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A Paradise off the Beaten Track Just off the beach, in an unassuming building blending in with the surrounding nature, lies Nauthóll bistro. The restaurants in the city centre are mostly superb, but when it comes to atmosphere, this hidden gem, outside the bustle of Laugavegur, is a refreshing change of pace. As much as I love the many lovely restaurants downtown, coming to Nauthóll always feels like a special treat. As you enter the modern, Scandinavian-looking building, you’re greeted with a gorgeous view of the beach and of surrounding nature through the large windows, providing beautiful natural light. The large windows are perfect for admiring a starry winter sky, and if you’re lucky, you can pop out to the veranda to see some northern lights. Just like the building itself, the interior décor, the tableware, and even the food assumes a beautifully simple style. The clean, clear lines of the restaurant harmonise beautifully with the ingredient-forward cuisine, coming together to create an experience that is the height of Scandinavian style, with a nod to the uniquely Icelandic aesthetic (look for the lopapeysapatterned staff uniforms, for example). It’s easy to feel a strong connection to nature while spending time at Nauthóll, which is why, for me, at least, the cherry on top of the eating experience is 74
the fact that the restaurant is dedicated to being as nature-friendly and green as possible, in all stages of their operation. They’ve even qualified for the Nordic eco label The Swan. The label is awarded to companies that have proved that they do everything in their power to minimise their effect on the environment. Now, all the style and environmental heroism in the world wouldn’t be enough for me to like a restaurant, if the food wasn’t up to par. Luckily, the chefs of Nauthóll know their stuff. The food matches the surroundings perfectly, making Nauthóll a great place for lunch, for an afternoon coffee, or for dinner. Although I must admit that sometimes the food isn’t even necessary: a hot beverage on a cold afternoon can be just as enjoyable. The hardest thing about visiting Nauthóll is leaving the tranquil environment and heading back to the city. I manage, barely, but will look forward to many visits like this to Nauthóll and Nauthólsvík this winter.
Nauthóll Bistro Nauthólsvegi 106, 101 Reykjavík +354 599 6660 www.nautholl.is