Sushi Social

Sushi Social catches the downtown flow on the corner of Austurstræti. Inside, the dining room stretches back from the street, with tables arranged close enough for a bit of buzz but spaced so you’re not elbow-to-elbow. There’s a coat rack near the entrance – handy in winter, when everyone comes in bundled up. The menu goes deep into Japanese–Icelandic fusion. Sushi takes center stage, with local fish like arctic char and salmon appearing in most of the rolls and sashimi plates. Icelandic specialties – smoked puffin, horse meat, and lamb – show up as part of the tasting menus. The kitchen covers plenty of ground with meat dishes too: beef tenderloin, baby back ribs, and grilled chicken often arrive paired with a bed of corn or seasonal sides. Vegetarians have a few solid options, including broccoli steak and veggie tempura. Most regulars steer newcomers toward the omakase or the Icelandic feast menus for a bit of everything, but there’s an à la carte section for those who already know what they want. Drinks come from a full bar tucked along one wall. Cocktails lean playful, with a few slushy options and a changing list of specials. Desserts stay light – berry or strawberry sorbet, sometimes with a candle if someone’s celebrating. Edamame and steak dishes round out the small plates. Music plays most nights, and the whole place keeps a modern, lively feel – nothing too formal, but always put together. The branding leans contemporary, with clean lines and a few nods to Japanese design. Most people walk over from hotels or other downtown spots – the location makes it an easy dinner stop before heading out for the night. Reservations help, especially on weekends or for groups. The kitchen’s habit of blending local ingredients into classic Japanese dishes runs through the whole menu – Icelandic flavors show up in ways you probably haven’t seen before. Special occasions aren’t rare – birthday candles and group dinners are a regular sight.