YLJA, Coming Soon to Laugarás Lagoon
YLJA is the restaurant we’re building as part of the Laugarás Lagoon experience. The name means warmth in Icelandic—and that word captures what we want people to feel here. Not just from the hot water and steam, but from the food, the space, and the overall atmosphere.
I’m opening YLJA after closing Slippurinn in 2025. It’s a continuation of the same values I’ve always believed in: deep respect for nature, close relationships with local producers, and cooking that connects people to the landscape. We’ll be using wild Icelandic herbs, seaweeds, berries, and other seasonal ingredients to create a menu that’s rooted in tradition but shaped by modern techniques.
The focus will be on fresh, locally sourced food—especially vegetables from the surrounding geothermal greenhouses—alongside sustainably caught fish, free-roaming lamb, and hand-foraged elements. Many dishes will be cooked over open fire. We’re also committed to sustainability, using fermentation and preservation to minimize waste, and working with nearby farmers and producers to support a more circular food system.
We’re excited to open the doors soon—and to welcome you into a space that’s honest, nourishing, and connected to the land around it.