ÓX
Reykjavík, Iceland
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
Ring the buzzer labelled 'Amma Don' on the door outside, and around 4 hours later you will leave having had a truly immersive experience. This begins in Amma Don itself, a slightly retro cocktail bar where an aperitif and snacks are served, before a bookcase on the wall opens up and you move through to a 17-seat kitchen counter. The cooking itself is rich and hearty, eschewing unnecessary adornment in favour of deriving maximum intensity of flavour, but with a gentle touch when needed – as with the excellent use of Icelandic-grown wasabi.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Hidden Door with Kitchen Access: ÓX features a hidden door that leads directly to the kitchen, allowing diners to feel intimately connected to the cooking process and the chefs at work, creating a unique interactive dining atmosphere.
Smallest Fine Dining with Rotating Chefs and Menus: Despite seating only 11 guests, ÓX offers a constantly changing menu crafted by three rotating chefs, making each visit a distinct culinary journey. This exclusivity and variability encourage repeat visits, which is unusual for such a high-end restaurant.
Theatrical Arrival and Graffitied Door Entrance: The restaurant is accessed through a graffitied door marked only by a doorbell labeled "AMMA DON," setting the tone for a theatrical and immersive three-hour dining experience that begins the moment guests arrive.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant ÓX in Reykjavík include:
Icelandic Langoustine: Featured prominently in the standout dish "Icelandic Langoustine with Seaweed Butter," this ingredient celebrates the ocean's bounty and is paired with rich, umami-packed seaweed butter to enhance its delicate flavor.
Seaweed Butter: Used alongside langoustine, this ingredient adds a distinctive umami depth that reflects Iceland's coastal environment and culinary heritage.
Smoked Lamb: Slow-cooked and infused with smoky flavors, often served with root vegetables and aromatic herbs like arctic thyme and dried birch, highlighting Icelandic produce and traditional smoking techniques.
Arctic Thyme and Dried Birch: These herbs are used to infuse the smoked lamb, adding unique Nordic aromatic notes that complement the meat's richness.
Locally-grown Wasabi: Incorporated in dessert to provide an herbaceous and balanced transition from savory to sweet courses, showcasing innovative use of local ingredients.
These ingredients are significant as they emphasize ÓX's commitment to fresh, local Icelandic produce and traditional flavors with a modern, refined presentation. The dishes often highlight the natural environment of Iceland, from the sea to the land, through careful preparation and pairing.
Menu & Pricing
Current Offerings & Prices
Tasting Menu
- 12 Courses: €250
Signature Dishes
- Icelandic Baked Cod: €45
- Icelandic Lamb: €55