The Nordic Nomad

Nordic tastemakers

My Nordics, as told by chef and restaurateur Gislí Matt

The Nordics • Insider guides • My Nordics, as told by chef and restaurateur Gísli Matt

An insider’s guide to the Nordics with Gislí Matt

How do you turn one of the world’s most remote islands into a culinary destination? For Icelandic chef Gísli Matt, you start by cooking with what’s right in front of you. Growing up in Vestmannaeyjar, a volcanic archipelago off Iceland’s south coast, he learned that landscape, weather and community shape what happens in the kitchen. In 2012, he opened Slippurinn on Heimaey, a seasonal restaurant in a former shipyard workshop, known for its deep respect for local fishermen, farmers and foragers – and for the raw ingredients of the North Atlantic.

Since then, Matt has continued to expand his world. In Reykjavík, he co‑founded Skál!, where playful, ingredient‑led cooking meets natural wine and easy hospitality. In 2025, he launched Ylja at Laugarás Lagoon, a geothermal‑inspired project that brings produce, fire and the earth itself into the dining experience.

In this feature, Matt shares the Nordic places that shape how he eats, cooks and lives.

Top photography courtesy of Gislí Matt

“[Iceland is] home, and the ingredients here have shaped the way I cook from day one.”

In the Nordics, my favourite country is …

… Iceland. It’s home, and the ingredients here have shaped the way I cook from day one. That said, the Faroe Islands made a real impression on me and northern Norway has given me some of the most beautiful food trips I’ve taken.

For a dose of urban pulse, I head to …

… Copenhagen. It’s one of the few cities where I always feel inspired the moment I land. The food scene is constantly moving, from tiny bakeries to serious restaurants and natural wine bars. I always leave with new ideas.

“[Vestmannaeyjar is] small, but the mix of volcanoes, cliffs and wildlife makes it feel bigger than it is.”

For the perfect close-to-nature experience, I visit …

… Vestmannaeyjar in Iceland. It’s small, but the mix of volcanoes, cliffs and wildlife makes it feel bigger than it is. The Westfjords are another favourite – calm, wide open and a place where you naturally slow down. If you go, visit Saltverk for their sustainable sea salt and end the day at Tjöruhúsið in Ísafjörður for comforting fish dishes. It’s one of my favourite places anywhere.

For a memorable getaway, I check myself into …

… Svartaborg in the north of Iceland. The design is beautiful and warm, and the landscape feels almost otherworldly. It’s one of those places where you sleep well, relax and think clearly.

“… you always end up seeing someone you know.”

For a great meal, I go to …

… Dill and Óx in Reykjavík. They both approach Icelandic ingredients in a thoughtful way and the experience stays with you. I’ve also been enjoying Lóla, a new spot that just opened. For something more casual I like Le Kock.

For a fun night out, I head to …

… either Skál!, which I run with a few friends, or Vínstúkan, both in Reykjavík. Skál! always has amazing energy while Vínstúkan is cosy and relaxed with great small plates and natural wine – and you always end up seeing someone you know.

Photography courtesy of Lóla and Skál!

“I travel and work with people to learn how they cook and live.”

For a dose of retail therapy, I shop at …

… Kormákur & Skjöldur and 66°North. Great quality clothing for the cold Nordic weather – things that feel good and last a long time.

For a dose of culture, I head to …

… other kitchens. I travel and work with people to learn how they cook and live. It always opens something up and helps me understand our own traditions better.

Photography courtesy of Kormákur & Skjöldur and Ylja

“… cooking something simple with local ingredients and sharing it with people you care about.”

For a hidden gem, I recommend …

… the geothermal areas around Laugarás in Suðurland. Since opening Ylja here, I’ve been exploring the surroundings more. The warm landscapes are spectacular.