Best Restaurants in Akureyri

Best Places for Breakfast and Lunch in Akureyri

Want to wake up early and fuel up for a day of adventure? Or do you prefer to make the most of your Iceland accommodations and sleep longer, enjoying a cozy brunch or lunch? Well, you're in luck either way because these are the go-to places for a fantastic meal to start your day in Akureyri!

LYST

LYST is one of those places you simply have to experience in North Iceland. This café, restaurant, and event venue is located in the center of the Botanical Garden of Akureyri and is pretty magical. It opens at 11 AM and is the go-to place for brunch, lunch, or afternoon coffee in town!

The first thing you'll notice is the iconic statement windows inspired by the surrounding trees, which flood the space with natural light. If you can, grab a table by either window and enjoy your coffee with the lovely view of the Akureyri garden. When the weather allows, there's also plenty of outdoor seating!

LYST serves high-quality coffee and hot chocolate, which go perfectly with their selection of pastries and brunch items. Choose from a selection of sourdough breads with different toppings, of which we highly recommend the smoked char with cream cheese and capers. You can't go wrong with the avocado spread or the date jam with hummus and olives, either!

If you want a hearty meal, LYST serves lunch between 11:30 AM and roughly 1:30 PM on weekdays. The menu is simple and reasonably priced, and you have the choice of either fish and vegetables or meat and vegetables. The dishes change regularly, and you can count on them to be tasty!

For something lighter, there are many small dishes that are perfect for sharing over a glass of wine. With closing times at 7 PM on weekdays and 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, LYST is an ideal spot to wind down after a day of exploring, relax before dinner, or enjoy the fun wine selection while chatting the evening away.

The cozy atmosphere, paired with delicious food and an incredible location in the Akureyri Botanical Garden, makes LYST our top recommendation for food in Akureyri!

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 Kaffi Ilmur

If you're starting your day very early, then Kaffi Ilmur is a great choice. It's just by the Akureyri main street, and they serve breakfast every day from 8 AM! You can go for classic menu items like hearty eggs and bacon, a full English breakfast, shakshuka, or just a simple, homey salted porridge.

The charm of Kaffi Ilmur comes from its history, as it's in one of the oldest houses in Akureyri. It was built between 1911 and 1916 as a saddler's shop. It then became a goldsmith's before being transformed into a cozy café in 2011.

Kaffi Ilmur is a very charming place to have a nice early breakfast, but they also serve delicious homemade cakes, which should not be ignored! If the weather is nice, there's a large outdoor seating area where you can watch the main street of Akureyri come alive. This makes it a lovely option for an early morning meal before heading out for your North Iceland adventures.

Best Restaurants in Akureyri

Akureyri has some really amazing restaurants that provide the perfect end to your day of exploring. These renowned restaurants have great service and are sure to provide a fantastic dining experience in North Iceland!

Rub23

In recent years, Rub23 has become the obvious answer to the question, "Where should I have dinner in Akureyri?". This vibrant red restaurant is located along the main street of Akureyri, just across from the iconic Akureyrakirkja church and Hotel Kea. They focus on fresh seafood, and you can find a selection of sushi and different fish, but they also serve some fantastic steaks for the meat lovers out there!

If you're feeling adventurous, we highly recommend going for one of their tasting menus. It's a great way to try the range of flavors available, and who can really say no to their main tasting menu with a name like "the ultimate food festival"?

As it's one of the most popular restaurants in Akureyri, we recommend that you book a table at Rub23. It's the best way to ensure availability so you won't face the frustration of arriving and finding it fully booked!

Local tip: If you want to try the famous sushi but are craving nothing more than crashing on your cozy hotel bed after a long drive, you can pick up takeaway from Rub23 at the Krónan supermarket in Akureyri. Krónan has a counter with fresh sushi from Rub23 that you can pick up while you get any other groceries you may need for your trip!

• Check out: Shopping for Groceries in Iceland
• See also: Best Seafood Restaurants in Reykjavik

North Restaurant

Now, if you want a true fine dining experience in North Iceland, it doesn't get nicer than North Restaurant. This place opened in 2022 as a passion project of chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason, best known for earning Iceland its first Michelin star at Dill, the renowned restaurant in Reykjavik.

North is located on the ground floor of Hotel Akureyri Skjaldborg, a historic 4-star hotel with views of the Eyjafjordur fjord. It's one of the most unique and inspired restaurants in Iceland, and it's all centered around celebrating Icelandic ingredients, especially ones originating from the surrounding region.

There's technically no menu at North; there's just one tasting menu served with a series of different small dishes that all complement each other. You can either go for just the food or enjoy it with a wine paring, which we highly recommend for the full North experience.

Even though the food is ambitious and a work of art in its own right, the atmosphere is very relaxed and cozy. The service is excellent, but you don't have to stress about things like which fork to use, and you can simply enjoy dinner without too much formality.

North is open for dinner from Wednesdays to Sundays. Seating is limited, and it's a very popular place, so it's very unlikely that you'll be able to get a table without booking. Make sure to book your table at North Restaurant with good notice so you don't miss out on this culinary experience.

