If you have ever been to Iceland, you know about the food…but if you have not ventured to this amazing country, the food is outstanding, to say the least. It is very unique because there is no advertising in Iceland to promote restaurants and businesses, which means everything is through word of mouth. This translates into the food scene interestingly because the only restaurants that withstand the possible harsh honesty from people are the ones whose food continues to grow with the culture and also treat the tastebuds of visitors alike. Dill was founded in 2009 by chef Gunnar Karl Gilasson who went to culinary school in Reykjavic. He has created a bar that is almost unreachable to other restaurants in the area by holding the only Michelin restaurant in the country! How incredible and what an honor it must feel like to have that reputation when people can be brutal if given the opportunity to rate food, atmosphere, service, etc. The icing on the cake is that the chef was the most down-to-earth, humble person who was actually helping to clear plates and fill water glasses for his visitors. He did not even wince when I kindly asked for a picture with him, almost in a star-struck kind of way!
The presentation when you sit down 
A peak of the kitchen! 
The Chef and I
Chef Gunnar’s concept is to give the visitors a unique spin on the authentic Icelandic dishes while using what is in season and readily available. A direct quote from their website says it all, “At Dill, we endeavor to respect all the raw materials that come to us, no matter how big or small and utilize everything.” We were told that the chef drives almost an hour every day to the restaurant while stopping several times to pick herbs and vegetables from different gardens across the city to incorporate in the dishes for that night. Everything is completely fresh-caught or picked that day and is not overloaded with sauces or seasonings so that you can taste the extraordinary flavors of the food. Each dish was explained to us in the most detailed manner and how the wine pairs so perfectly with the individual ingredients. The wine that is carefully chosen is all organic-coming from different parts of the world and thoughtfully put together with each dish. Not to brag in any way, but Kelly and I have eaten at some of the best-recognized restaurants in the world, and I have to put this meal in my top 3 favorites! I was thoroughly impressed with each element of our experience at Dill. The side stories that we were told on how the dish came to be made us feel very much at home. The vibe was incredibly relaxed, without judgment, and completely about your individual connection with each bite and sip of wine. If we didn’t already have enough to say about Iceland, the food scene, especially at Dill, gives life to the guest’s experience as you go on a journey of the country through the chef’s eyes and taste buds. The D and D team encourages each of you to go on this food adventure at Dill because you will feel the intense love that the chef induces into his food-you will not regret it! https://www.dillrestaurant.is/en/home/
