Reykjavík: 7-Course Teppanyaki Tasting Menu with Fire Show

If you’re looking to add a splash of excitement and flavor to your Iceland trip, the Reykjavík 7-course Teppanyaki Tasting Menu with Fire Show offers a unique dining experience. It’s not just about the delicious food—although that’s a big part of it—but also about witnessing a chef’s flair with fire, all while savoring fresh local ingredients in a modern setting. The experience is about combining culinary artistry with entertainment, making it a memorable highlight for many visitors.

What really makes this tour stand out is the fire show that accompanies your meal—seeing a talented chef manipulate flames while grilling Icelandic delicacies adds an element of spectacle few dining experiences can match. Plus, the chance to enjoy Icelandic ingredients like lobster, lamb, and salmon prepared teppanyaki-style is a treat for anyone wanting to taste local flavors in a novel way.

However, since transportation isn’t included, you’ll need to plan how to get there, especially if you’re staying outside the city center. The price of $120 per person offers a good value considering the multi-course menu, entertainment, and the intimate, authentic atmosphere. This experience is ideal for foodies, curious travelers, or anyone keen on experiencing a touch of Japanese-style cuisine with Icelandic flair in Reykjavík.

Key Points

• Unique Dining with a Fire Show: Witness a chef’s skills with flames while enjoying a 7-course tasting menu.
• Local Icelandic Ingredients: Savor lobster, lamb, salmon, and more, prepared teppanyaki-style.
• Exclusive Reykjavík Experience: The only teppanyaki restaurant in Iceland offers a distinctive culinary adventure.
• Authentic Atmosphere: Located in a modern glass building near the city center, with views of the ocean.
• Additional Highlights: Potential northern lights viewing from a nearby lighthouse during winter.
• Good Value: At $120, you get a multi-course meal, entertainment, and a memorable experience.

The Experience in Detail

An Introduction to Reykjavík’s Teppanyaki Scene

While Japanese teppanyaki is familiar worldwide, finding a dedicated teppanyaki restaurant in Iceland isn’t common. This makes the Flame Restaurant and Bar a noteworthy stop for those craving something different. It’s the only place in Iceland offering this style of cooking, which means you’re stepping into a niche culinary scene that combines Japanese techniques with Icelandic ingredients.

Setting and Location

The restaurant is situated in a sleek, modern glass building in Reykjavík’s city center, just 200 meters from historic landmarks like Höfði house. Its proximity to the ocean is ideal, especially in winter when the northern lights might shimmer over the nearby lighthouse. The setting is contemporary and inviting, with a casual yet refined ambiance that makes you feel both relaxed and eager for the show.

Starting the Evening

Your experience begins with a warm welcome and a sake cocktail (or similar drink), setting a traditional Asian tone. This is not merely a beverage, but a thoughtful introduction to the meal, sparking anticipation for what’s to come. Reviewers mention that the staff, including Wilson and sous chef Kai, are friendly and attentive, adding a personal touch that enhances the overall mood.

The Fire Show and Cooking Skills

The core of this experience is watching the chef perform a volcanic flame display as they prepare your food. This spectacle isn’t just for show—it demonstrates impressive skill and control. Guests have described the chef as “nervous but talented,” and the flames add a dynamic element to the dining table, making each course more than just a meal, but a lively performance.

The 7-Course Menu

What makes this tasting menu stand out is its focus on fresh Icelandic ingredients presented in a teppanyaki style. The menu typically includes:

• Icelandic beef carpaccio—delicately sliced, showcasing quality and finesse.
• Tempura Icelandic langoustine (lobster) in a homemade lava sauce—crisp and flavorful.
• Premium Japanese rice paired with fresh vegetables—simple but essential for balance.
• Arctic charr with teriyaki—a less common Icelandic fish prepared with a Japanese twist.
• Free-range Icelandic lamb with pepper sauce—tender and flavorful, a highlight for meat lovers.
• Blueberry Skýr yogurt—a traditional Icelandic treat to finish.

