The story
ÓX, at Laugavegur 55 in Reykjavík, holds one Michelin Star (2026) for its counter-dining take on modern Icelandic cooking.
Chef Thrainn Freyr Vigfusson created ÓX. The name is the past tense of "to grow", a nod to an idea that developed into the restaurant it is today. The kitchen works with Icelandic ingredients and presents modern renditions of traditional Icelandic cuisine across a multi-course menu.
Guests sit in an L-shaped formation around an open kitchen, Japanese counter style. The White Guide rates ÓX at Global Masters level (2026) and calls it a radical take on Icelandic cooking traditions. It is a restaurant-within-a-restaurant, set inside Sümac, behind an unassuming door on Laugavegur. The Amma Don bar offers thought-out drinks in a relaxed setting.
Recognition
Details
History
Most likely there is a sacred place somewhere in Valhalla where the feast is as elaborate – and equally tricky to get into. Securing a seat at Òx, a restaurant-within-a-restaurant (Sümac), can be quite an ordeal not least because there are only eleven seats up for grabs, grouped in an L-shaped formation around an open kitchen, Japanese counter style. Two chefs at a time cater to the guests promptly arriving at 7 pm to enjoy the three-hour show, a rather radical take on Icelandic cooking traditions
High quality cooking
Location
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