Gísli Matt leads the restaurant Ylja at Laugarás Lagoon

Ylja is a new restaurant at Laugarás Lagoon, led by acclaimed chef Gísli Matthías “Gísli Matt,” known for Slippurinn in Vestmannaeyjar and Skál in Reykjavík, and celebrated both in Iceland and abroad for his distinctive culinary vision. The restaurant is built on a farm-to-table philosophy, where sustainability, local ingredients, and the surrounding nature play a central role. Produce is sourced from nearby farmers and geothermal greenhouses, and the menu evolves with the seasons and the wild harvest.

During the day, Ylja offers lighter dishes, a soup buffet, and homemade bread, while after 5 p.m. guests can enjoy a refined dinner experience featuring a five-course seasonal tasting journey. The restaurant seats around 80 guests and also offers a private dining room with views over Laugarás Lagoon. From 20 November, a festive holiday menu will be available on weekends.