YLJA at Laugarás Lagoon
YLJA is the restaurant at Laugarás Lagoon. The name means warmth in Icelandic, and that’s the feeling we build everything around. Not only from the water and steam, but from the food, the room, and the way guests are received.
After closing Slippurinn in 2025, YLJA is a continuation of the same foundation: respect for nature, strong relationships with local producers, and cooking that reflects where we are. The surroundings in Laugarás shape everything we do.
The kitchen works closely with nearby geothermal greenhouses, farmers, and fishermen. Vegetables play a central role, alongside sustainably caught fish and Icelandic lamb. We also work with wild herbs, seaweed, and seasonal ingredients gathered from the landscape.
Our cooking is simple and direct. Open fire is an important part of the kitchen, along with fermentation and preservation to use ingredients fully and reduce waste.
During the day, YLJA offers a generous soup table, fresh bread, and a selection of mains and desserts. In the evening, the experience shifts into a more complete menu with small plates and tasting menus built around what’s best at that moment.
YLJA is a place to slow down, eat well, and feel connected to the place.
