A true gem in the middle of nowhere: Restaurant Vínstofa Friðheima (19. August 2024)
Sometimes you find a little gem in the middle of nowhere – and the Vínstofa Friðheima is exactly that. They are basically a tomato greenhouse farm, but they also have a little wine bistro on the side, and it’s definitely worth visiting. I decided to have the “antipasti à la chef Jón (olives, capers, tomatoes & bread)” (1’950 ISK), which were quite nice, but it was basically just tons and tons of olives and tomatoes. And, not surprisingly, tomatoes were the dominant element in almost every dish.
The “cheese platter of the moment (Icelandic cheese & snacks)” (3’450 ISK) was in thus far interesting as it had a range of different cheeses, which was quite nice – and they all were served with some other kind of honey or chutney, which was also lovely. The only thing I found a bit funny (but personally didn’t mind, of course) was the fact that they would add slices of sausage to the cheese platter (since it was one of the very few vegetarian options).
The “Salad à la Vínstofan with hot-smoked salmon and horseradish cream (piccolo tomatoes, blueberries, cranberries, mozzarella pearls, basil and all kinds of nuts and seeds)” (3’700 ISK) was lovely. It consisted of a lot of different ingredients and was rich in terms of combination of flavours and tastes. And the smoked salmon, with which it was topped, was actually superbly nice. So, frankly, this was one of the better dishes I’ve had while in Iceland.
The place is super lovely and definitely worth visiting (I would say it is worth even a little detour) as it is a combination between a restaurant, a greenhouse, and a library.
On top of that, the staff is superbly friendly and makes sure you will feel comfortable and are attended properly throughout your stay there.
So, to sum it up, the Vínstofa Friðheima is a great place in lovely surroundings, good food, and attentive service – definitely worth visiting.
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Contact Details:
Restaurant Vínstofa Friðheima
Birkilundur
Friðheimar 9-13
806 Reykholt (IS)
Tel.: +354 486 88 94
E-Mail: fridheimar@fridheimar.is
Homepage: http://vinstofa.fridheimar.is
About the Author: Sven
I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org.
Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City. 
