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Hours
Sun
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Mon
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Tue
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Wed
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Thu
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Fri
12:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Sat
12:00 pm - 11:00 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
CUISINES
European, Scandinavian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours, Drinks
features
Is this restaurant good for business meetings?
Details
About
Now relocated at Njálsgata 1, RVK SKÁL! first opened in Reykjavík’s iconic food hall, Hlemmur Mathöll, located at the city’s old bus station. Founded by three friends—Chef Gísli Matt, Björn Steinar, and Gísli Grímsson—their vision was to create a laid-back bar that served high-quality food and drinks at a fair price. Over the years, SKÁL has earned recognition, named the "Best Goddamn Restaurant" by Reykjavík Grapevine in 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024. We also received the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2019. After seven years at Hlemmur Mathöll, we’ve evolved and relocated to a new home at Njálsgata 1, 101 Reykjavík. Joining us as partners are our restaurant manager Jonathan Sadler and head chef Thomas Lorentzen. Our menu is inspired by Icelandic ingredients, which we highlight through creative and delicious dishes. To complement the food, we offer a selection of natural wines, Icelandic beers, house-brewed sparkling teas, and craft cocktails by our award-winning head bartender, Keli.
CUISINES
European, Scandinavian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours, Drinks
FEATURES
Seating, Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer
Contribute
4.5
326 reviews
Excellent
250
Very good
59
Average
7
Poor
4
Terrible
6
Konstantin M
St. Gallen127 contributions
Mar 2020 • friends
Skal is situated in a hall together with other small restaurants. The atmosphere is very friendly, the different flavors of food styles fill the air. Food was served quickly, was extremely tasty and for a very reasonable price. We went there during a Thai kitchen pop up special event but were told around the city in other locations that Skal is worth a visit every other day, too. Highly recommended!
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tony s
Sydney1 contribution
Jan 2020 • couples
We enjoyed this casual dining restaurant within the Hlemmer food market. The spiced nuts with a Beer, were great, whilst sitting at the Bar watching the Chef prepare our Hot Dogs. Despite what others claim, this is the best Hot Dog in Reykjavik.
Written 22 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MA Perth
Perth22 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
This Michelin star (Bib Gourmand) restaurant set in a very humble location (bus stop, food hall) is amazing! When a hot dog (Iceland's beloved food) is made using tweezers to present beautifully, you know it's made by chefs with love. Lovely people as well. Rated ''must do" by the local magazines - we agree!
Written 22 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jeff f
Ambler904 contributions
Aug 2022 • none
Didn't have great expectations when eating at a food court (multiple restaurants in an old bus terminal). The scallops 2 ways was a little disappointing in terms of portion size for the price (it was a tiny portion of tiny scallops). The baked char salmon was fantastic -- it was fresh, flavorful and perfectly done. I guess it would have to be cooked perfectly when you are seated 3 feet from the chef)!
Written 5 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shocking-Traveler
San Jose52 contributions
Aug 2021 • couples
We had a quick snack at Skal! before our main splurge meal of the trip. The food was very good, definitely not heavy, it seemed a updated take on Scandinavian heritage food. The staff who took our order was nice, pointing out that we were selecting smaller portions (which was intentional).
Kudos to the Seasonal Lemonade. Very tasty and not too sweet. Judging by other foods we've tasted... "lovage" is in season... yeah I had to look it up, too. We did catch the taste of celery, which is similar in lovage. How interesting to learn about this new flavor!
I liked the location inside a food hall, which gives many options to all members of the party.
Written 26 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jón Ó
28 contributions
Jul 2021 • friends
Very disappointing after all the Michellin hype. Had 6 courses to share, 2 of which were decent. “Grilled broccolini” was cold and raw, Char was supposed to be smoked, but that was not our experience, basicly just a huge slab of raw fish. Beef was very poor quality. We voiced our concerns to a member of the kitchen staff who did not take kindly to our tips. We were met with arrogance as if we were insulting them, and no soloutions to our complaints other then heating the broccolini on the grill. Customer service is obviously not very high. Cod was very nice though, and the prices were very moderate compared to other restaurants. Would not reccomend and will not be visiting again.
