The Golden Circle is Iceland's most popular sightseeing route, and it's home to some of the country's most memorable dining experiences. Travelers exploring the route via self-drive tours or guided Golden Circle tours can plan their meals around a mix of farm-fresh restaurants, geothermal cafes, and creative food halls spread across the region.
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Many of the restaurants on the Golden Circle are run by local families and source their ingredients from the surrounding countryside. Some are attached to farms, greenhouses, or geothermal spas, making the meal itself part of the experience.
If you're heading out from the capital, it's worth browsing the best restaurants in Reykjavik for a meal the night before, or exploring Iceland's top restaurants for a broader overview of the country's food scene.
Read on for the full countdown of the 10 best places to eat on the Golden Circle, along with practical details like addresses, open hours, and a budget-friendly picnic tip for those looking to save.
Key Takeaways
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The Golden Circle has a surprisingly diverse food scene, from farm-to-table restaurants and geothermal cafes to food halls and fine dining.
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Some Golden Circle restaurants are open for lunch only (roughly 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM), while others serve dinner. Check individual hours carefully when planning your route.
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Reservations are essential at some of the most popular spots on this list. Others are walk-in only.
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Food halls are ideal for groups, offering variety under one roof at lower prices than sit-down restaurants.
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Bringing a packed picnic is a smart way to save money on the route.
10. Gullfoss Cafe & Restaurant
Gullfoss is one of Iceland's most powerful waterfalls, and the cafe at the visitor center is a solid option for warming up after standing in the spray. Gullfoss Cafe & Restaurant serves straightforward cafeteria-style food, but the quality is better than what you might expect from a tourist stop.
The well-seasoned and hearty lamb stew is the standout here, and the perfect thing to eat after a cold walk along the canyon rim. Sandwiches, muffins, and hot drinks round out the menu.
Service is fast, the seating area is spacious, and there are plenty of power and USB ports throughout for charging your devices while you eat.
Photo from Gulfoss (Facebook). No edits made.
The cafe can get crowded during peak hours, so arriving before noon or after 2:00 PM helps. The attached gift shop has a good selection of cold-weather gear and unique Icelandic souvenirs worth browsing after your meal. Free parking and restrooms make it an easy stop.
It's not a destination restaurant, but for convenience and comfort at one of the Golden Circle's three main stops, Gullfoss Cafe & Restaurant is a reliable choice. The visitor center is at the end of Route 35, about a 10-minute drive from Geysir Geothermal Area.
Get Directions to Gullfoss Cafe
Gullfoss, Blaskogabyggd, 801 Selfoss, Iceland
Gullfoss Cafe Open Hours
Open Monday through Sunday from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM
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9. Geysir Glima Restaurant
Geysir Glima Restaurant is located inside the Geysir Center, directly across the road from the Geysir Geothermal Area. With a strong focus on locally sourced Icelandic ingredients and a menu that goes well beyond typical cafeteria fare, it's earned a loyal following among Golden Circle travelers.
The Icelandic free-range lamb is consistently praised in reviews for being tender and generously portioned. The creamy fish soup (fiskisupa) is a popular pick for visitors wanting to try traditionally Icelandic food.
Every day, the soup and salad bar offers three rotating options: fish, vegetable, and the famous Icelandic kjotsupa (meat soup). Save room for the homemade cakes and ice cream served in freshly made waffle cones.
Photo from Geysir Glima (Facebook). No edits made.
Some seats have views of the mountains or the geysers across the road. The restaurant also features a display of the Grettisbeltid, one of the oldest artifacts in Icelandic sports history, honoring glima (wrestling), one of Iceland's national symbols.
For a faster meal, the Geysir Bistro in the same building serves burgers, fish and fries, soups, and salads. The attached Geysir Shop is one of the largest souvenir stores on the Golden Circle. Bathroom facilities are also available.
