykjavík itinerary, particularly for travellers interested in food, design and local culture. Because it is a premium tasting-menu restaurant, guests should allow enough time for a leisurely meal and plan their evening around the reservation rather than treating the visit as a quick dinner stop.

8. How much does dining at Dill Restaurant cost?

Dill is a premium fine-dining restaurant, so visitors should budget more than they would for a casual Reykjavík meal. The overall cost depends on the current tasting menu, beverage selections, optional pairings and any additional courses. Iceland's restaurant prices can also be relatively high compared with many international destinations. As a general planning estimate, allow approximately US$150–250 per person, while recognising that the actual bill may fall outside this range. Check the current menu and booking terms before visiting.

9. Should guests make a reservation at Dill Restaurant?

Yes. Booking in advance is strongly recommended because Dill offers an intimate dining experience and operates on selected evenings rather than following a typical all-day restaurant schedule. A reservation also helps guests confirm the available menu, dining time and any dietary requirements. If you have allergies or need a vegetarian alternative, contact the restaurant before booking because a tasting menu can involve ingredients or preparations that are difficult to replace at short notice. Guests should also review the cancellation and no-show conditions associated with their reservation.

10. What should guests know about dietary requirements at Dill?

Guests with dietary requirements should communicate them as early as possible. A tasting menu may use seasonal ingredients, seafood, meat, dairy, fermented preparations and other components that vary throughout the year. The restaurant may be able to accommodate some requests, but not every restriction can necessarily be supported within a carefully designed menu. Visitors with severe allergies should explain the specific ingredients involved and confirm directly with the restaurant whether suitable arrangements are possible before committing to a reservation.

11. What is the best time to visit Dill Restaurant?

Dill is primarily an evening dining destination, making dinner the most suitable time to experience its tasting menu. The restaurant generally operates from Wednesday to Saturday evenings, although opening hours and reservation availability can change. Booking a table during your Reykjavík stay is particularly worthwhile if you want to plan the rest of your sightseeing around the meal. For the smoothest experience, confirm the current service schedule, arrive on time and allow several hours to enjoy the full progression of courses.

12. What makes Dill different from other restaurants in Iceland?

Dill stands out for the way it connects contemporary fine dining with Icelandic ingredients, traditional food knowledge and sustainability. Rather than simply serving familiar local specialities, it interprets the country's culinary identity through a creative tasting-menu format. The emphasis on seasonality, foraging, responsible sourcing and minimising waste gives the experience a clear sense of place. For visitors, this means the meal can offer more than individual dishes: it provides an introduction to the landscapes, resources and traditions that influence modern Icelandic cuisine.

Dill's menu is based on seasonal availability and the kitchen's interpretation of Icelandic ingredients. The dining experience centres on a tasting menu rather than a conventional extensive à la carte selection.

Representative ingredients and preparations may include:

• Icelandic fish and seafood.

• Seasonal vegetables and herbs.

• Locally sourced lamb and other meats.

• Wild and foraged ingredients when available.

• Fermented, smoked, dried and preserved preparations.

• Creative desserts inspired by Nordic ingredients.

• Wine and beverage pairings.

These are representative categories, not a guarantee of current dishes. The exact menu and available pairings may change.

• Seasonal tasting menu: The best way to experience the restaurant's changing culinary direction.

• Icelandic seafood: Ask about the day's fish and other locally sourced seafood.

• Wild herbs and local vegetables: Look for dishes that reflect Iceland's distinctive growing conditions.

• Icelandic lamb or other responsibly sourced meat: Meat dishes may feature depending on the season and menu.

• Fermented and preserved ingredients: These techniques are characteristic of Nordic cooking and can add depth to dishes.

• Wine pairing: Ask about the restaurant's current wine selection and pairing options.

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Specific dishes change with the season. Confirm current menu items directly with the restaurant.