Monkeys — Nikkei restaurant in Reykjavík, Klapparstígur 28-30

Grilled steaks and seafood with South American and Asian twist

Our story

Dine at the Grill,
Drink on the Train

Located at Klapparstígur 28-30 in downtown Reykjavík, Monkeys is a warm and vibrant escape where the purity of the North meets the rhythmic heat of the South. The kitchen is a tribute to world-class Icelandic produce, reimagined through a bold fusion of South American and Asian influences.

By applying centuries-old Eastern techniques and spirited Western spices to Iceland's finest raw materials, they create a dining experience that is both deeply local and daringly exotic.

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Nikkei dish at Monkeys — Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, Reykjavík

Our favourites

Most popular dishes

Deep-Fried Surf & Turf Maki

5 pieces. Spring onion, cucumber, chili mayo, sesame seeds, beef tartare, crispy tiger prawns, pickled ginger

3.690 kr

Argentinian Giant Prawns Tempura

Deep-fried Argentinian tiger prawns in tempura batter, salsa verde, jalapeño dip

4.190 kr

Tuna Ceviche

Tuna, passion fruit and citrus dressing, red onion, spring onion, watermelon, cashews, pomegranate

3.890 kr

Salmon Tiradito

Salmon sashimi, sesame ponzu, chilli macha, sesame seeds, chives

3.790 kr

Pineapple and teriyaki fillet of cod

Light salted fillet of cod in grilled pineapple and teriyaki glaze, pepper polenta, deep fried vegetables in tempura, lemongrass foam, herb oil, black lemon

7.490 kr

Crispy Plantain Bananas

Served with spicy guacamole

Vegan
1.990 kr

Awards

Best Restaurant
Best Restaurant
Best Signature Cocktail
Best Signature Cocktail
Best New Cocktail Bar
Best New Cocktail Bar
Best Bartender
Best Bartender

Give a taste

Gift Cards

Give your loved ones a unique culinary experience. A Monkeys gift card is the perfect gift for any occasion.

Buy a gift card

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Monkeys is a Nikkei restaurant in downtown Reykjavík — Japanese culinary traditions meeting Peruvian flavours — serving small plates, sushi, a Josper charcoal grill and an extensive Champagne and wine list at Klapparstígur 28-30.

Klapparstígur 28-30, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Closed Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday 11:30–22:00, Friday 11:30–23:00, Saturday 11:45–23:00 and Sunday 11:45–22:00.

Our normal opening hours apply over the holidays, with these exceptions: we are closed on 24 and 25 December, and on 26 December and 1 January we are closed at lunchtime and open at 17:00.

Yes — happy hour runs on every day we are open, Wednesday to Sunday, from 14:00 to 18:00, with cocktails, wine and beer at reduced prices plus 25% off other cocktails on the menu. We are closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Yes. Wednesday to Friday our lunch menu is served from 11:30 to 16:00, and on Saturday and Sunday our brunch menu is served from 11:45 to 16:00.

Yes. You can reserve a table online at https://www.monkeys.is/book.

For groups of 8 guests or more we ask for at least 7 days' notice to cancel free of charge, and the number of guests can be reduced by up to 20% free of charge with at least 24 hours' notice. For 7 guests or fewer we ask for at least 48 hours' notice, both to cancel and to reduce the number by up to 20%. Cancelling at shorter notice carries a fee equal to the price of the menu for each guest who does not arrive.

The private room is rented out during the day for a room fee. In the evening there is no room fee, but a minimum spend on food and drink applies. Email info@monkeys.is and we will sort out the details with you.

Yes. We take allergies and dietary needs seriously: many dishes can be made gluten-free and lactose-free, and there are vegetarian options. If your needs are complex, it is best to tell us in advance so we can put together a menu that is just as exciting for everyone.

There is good wheelchair access to part of the restaurant. The private room is reached by lift through the back entrance.

We don't have a children's menu. There is one high chair in the house, but we cannot guarantee that it will be free.

The easiest option is the parking garages on Hverfisgata, a few minutes' walk from Klapparstígur.

Yes. In 2022 Monkeys won four awards at the Bartender's Choice Awards: Best Restaurant, Best Signature Cocktail, Best New Cocktail Bar and Best Bartender.

The gift card page has packages in four groups: cocktails, deluxe brunch, a five-course dinner and the Monkeys tasting menu — from 6,500 ISK for two cocktails at Kokteilbarinn. You can also choose your own amount from 5,000 ISK. The gift card arrives by email, or by post for a 490 ISK postage fee.

Gift cards are valid for one year, and an extension is no trouble — just drop us a line at info@monkeys.is.

Dish at Monkeys — Reykjavík
Cocktail at Monkeys — Reykjavík
Monkeys restaurant interior — Reykjavík
Dish at Monkeys — Reykjavík
Dish at Monkeys — Reykjavík
Cocktail at Monkeys — Reykjavík
Monkeys restaurant interior — Reykjavík
Dish at Monkeys — Reykjavík
Lunch at Monkeys — Reykjavík
Cocktail at Monkeys — Reykjavík
Dish at Monkeys — Reykjavík
Monkeys restaurant interior — Reykjavík
Cocktail at Monkeys — Reykjavík
Dish at Monkeys — Reykjavík
Lunch at Monkeys — Reykjavík
Cocktail at Monkeys — Reykjavík
Dish at Monkeys — Reykjavík
Monkeys restaurant interior — Reykjavík
Dish at Monkeys — Reykjavík
Cocktail at Monkeys — Reykjavík