Travelers looking for a sit-down fine dining experience can head next door to the Geysir Restaurant at Hotel Geysir, which offers an a la carte menu, a lunch buffet (daily 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM), and dinner service with a bar open until midnight.
Get Directions to Geysir Glima Restaurant
Haukadalur, 35, Iceland (inside the Geysir Center)
Geysir Glima Restaurant Open Hours
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Glima Restaurant: Daily, 9:15 AM to 5:45 PM (Pizza and Fish & fries available from 11:00 AM to 4:50 PM)
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Geysir Bistro: Daily, 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM
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8. Mjolkurbuid Food Hall in Selfoss
Mjolkurbuid, also known as The Old Dairy Food Hall, is located in a beautifully restored 1929 building in Selfoss. The town is a common starting or ending point for Golden Circle road trips, about 48 miles (77 kilometers) southeast of Reykjavik along Route 1.
The food hall format is great for groups where everyone wants something different, and Mjolkurbuid is easily one of the best places to eat in Selfoss.
The building was originally Iceland's first dairy factory and was rebuilt in 2021 as part of the Selfoss New Old Town development. It houses eight small restaurants under one roof, with a ninth on the way.
Photo from Mjolkurbuid - The Old Dairy Selfoss (Facebook). No edits made.
The standout stalls are Smidjan Brugghus, known for crispy fried chicken burgers and wings, and Menam, whose Thai stir-fried noodles are some of the best in Iceland.
Flatey Total serves reliable wood-fired pizza, and Samuelsson Matbar does an excellent veal rib-eye sandwich and fresh fish dishes.
You'll also find tacos, dim sum, pasta, and more. The Risid Bar upstairs is a good spot for a drink on Thursday through Saturday evenings.
Buzzers let you order from different stalls and pick up food as it's ready, keeping things efficient. You can also order takeaway from Mjolkurbuid through Dineout.
Get Directions to Mjolkurbuid Food Hall
Eyravegur 1, 800 Selfoss, Iceland
Mjolkurbuid Food Hall Open Hours
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Food hall: Monday to Sunday, 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
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Risid Bar: Thursday 4:00 PM to midnight, Friday and Saturday 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM, closed Sunday to Wednesday
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7. Grodurhusid Food Hall
Grodurhusid (The Greenhouse) is a food hall, hotel, and shopping complex in the geothermally active town of Hveragerdi. It's a convenient stop at the start or end of a Golden Circle drive, located about 45 minutes southeast of Reykjavik right off Route 1.
The food hall houses five restaurants with communal seating, so groups can order from different stalls and eat together. The cafe serves Te & Kaffi coffee and light meals, and the colonial-style cocktail bar is a fun spot for a drink.
Hipstur is the fine dining option and the clear standout, serving beautifully prepared fresh Icelandic fish that reviewers have called some of the best they've had on the road. Taco Vagninn draws steady queues for its fusion-style tacos, with the cauliflower taco a particular favorite.
Photo from Grodurhusid (Facebook). No edits made.
You'll also find Yuzu (Korean-Japanese burgers and fried chicken), Flavor (BBQ burgers, wings, and fries), and Bongo, an ice cream parlor continuing Hveragerdi's 50-year tradition of ice cream production.
The interior design is worth noting on its own. The attached shops carry Icelandic designer brands, outdoor wear, and local food products.
If you want to stay overnight, the Greenhouse Hotel upstairs has 49 boutique rooms with mountain views. It's also a great place to stop before or after hiking to the Reykjadalur hot spring river, which is just an hour’s drive away.
Get Directions to Grodurhusid Food Hall
Austurmork 6, 810 Hveragerdi, Iceland
Grodurhusid Food Hall Open Hours
Open daily, approximately 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Individual restaurant hours within the food hall may vary.
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6. Minilik Ethiopian Restaurant
Photo from Minilik ethiopian restaurant fludum (Facebook). No edits made.
Minilik is Iceland's only Ethiopian restaurant, and it sits in the small village of Fludir, home to the Secret Lagoon. It's a completely unexpected find in rural Iceland, and that's part of its charm.