Written 4 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ikefromdalton
Easton35 contributions
Sept 2021 • none
We ate (and drank) at this bar twice and on a street with so many good choices even in this foodcourt alone, that should tell you something. The first night was very crowded and we were lucky to snag two seats at the bar. When I saw char on the menu I was at first hesitant because as I told the cook, I had a piece at another restaurant on our first day that was either farmed, 3 or 4 days old, or both and tasted fishy as hell. He assured me that their char was none of that and stopped just short of telling me that if it was he would pay for it himself. He wouldn't have needed to as it was delicious as was everything else we ordered in our two visits. The second night was less crowded and being a retired cook, I opted for seats on the side by the cooks so I could chat with them. That's when I saw the Michelin recommendation and was and am thoroughly impressed. I have to say it is well deserved and I would happily go back anytime.
Written 25 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
robinshuster
Washington DC34 contributions
Dec 2019 • friends
A small resto/stand in the Hlemmur Food Hall with terrific flavors. Deeply flavorful fish chowder, great wild mussels, perhaps the best salt cod croquettes I have tasted with dates and a spicy remoulade. And reasonable prices.
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eileen G
Raleigh7 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Skal! Is the kind of restaurant I love and always gravitate towards given the use of fresh ingredients, interesting combinations and both smaller sharing options plus entree sized options. We had the celeriac which my friend had never had before and loved, beets that were perfectly cooked, the Arctic char which was also perfectly cooked and the love balls for dessert (because...love balls?! These are apparently a riff on a traditional Icelandic dessert). They had a nice selection of wines which is also important for me and the staff was friendly. It is not obvious from their website that they are in the food hall so we had a little difficulty finding it at first. The bar is comfortable and very cute. I would have eaten there again were we going to be in Reykjavik another few nights. Highly recommend.
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yogibeth
London7 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
It's such a strange place, within a food hall, but we've been back twice now and each time it was fantastic.
The seats aren't very comfy as you're on bar stools, but the food was incredible.
We had the artic char (fish) which was cooked to perfection with the most amazing flavours. We also tried the fish chowder, again exceptional. My partner had the beef skirt steak which was amazing. Also loved the sourdough toasted bread. An absolute winner for us and so easy for the location we were at.
Written 29 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megan
Hartford6 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
Set in a lovely busy buzzing food hall, this is a great spot to people watch with both tourists and locals alike. The hot dog was elevated to a whole new level with the pickled cucumber and really was delicious! Nice little meal deal with a beer and a chocolate bar. My partner had the Atlantic Char, said it was one of the best dishes he's ever eaten! Would recommend to anyone, especially as you can pick and mix food from all the different outlets.
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharla-Rose
Melbourne41 contributions
Jun 2022 • none
I was recommended this place by a bartender and I'm so glad I went. I didn't know that it was a bar counter in a food hall but it only added to the charm. The service is faster than most high end places but it was a very good experience.
I ordered the beef tartare and the smoked fish with toast. Both were incredible.
Like all high end food, the price was high and the dishes were small so after spending the amount I allocated for the dinner, I did go and buy cheaper food elsewhere.
Written 11 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wildwoodatheart
Santa Rosa926 contributions
Sept 2021 • none
We actually had a hard time finding this restaurant, which we wanted to try based on reviews we'd seen. Our apps did not properly indicate that it was inside the bus station in the food court/hall. Once we finally DID find it, we were quite happy to sit at the bar for dinner. (The whole place was jam packed! Not a table was to be found.) The food menu is limited here, but everything is fresh and prepared right in the open kitchen. We had two servers help us, and they were both very nice and professional. We enjoyed talking to them as they prepared drinks for others and us. I had a lovely Fruktstereo cider, which was from Sweden. My friend and I both ordered the Artic Char, and it was delicious! So fresh! It was served with some wonderful fresh veggies too. They only have two desserts, but we were urged to try the mousse with blueberries. It was soooooooooo good! One of my favorite desserts on our trip. We really enjoyed our meal here!
Written 13 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian B
Gosport10 contributions
Dec 2022 • couples
This place was a little gem. Based in a food hall this bar restaurant hit the spot with drinks, food, service and atmosphere. We had a few Snorrie beers and an amazing organic dry white wines as well as the Icelandic Scallops in shells which was the best seafood dish I think we have had for decades! The staff were great, hardworking, good customer service and were willing to chat and discuss the food and drink they had served and prepared. Well done guys 5*
Written 29 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joey Lee
Manchester237 contributions
Nov 2021 • none
Small cosy food hall that also has bar seats. I ordered a plain fish and chips from one of the restaurants, but seriously did not expect the huge fresh fish and substantial portion of chips and greens. Rock salt on the fish and chips was perfect. The fish was so perfectly cooked the meat fell out of the batter just touching it.
It had a very warm and friendly atmosphere among the guests and cleaning was constantly in effect. Would go back just to try each of the restaurants and bars located there
Written 1 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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