Guests have appreciated that the ingredients are local and top-quality, elevating the teppanyaki concept into an Icelandic culinary experience. The chef’s skillful grilling transforms these ingredients into mouthwatering bites, with some reviewers praising the flavorful sauces and perfectly cooked meats.

Entertainment and Atmosphere

While the main attraction is the food, the fire show adds a layer of entertainment that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s engaging enough to hold your attention but not so overwhelming that it detracts from the meal. Several reviews mention the friendly staff and the chef’s interaction, including the chef coming out to chat and share his skills, making the experience feel personalized.

Viewing the Northern Lights

One of the standout perks of visiting Reykjavík in winter is the possibility of catching the northern lights. The restaurant’s proximity to the coastline and lighthouse means that, if the skies are clear, you might step outside for a quick glimpse of this natural phenomenon after your meal—an enchanting bonus for nature lovers.

Practical Details

• Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours, making it a manageable evening activity.
• Price: At $120 per person, the value is justified by the multi-course menu and entertainment.
• Availability: Check the schedule for starting times, as they vary.
• Accessibility: The restaurant is wheelchair accessible.
• Included: The meal, plus a welcome sake cocktail.
• Not included: Transportation—so plan how you’ll get there.

What Reviewers Say

From glowing comments like “great experience from start to finish” to notes about the chef being “out of tune or nervous,” reviews paint a picture of a generally positive experience with a few bumps. Many guests appreciated the knowledgeable guides and friendly staff that made the evening enjoyable, even if the initial reservation mishap caused some minor delays.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This teppanyaki tour is perfect for foodies eager to taste Icelandic ingredients in an innovative way, or for travelers wanting an interactive dining experience. It’s well-suited for couples, small groups, or solo diners who appreciate a lively, engaging atmosphere. The spectacle of flames combined with high-quality dishes makes it an excellent choice for those craving something memorable and different.

However, travelers who prefer a quiet, traditional dinner might find the fire show a bit too lively. Also, since transportation isn’t included, it’s best suited for those staying within walking distance or planning their own transfer.

Final Thoughts

For a $120 investment, this teppanyaki experience offers much more than just a meal. It’s an entertaining performance paired with a thoughtfully curated menu showcasing Iceland’s best ingredients, all within a sleek, modern setting. The chance to see a chef wield flames with skill, coupled with the chance to possibly catch the northern lights, makes it a compelling outing for those wanting to combine culinary delight with a touch of spectacle.

The staff’s friendly approach and the chef’s engaging performance elevate what could be a simple dinner into a special memory. While it’s not a traditional Icelandic experience, it stands out as a fun, delicious, and visually impressive evening that’s likely to delight food lovers and curious travelers alike.

FAQs

Is transportation included? No, transportation is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own way to the restaurant, which is located in Reykjavík’s city center.

How long does the tour last? The experience lasts about 1.5 hours, making it suitable for an evening activity without feeling rushed.

What is the price? It’s $120 per person, a reasonable rate considering the multi-course meal, fire show, and drinks included.

Can I see the northern lights during the tour? While not guaranteed, the restaurant’s proximity to the lighthouse and ocean offers a good chance to view the northern lights during winter, especially if the skies are clear.

Is the restaurant wheelchair accessible? Yes, the Flame Restaurant and Bar is wheelchair accessible.

What’s on the menu? Expect Icelandic beef carpaccio, lobster in lava sauce, Icelandic salmon and arctic charr, free-range lamb, and a blueberry yogurt dessert.

Are drinks included? Yes, a welcome sake cocktail or similar drink is part of the experience.

What do reviewers say about the service? Many mention the friendly, attentive staff, including Wilson and chef Kai, who add a personal touch to the experience.

Is this suitable for vegetarians? The menu focuses heavily on seafood, lamb, and beef, so vegetarians might find limited options.

When should I book? Check availability as starting times vary, and it’s best to reserve in advance, especially during peak seasons.

If you’re after a dinner that combines culinary skill, local ingredients, and a dash of fiery entertainment, this Reykjavík teppanyaki experience is definitely worth considering. It’s a memorable way to enjoy Iceland’s flavors, with a touch of spectacle and the potential for stunning winter night views.