The restaurant is a family operation run by an Ethiopian-Icelandic couple. Everything is served on injera, the traditional sourdough flatbread that doubles as your plate and utensil.
The doro wat (spicy chicken stew) is one of the most popular orders, and the vegetarian combo is a hit with reviewers for its rich, well-spiced lentils and greens. The lamb stew and spicy beef qey wat are also favorites.
Photo from Minilik ethiopian restaurant fludum (Facebook). No edits made.
If you have time, ask about the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. The owners roast the beans from scratch at the table, and reviewers consistently call it one of the best cups of coffee they've had.
Minilik is also one of the most affordable dining options on the Golden Circle, with meals typically running 4,000 to 6,000 ISK per person. The cozy interior is filled with Ethiopian art and objects, and the hospitality from the owners is consistently praised.
Note: Minilik is a two-person operation, so waits of up to two hours are common during busy evenings. The owners recommend calling ahead (+354 846 9798) to let them know you're coming so they can prepare. Arriving early also helps.
Get Directions to Minilik Ethiopian Restaurant
Minilik Ethiopian Restaurant Open Hours
Generally open for dinner, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Closed Mondays. Hours vary seasonally, and the restaurant typically closes for several weeks in January/February.
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5. Laugarvatn Fontana Kitchen and Cafe
Laugarvatn Fontana is a geothermal spa on the shores of Lake Laugarvatn, and its cafe serves one of the most unique food experiences on the Golden Circle. The highlight is traditional Icelandic rye bread (hverabraud) baked underground in naturally hot black sand beside the lake, a method that's been used for centuries.
The open-faced smoked trout on rye bread is a must-order. Reviewers call the pairing of the dense, slightly sweet bread with locally smoked trout from a nearby farm one of the best simple meals on the route.
The cafe also serves two soups daily with bread, butter, and pesto, along with salmon bagels, skyr with granola, and a selection of cakes and pastries. The glass-walled seating area overlooks the geothermal baths and the lake, making for a relaxing spot to eat.
For a deeper experience, join the geothermal bakery tour. You'll watch guides dig the bread out of the hot sand and learn about the baking tradition before tasting it fresh. The tours book up fast, so reserve in advance.
Note: Laugarvatn Fontana's geothermal baths and steam rooms are currently undergoing renovation and will be reopening soon. You can book your entrance tickets to Fontana Spa in advance. The bakery tours remain open daily at 11:45 AM and 2:40 PM, with an additional 10:15 AM tour offered during the summer.
Get Directions to Laugarvatn Fontana Kitchen and Cafe
Laugarbraut, 840 Laugarvatn, Iceland
Laugarvatn Fontana Kitchen and Cafe Open Hours
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Winter (October to May): 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
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Summer (June to September): 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
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Geothermal bakery tours daily at 11:45 AM and 2:40 PM (10:15 AM added from June 1 to September 30)
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4. Restaurant Mika
Photo from Restaurant Mika (Facebook). No edits made.
Restaurant Mika is a family-run gem in the village of Reykholt, right on the Golden Circle route between Geysir and Fridheimar. It's run by a Polish-Icelandic couple, Michal and Bozena Jozefik, and the entire family pitches in.
The langoustine soup is the star of the menu: creamy, rich, and packed with real langoustine. Some reviewers order a second bowl.
The handmade chocolate is equally famous. Michal trained as a chocolatier in Belgium, and the hot chocolate is described by visitors as the best in Iceland. A box of Mika's pralines also makes a great souvenir.
Photo from Restaurant Mika (Facebook). No edits made.
Beyond those two specialties, the mushroom pierogis and the wood-fired pizza (particularly the BBQ chicken) are popular picks. Everything is made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients, from the bread to the sauces.
The restaurant is small and cozy, with a warm family atmosphere. It's a place that regularly surprises visitors who weren't expecting to find this level of cooking in a small Icelandic village.
