Review: Orgasmic Food

If you splurge on one meal out this year, make it at the Seafood Cellar.

I just wanted to get that crucial point out of the way, in case you dont manage to read the whole review. This dining experience is so enjoyable that everyone should know about it.

Thats actually how this place became so popular. Although it has only been open for two years and is located in a basement (sorry, cellar) virtually inside the Tourist Information Office, the Seafood Cellar has quickly developed an outstanding reputation in Reykjavík virtually only by word of mouth. The fact that they won a big award from Condé Nast Traveller hasnt hurt either.

Since its in a cellar, there are no windows in this restaurant, which is not a bad thing. The atmosphere is alluring, with a creative array of candles and light fixtures, and is pretty informal for a place in this price range. From the minute you walk in, you feel like youre visiting one of the hot nightspots of London, Tokyo or New York. There is no trace of the parochial side of Reykjavík here, just a world-class establishment. Make sure you take the time to enjoy the tropical fish swimming in the tank as you sip your pre-dinner mojito (as luck would have it, the head bartender is also an award winning cocktail maker).

While the ambiance of the Seafood Cellar is great, the food is even better. Order the exotic menu (6,400 ISK per person, worth every krónur). Im sure they offer other things, but it doesnt matter; this is the only thing you will want. This three-course chefs choice is served in shareable portions (everyone at the table must order it) and explained in mouth-watering detail by the waiters. The overall style of the food is Asian-fusion seafood, so we had an assortment of items, including tuna tandoori, salt fish with sweet chilli sauce, kangaroo (!) with sushi accompaniments, and lobster with truffles. Dessert was three varieties of sorbet, presented with a closed wooden box. I wont tell you what was in the box, so your surprise wont be ruined. Ill just say that its more dessert, and its fantastic. As I enjoyed it with yet another glass of wine, I seriously contemplated whether the word orgasmic would be too hyperbolic for the experience.

Not by much.

- Eliza Reid