Monkeys Food & Wine is one of Reykjavik’s most stylish dining spots, serving Nikkei cuisine — a creative fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors made with the freshest Icelandic ingredients.
This fun and trendy restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Reykjavik. It has delicious food, colorful cocktails, and a fantastic interior. It’s become one of Reykjavik’s more popular spots, so remember to book a table at Monkeys Food & Wine beforehand.
Monkeys Food & Wine is also among the brands listed in Guide to Iceland’s VIP Club.
Monkeys Food & Wine Interior
The interior of the restaurant is truly a feast for the eyes. Every inch is meticulously designed with an incredible eye for detail.
Overhead, the dining tables are 70s-style fringed lampshades, the chairs are draped in colorful floral patterns, the ceiling is overgrown with greeneries and, of course, there are plenty of monkeys to be found if you look closely.
Monkeys Food Menu
The menu offers a selection of small courses influenced by Peru and Japan, called Nikkei cuisine. It originated in the late 19th century when a number of Japanese people settled in Peru and started using their age-old cooking techniques using Peruvian ingredients. From there, this special style of cooking evolved into something totally new.
The elegant and refined food culture of Japan blends perfectly with the spices and taste of Peru. However, at Monkeys, another flavor is added to the mix, which is 100% fresh Icelandic ingredients.
Monkeys Wine & Cocktails
Not only does Monkeys offer great food and a fun atmosphere to dine in, but there's also a fantastic cocktail with talented mixologists and plenty of great cocktails to choose from. In fact, there is a separate entrance to the cocktail bar, simply called Kokteilbarinn, for those who have a full stomach but would like to enjoy some cocktails during the long evening.
While drinking a cocktail of your choice, you can step into the 1920s-style full-sized railroad car inside the restaurant. It's a great way to change up the vibe after having dinner at Monkeys, and it feels like you've stepped inside a time machine.
Why Visit Monkeys Food & Wine
Overall, a visit to Monkeys Food & Wine should not be missed when staying in Reykjavik. It is sure to make for a memorable night with great food and a fun atmosphere. It is quite trendy and popular, so we recommend booking a table at Monkeys ahead of time to ensure you have a table during your stay.