Wife and I went to London and Iceland for her Spring Break and we were also celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary so I decided to splurge. She had mentioned eating here a few months back in passing, so I found a reservation time that worked and made the reservation.
The atmosphere is set the second you walk through the town and find the inconspicuous restaurant door. A quick buzz down to the restaurant and the door magically opens to a long and smoky hallway leading to Amma Don, the hidden Speakeasy where your night begins.
The Chef treated us at the door, handed us our first drink pairing of champagne and sat us in the phone corner. The bar is designed to appear like the Chef’s grandmothers living room from the 60’s. Everything from the furniture to the wallpaper and pictures is period correct and as cool as expected. Additional cocktails are available at this time from the bartender, the Negroni is their specialty, as well as a few other custom selections. We were seated around a coffee table with another couple and could have talked to them all night. The feeling was comfortable, friendly, and fun. Our first 4 food dishes are presented and served here.
We slowly moved our way into the hidden restaurant inside the hidden speakeasy. It would be completely possible to come here for drinks and not know there was a Michelin star dining experience taking place in the next room. We moved to a room built around another piece of Chef’s history, a replica of his grandmothers kitchen with seating for 16. Chef explains that his grandma planned this kitchen and his grandfather bought it for her.
The rest of the 4-hour experience was spent sitting around the kitchen, holding conversation with the rest of the diners and staff while each dish was painstakingly assembled, presented, and served. The chef’s all took turns presenting dishes, explaining the process behind each of them, and where the ingredients were sourced. A real focus being made on local produce, local proteins, and local farmers who support the restaurant’s in Iceland. In all, 20 dishes with a few new items they were trying out that were not on the menu. Wine and alcohol pairings every few dishes, all perfectly chosen to complement the menu items. All so delicious. My favorites were the scallop and the Rutabaga gnocchi.
Easily the best dining experience I’ve ever experienced. 100% Nordic fine dining with preserved ingredients, full use of the proteins, and concentrated flavors that my tongue won’t soon forget. I was concerned about the price, because I don’t splurge like this regularly, but now I’m just upset I didn’t do it earlier. Currently planning my next visit!
by 2000subaru