The restaurant can get busy, especially during summer, so book a table at Mika through Dineout to secure your spot.
Get Directions to Restaurant Mika
Skolabraut 4, 806 Reykholt, Iceland
Restaurant Mika Open Hours
Open daily, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
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3. Efstidalur II
Efstidalur II is a working cattle farm and family-run restaurant on Route 37, right in the heart of the Golden Circle between Laugarvatn and Geysir. The restaurant sits directly above the dairy barn, and diners can watch the cows through a glass window while eating.
The beef, dairy products, and cheese all come from the farm's own herd, and vegetables are sourced from neighboring farms. The burgers are the top-reviewed item, with the Icelander Burger and the ribeye steak getting particular praise for their freshness and flavor.
The soup buffet (beef or vegetable with unlimited refills and homemade bread with flavored butters, including a chili butter that fans love) is a solid value option.
Photo from FarmHotel Efsti-DalurII (Facebook). No edits made.
But the real reason many people stop at Efstidalur is the homemade ice cream. Made daily from the farm's own milk, flavors like rhubarb (topped with Icelandic rhubarb candy) and blueberry skyr rotate regularly.
The ice cream is served with an edible chocolate graham cracker spoon. Multiple reviewers have called it the most memorable ice cream of their trip.
The farm has been in the same family for seven generations and is now run by four siblings. No reservations needed; Efstidalur is walk-in only unless you have a large group. You can also stay overnight at the Efstidalur Farm Hotel.
Get Directions to Efstidalur II
Blaskogabyggd, 801 Laugarvatn, Iceland
Efstidalur II Open Hours
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Summer: Daily, 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
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Winter: Daily, 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM
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2. Ylja Restaurant
Ylja Restaurant at Laugaras Lagoon opened in late 2025 and immediately became one of the most exciting dining destinations on the Golden Circle.
The restaurant is led by chef Gísli Matt, one of Iceland's most celebrated chefs, previously known for his acclaimed restaurant Slippurinn in Vestmannaeyjar.
The name "Ylja" means "warmth" in the Icelandic language, and the seasonal menu reflects a deep connection to the surrounding countryside. Dishes feature ingredients sourced directly from the greenhouses, farms, and fisheries of the Laugaras Village.
The five-course "Around Laugaras" tasting menu is entirely vegetarian (and can be made vegan), a rarity in Iceland that has drawn attention from food writers.
Fish, meat, and two-course lunch options are also available, and the cocktail menu includes inventive zero-waste creations like the Laugaras Highball made with local herbs and Icelandic gin.
The restaurant is part of the larger Laugaras Lagoon complex, a two-story geothermal spa on the banks of the Hvita River. You can combine a meal at Ylja with a soak in the lagoon. The Osp entry pass includes a two-course meal at the restaurant.
Get Directions to Ylja Restaurant
Skalholtsvegur 1, 806 Selfoss, Iceland (at Laugaras Lagoon)
Ylja Restaurant Open Hours
Open daily, 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM. Reservations recommended.
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1. Fridheimar Tomato Farm
Fridheimar is the most famous restaurant on the Golden Circle and the number one dining experience on the route. This family-run greenhouse restaurant in Reykholt serves lunch inside a working tomato farm, with tables set among rows of live tomato plants.
The signature dish is the tomato soup, served as an all-you-can-eat buffet with freshly baked bread, sour cream, and cucumber salsa. Diners can snip fresh basil from a plant on their table to add to their bowl.
The soup alone draws people back, but the pasta with fresh tomato sauce and the burrata are also popular. For dessert, try the green tomato and apple cake, served in a flower pot. The Bloody Mary made with the farm's own tomatoes is a crowd favorite among the drinks.
Photo from Fridheimar | Selfoss (Facebook). No edits made.
The greenhouse produces about one ton of tomatoes per day, supplying supermarkets and restaurants across Iceland. The operation runs entirely on geothermal energy, and bumblebees handle the pollination.
