2_1_ScanMag_79_August_2015_Text.qxp_Scan Magazine 1 06/08/2015 17:30 Page 84
Scan Magazine | Restaurant of the Month | Iceland
Restaurant of the Month, Iceland
An award-winning local gem in the heart of nature With stunning views across a soothing bay and a thermal beach on its doorstep, Nauthóll restaurant serves up bistro-style food made from fresh ingredients. A little off the beaten track, this is where you’ll find locals savouring seasonal dishes come brunch, lunch or dinner. By Stephanie Lovell | Photos: Nauthóll
“People come to Nauthólsvík, just outside the centre of Reykjavík, to admire the nature and take part in outdoor activities, so we wanted to create a place for them to enjoy good food, made entirely from scratch, using the finest ingredients,” explains Gudrídur María Jóhannesdóttir, managing director.
We were therefore extremely proud to become the first Icelandic restaurant to be awarded an environmental certification by the Nordic Swan,” says Jóhannesdóttir. “The restaurant itself is quite minimalist, allowing you to sit back and look out over the sea with nothing to bother you. We let nature be our artwork.”
Nauthóll restaurant is the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat after roaming through the woods below the iconic Pearl building, strolling along the coastal walking paths or, if you dare, dipping your toes in the sea at the thermal beach. “One of our key goals when we opened was to showcase the beautiful area in which we’re located.
With the menu changing throughout the year, you’re always guaranteed to be served seasonal food, which is sourced directly from local farmers whenever possible. This summer, think melt-in-yourmouth lobster salad followed by juicy Icelandic strawberries for dessert. Drawing on his international experience, up-and-
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coming head chef Ari Sylvain Posocco likes to put a Scandinavian twist on classic dishes. “We have some old favourites that we’ve been serving ever since we opened - our fish soup, sweet potato and beet salad, salt fish and hamburgers remain popular as ever,” says Jóhannesdóttir. These days downtown Reykjavik attracts tourists practically all year round. During your stay, be sure to make the short trip to Nauthólsvík to experience this hidden gem loved by the locals. “We’re definitely not a tourist trap – you’ll find plenty of Icelanders here every evening,” says Jóhannesdóttir. “If you want to know what the nation eats, then come to Nauthóll!”
For more information, please visit: www.nautholl.is