Iceland review - 2014, Qupperneq 81

ICELAND REVIEW 79
Best Hidden Treasure in Reykjavík
The restaurant at Hotel Holt opened in 1966, one year after
the hotel, and has since been the place to go in Iceland to
celebrate special occasions. Now known as Gallery Restau-
rant, it’s one of very few eateries in Iceland that have not under-
gone modern renovation but remained classy and conservative,
both in style and choice of menu. “There’s one item on the menu
that has been exactly the same since the opening, and that’s the
cured salmon,” reveals head chef Friðgeir Ingi Eiríksson, referring
to the ever-popular starter. However, innovation is embraced too,
as can be seen in the original lobster soup with roasted choco-
late.
People come for the seafood but also the steaks. “We always
have Icelandic beef and Icelandic lamb,” states Friðgeir. Gallery
Restaurant emphasizes the use of local food and the beef is spe-
cially selected and aged for the restaurant. A further drawcard is
the restaurant’s wine cellar, which has the largest collection in Ice-
land. Not to mention the extensive collection of paintings—the
largest private art collection in Iceland—including works by all the
Icelandic grand masters.
“Ever since the restaurant opened, it’s been among the top ten
in Iceland,” maintains Friðgeir. On Tripadvisor, Gallery Restaurant
received a rating of 4.5 out of 5, earning it a Certificate of Excel-
lence for 2013. In 2012, it was named Best Restaurant in Iceland
by the Nordic Prize and to top it off, the Institute for Hospitality
Management rated it 98 out of 100 the same year. While arguably
offering the best dining experience in Iceland, value for money
is also a guarantee. For example, try the three-course brasserie
lunch menu, which changes weekly, for only ISK 3,900 (USD 30).
Located on Bergstaðastræti 37, a residential street on the hill
overlooking the downtown area, Gallery Restaurant is: “The best
hidden treasure in Reykjavík,” Friðgeir concludes.
holt.is
The renowned Gallery Restaurant at
Hotel Holt is one of those Icelandic
institutions that have existed for
decades and people hope
will exist forever.
sPeciAl Promotion
Head cHef friðgeir ingi eiríksson
GaLLery resTauranT – hOTeL hOLT