There's also a horse show, a tomato shop selling sauces and jams, and a separate wine bar and bistro open for evening dining.
Reservations are essential at Fridheimar, especially during summer. Tables fill up fast, and many Golden Circle tours include it as their scheduled lunch stop.
Book a table at Fridheimar through Dineout to secure your spot. You can also visit the Little Tomato Shop and bar without a reservation.
Get Directions to Fridheimar Tomato Farm
Reykholt, Blaskogabyggd, 806 Selfoss, Iceland
Fridheimar Tomato Farm Open Hours
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Greenhouse restaurant (kitchen): Daily from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM
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The Little Tomato Shop and bar: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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Winebar and Bistro: Daily from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM (kitchen closes at 8:00 PM)
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Map of the Best Restaurants on the Golden Circle
Here is an interactive map showing the locations of all 10 restaurants featured in this guide. Use it to plan your stops and figure out which spots fit best into your route.
Saving Money on Food: Picnic Spots on the Golden Circle
Eating out at every stop on the Golden Circle adds up fast. One of the best ways to save money on a road trip is to plan your grocery shopping before leaving Reykjavik or Selfoss and bring a packed picnic.
Bonus (Reykjavik and Selfoss both have locations) and Kronan are the most affordable grocery stores in Iceland. Stock up on bread, cheese, deli items, fruit, and drinks. A packed lunch for two will cost a fraction of a single restaurant meal.
There are several scenic spots along the route where you can enjoy your food outdoors:
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Thingvellir National Park: There are picnic areas near Oxararfoss Waterfall and along the walking paths through the rift valley, with tables and benches available near the visitor center.
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Gullfoss Waterfall: The picnic area near the visitor center offers views over the canyon and is a comfortable spot to sit down between sightseeing stops.
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Faxi Waterfall: This peaceful, lesser-known waterfall has grassy banks along the river and rarely draws crowds, making it an ideal spot for a quiet stop.
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Kerid Crater: You can walk around the rim of this volcanic crater lake and find a seat on the red and orange slopes overlooking the turquoise water below.
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Laugarvatn Lake: The lakeshore between Thingvellir and Geysir has tranquil spots with mountain views and very few other visitors.
Keep in mind that Icelandic weather is unpredictable, so a car picnic is always a backup option. Bring a bag for your trash, as waste bins can be scarce outside the main visitor centers.
Discover the Best Food on the Golden Circle
The Golden Circle has gone from having limited food options to being one of the most interesting dining corridors in Iceland. From greenhouse restaurants and family farms to geothermal bakeries and Ethiopian cooking, the variety along the route is surprising.
The best approach is to pick one sit-down meal at a place that genuinely excites you, and supplement the rest with a packed picnic or a quick food hall stop. That way, you get the most memorable food experience without breaking the bank.
Book ahead for popular spots like Fridheimar and Ylja Restaurant at Laugaras Lagoon, and leave room in your schedule for a spontaneous stop at Efstidalur or Restaurant Mika.
If narrowing it down to just one meal feels impossible, consider staying overnight at one of the many hotels along the Golden Circle and spreading the best stops across two days. A whole new set of dining options awaits at the best restaurants on the South Coast, where many travelers head the following day.
Are there vegan or vegetarian options on the Golden Circle?
Do I need reservations at Golden Circle restaurants?
How much does it cost to eat on the Golden Circle?
What is the best restaurant on the Golden Circle for families?
Can I eat at Fridheimar without a reservation?
What traditional Icelandic food can I try on the Golden Circle?
What's your favorite place to eat on the Golden Circle? Have you tried any of the restaurants on this list? Share your experiences and recommendations in the comments below. We'd love to hear from you
I’m Rebecca, Head of Content at Guide to Iceland. I’ve lived in Reykjavik for almost a decade and have traveled across the country in every season. I’m curious about everything, and I care about making travel information easy to find, accurate, and helpful.
