Remote as it may be, it’s almost hard not to stumble across delicious restaurants in Iceland. Whether restaurants are based in the big city or in far flung spots along the coast, dining on yummy meals seems to be par for the course when you’re off exploring the land of fire and ice. From the cheesy Eyjafjallajökull volcano pizza made with nachos at Kaffi Krús in Selfoss, Iceland to the Michelin starred magic you’ll encounter at upscale Dill in Reykjavík, tasty grub is one of the best parts of traveling around Iceland. Akureyri is the second largest metro area in Iceland. Located in the North, this city is an important business hub and fishing port. Akureyri is also where you’ll find Strikið. The menu at Strikið focuses on local ingredients (like a variety of langoustine dishes that feature critters straight from the harbor), but with a dash of international flare (think yuzu dressings and truffle mayos).
Even the cocktail menu skews local. Our lips adored sipping on Strikið’s N°Iceland. The cocktail is made with Brennivín (one of Iceland’s signature tipples which is similar in taste to schnapps), blueberries, raw sugar and sparkling water.
If you’re lucky enough to get a table on the outdoor patio, bring sunscreen and/or bundle up. Overlooking the fjord (Eyjafjörður is the longest fjord in Iceland) means you’ll likely get some bright rays on your face and you also may encounter some cold winds once the sun starts to set, but it’s worth it.
The view from Strikið’s terrace is simply stunning. In one direction you look out at the ocean and in the other you can catch a glimpse of the rather funky looking Akureyrarkirkja Lutheran church.
Meals at Strikið get off to a fantastic start. Once you’re seated, you get to nosh on fresh bread that’s served with a yogurt like whipped Icelandic butter made with blueberries.
We kicked off our meal with a starter made with deep fried cod cheeks and langoustine in tempura. The appetizer was served with salad and chili mayo. It was a fine dish, delicate and yet crunchy in all the right ways.
Entree wise we ponied up to three amazing dishes. We snagged a shellfish pasta dish that came topped with an herb pesto, creamy shellfish sauce, tiger shrimp and langoustine.
In addition to Strikið, here’s a list of other neat little local spots we love across Iceland.
From the ocean side of the menu there was a succulent salmon that was served up with baked asparagus, Icelandic potatoes and paired with an herb salad that was topped with a yuzu dressing.
The surefire winner of the night was the tender reindeer burger. We felt a little bad about licking our lips after biting into one of Rudolph’s brethren, but Strikið’s tender burger topped with pickled gherkins, a mixed herb mayo sauce and mushrooms served up on a brioche bun sure is delicious.
Seating inside is nice and warm, but if you dress appropriately, dining outdoors on the terrace is a worthwhile endeavor. If you’re looking for a fancy meal out while you’re in Akureyri, Iceland the food and views at Strikið simply can’t be beat.
Strikið
Address: Skipagata 14 (5th Floor)
600 Akureyri, Iceland
Hours: Monday Through Saturday 11:30am to 10:00pm, Sunday 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Phone: +354 462 7100
Email: strikid@strikid.is
Prices (All in Icelandic Króna or ISK): Lunch 1.390 to 2.300, Dinner Surprise Tasting Menu 7.990, Appetizers 1.190 to 1.890, Vegetables and Sides 490 to 990, Main Courses 2.990 to 4.490, Desserts 1.790, Specialty Cocktails 1.800 to 2.200
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