Step into the old Reykjavik post office on Austurstræti – these days, the ground floor is home to Posthus Food Hall and Bar. Food stalls and communal tables fill most of the space. The old postal counters are long gone; vendors now line the room, turning out everything from Icelandic fish and chips to ramen, burritos, and pizza. Sushi Social takes over a corner, while the smell of garlic bread and fried seafood drifts out from Finsen and a few others. Tables are mostly small and set close together – people shift chairs and squeeze in along the windows. There’s no table service – everyone orders at the stalls and finds a spot to eat.
The bar runs along one wall, pouring local beers – including a gluten-free option – and mixing up cocktails. Kingfisher and Gull Lite are both on tap, and there’s usually a short list of wines and non-alcoholic drinks. Food covers a lot: pizza and pasta, Indian curries, sushi, tacos, seafood soup, and burgers. Icelandic classics show up on most menus, but plenty of stalls lean global. Dishes come out fast, so people drift in for a quick lunch, a group dinner, or just drinks before heading out.
Lighting is warm and the design is modern but unfussy – clean lines, some exposed brick, and a few nods to the building’s history. The place is dog-friendly; more than once, someone’s brought a small dog to sit by the window. It can feel tight when busy, especially on weekends, but the open layout makes it easy to see what’s on offer and move between vendors.
The entrance sits at street level, marked by the old post office sign. There’s no dedicated parking, just street spots in the area. Most people come on foot, either from nearby hotels or after a walk through the city center. Groups with mixed tastes tend to do well here – everyone can grab what they want and meet back at the table. The setup works for a full meal or just a quick drink, and nobody seems to mind if you linger or just pass through.