• Discover more: Icelandic Food: The Ultimate Guide to Iceland Food Culture
• Also, see the Best Luxury Hotels in Iceland

Strikið

Strikið has remained one of the most popular restaurants in Akureyri for around 20 years! It offers some of the best views of the neighboring fjord, which you can enjoy with a great meal in an elegant environment. If the weather allows, you can even dine out on the balcony!

They focus on using Icelandic ingredients but draw inspiration from cuisines all over the world. The menu of Strikið features grilled beef tenderloin, salmon, chicken, and, of course, unmissable Icelandic lamb. You can also go for the tasty "top floor burger" or choose from the great sushi selection.

We especially recommend going for a few of their small dishes to share or enjoying the three-course offer. You have two options for each course, and it's great value for the price!

Strikið is right in the middle of downtown Akureyri and close to many of the go-to sights. As it's very popular, it's best to reserve a table at Strikið ahead of time to ensure availability.

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Eyja Winebar and Bistro

Eyja is a cozy wine bar and bistro in a charming historic building in downtown Akureyri. It opened in 2022 and has become a local favorite for its great drink selection and nice food.

Their smaller dishes are very popular, as you can try many different things and share. If you want something more filling, there are a few mains to choose from like the beef with potatoes and pumpkin purée and lightly salted cod. We recommend the three-course menu, which is fairly priced and features a fantastic crème brûlée for dessert!

This is the go-to place for wine lovers as their wine list is extensive, but you can also go for a local beer and cocktails. Check out Eyja for a cozy evening right in central Akureyri!

Centrum Kitchen & Bar

Centrum is a trendy restaurant right in the heart of Akureyri. It's part of the Centrum Hotel and is one of the more fun places for dinner in town. The menu offers a mix of favorites like classic burgers, tacos, and standout mains such as beef tenderloin and Arctic char.

Our favorite dish is the langoustine pasta, which fully justifies a visit on its own! To go with your meal, Centrum has a huge selection of cocktails and spirits, making it a great place to kick off a night out.

Its central location and fun atmosphere have made this spot very popular, and it's not very likely that you'll get a table with a walk-in. Make sure to book your table at Centrum beforehand so you don't miss out!

Best Casual Meals in Akureyri

Sometimes, you just want something delicious for dinner in a casual environment, especially when dressed in full hiking gear or after a long road trip. These are the best places to enjoy a tasty casual meal in Akureyri.

Akureyri Backpackers

The name "Akureyri Backpackers" certainly gives an idea of the atmosphere! It's actually a guesthouse, but their restaurant is a welcoming spot for all weary travelers. It's located along the Akureyri main street and serves tasty burgers, fish and chips, salads, and bar snacks.

Akureyri Backpackers has a full bar and is a popular place for a night out among locals. They're open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and until 10 PM the rest of the week! They also show live sports events, so if there's a game you don't want to miss, check with Backpackers if they plan to show it.

This cozy spot is perfect for relaxing after your day of adventure. If you want to make your visit to Akureyri super convenient, book a room at the Akureyri Backpackers guesthouse so you can simply head straight upstairs to relax after your meal!

• Check out the selection of Guesthouses in Iceland

Indian Curry House

Now, you might think, why would I go for Indian food in North Iceland? Shouldn't I be trying Icelandic food? How much further could you really get from India?

Well, Indian Curry House absolutely deserves a place here, as it's our personal go-to place for a casual dinner in Akureyri. It has captured our hearts over the years with authentic Indian food that's reliably delicious.

Indian Curry House was originally opened in 2004 by chef Sathiya Moorthy and was a welcome addition to the restaurant scene in Akureyri. The place is usually busy with locals craving tandoori lamb, chicken madras, or other fantastic dishes with fresh naan and papadums on the side. They also offer takeaway if you're just passing through Akureyri.

Indian Curry House has recently branched out and opened a small takeaway restaurant in Reykjavik, so if you don't have time to stop in North Iceland, you can grab a bite in Iceland's capital. It's the best place to go if you're craving delicious Indian food while in Iceland!

• See also: The Best Restaurants in Reykjavik
• Check out: Where to Eat in Reykjavik: 12 Spots for Dining on a Budget

Bautinn Restaurant

Photo from Jennifer Boyer

As you stroll around Akureyri, the Bautinn restaurant is unmissable, with its iconic red building right along the town's main street. The building was originally built in 1902 and has housed the Bautinn restaurant since opening in 1971!

The focus at Bautinn has always been on good food for reasonable prices, and their menu is pretty diverse. The fish and chips are classic, the burgers are good, and the fish soup is delicious. For a bit of history, go for the "Bautinn special splice," a beef brisket on Focaccia that has been on the menu since 1971!

It's a solid casual restaurant in Akureyri, so make sure to stop by if you're in the mood for something tasty. You may be able to get a table without a booking, but if you want to be sure, it's best to contact Bautinn directly for a reservation.

• Learn more: Akureyri, the Capital of North: Culture, History and Activities

Akureyri has a fantastic culinary scene, from cozy cafés to fine dining. These restaurants are the best way to taste local flavors and get to know the Akureyri food culture.

Whether you're kicking off a day of exploration or relaxing after a long adventure, these are the best places to go. Include these restaurants in your North Iceland itinerary and make your visit to Akureyri even more memorable!

Which of these Akureyri restaurants sounds the best? Will you try them the next time you're in Iceland? Have you explored North Iceland before? Share your thoughts and experience in the comment section below!