Best Restaurants in Iceland

Best Restaurants in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a city packed with incredible restaurants, including the country's first to be awarded a Michelin Star. If you're staying at a hotel in Reykjavik, make sure to check out some of the following establishments to get the best of what Iceland's capital has to offer. 

• See our dedicated guide to the Best Restaurants in Reykjavik

Kol

Kol is self-described as a casual fine dining restaurant found right around the corner from Hallgrimskirkja Church, offering a culinary experience that doesn't tie itself down to a single style. 

The diverse menu at Kol caters to all tastes, including numerous excellent vegan options. The standout dish is the lamb fillet, ideal for those wishing to sample Icelandic grass-fed lamb that is known for its unique, gamey taste.

Finally, the restaurant is renowned for its cocktail menu, which contains a diverse selection of creatively crafted drinks. Kol is a great option whether you're looking for lunch or dinner or want to try the increasingly popular bottomless brunch.

Book your table at Kol Restaurant now!

Litli Barinn

Litli Barinn is a cozy bar and restaurant in the heart of downtown Reykjavik. This charming newcomer to the capital's restaurant scene offers a great drink menu and delicious small-plate meals at very fair prices, making it a great spot for happy hour or to grab dinner.

The restaurant aims to reflect Icelandic history and culture in its menu and atmosphere, emphasizing using local ingredients when possible and only playing music by Icelandic artists. Highlights on the menu include the melted brie with honey, pistachio, rosemary, and the Icelandic lamb sausage.

With a wide selection of wines and cocktails, including our favorite margarita in Reykjavik, you'll probably be tempted to make repeated visits to Litli Barinn after your first time there. Maybe you'd even prefer to book a room at the Local 101 hotel to have access to Litli Barinn right down by reception!

Book a table at Litli Barinn today!

Tres Locos

Tres Locos is a vibrant Mexican restaurant tucked away in an unassuming building by Ingolfstorg Square. Known for its lively atmosphere and authentic Mexican dishes, Tres Locos offers some welcome Mesoamerican warmth to Iceland's cool climate.

As you enter Tres Locos, you'll be greeted by a colorful display of fitting decor, with artwork of luchadors and Calavera skulls. The menu includes authentically prepared staples of Mexican cuisine, including tacos, plantains, enchiladas, and guacamole made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. There are also some international touches to be found in dishes such as wagyu taquito, which uses genuine A5 wagyu from Japan.

Tres Locos also offers a range of margaritas and other Mexican-inspired cocktails, making it a perfect venue for a night out with friends. With flavorful decor to match the menu and friendly service, it's the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

Book your table today at Tres Locos!

Fish Market

The Fish Market is perhaps the most iconic restaurant in Reykjavik when it comes to seafood - no small feat in the capital of a maritime nation. This restaurant offers an upscale dining experience with interesting and inventive dishes that draw inspiration from Icelandic and Japanese food cultures, resulting in a unique and high-quality menu.

The decor at the Fish Market is sleek and contemporary, creating a sophisticated dining atmosphere. Signature dishes include the lightly salted cod, a sushi platter, langoustine, and the everchanging fish of the day. 

On the restaurant's upper floor, you'll find Uppi Bar, home to possibly the largest wine menu in Iceland, an excellent locale to enjoy drinks in a chic environment after a delicious meal.

Tapas Barinn

Tapas Barinn has been a mainstay in the Reykjavik restaurant scene since the early 2000s, offering patrons a rich atmosphere and an even richer menu of over 70 dishes. As the name implies, the focus here is on Spanish tapas made with fresh Icelandic ingredients.

If you're feeling picky, you can order a la carte at Tapas Barinn and choose whichever items you fancy on the menu. There are also options for curated menus, such as the "Icelandic Gourmet Feast," where diners can try traditional Icelandic staples, such as arctic char and puffin, presented in tapas style, or go for the "Journey into the Unknown," which includes a little bit of everything, from fish to meat to veggies.

Tapas Barinn has cemented itself as a popular choice for both locals and visitors to enjoy a night out with good company and delicious food. Whether you want to try Icelandic food prepared in a novel way or are just in the mood for some Spanish goodies, Tapas Barinn is a great choice.

Reserve your table at Tapas Barinn right now!

Apotek

Apotek is a fantastic restaurant housed in an iconic building in central Reykjavik. Named after the city's first apothecary, which used to operate in the same space, Apotek offers a varied menu of high-quality dishes and classy cocktails.

Some of the exciting entries on the menu at Apotek include an Icelandic rack of lamb, tiger shrimp salad, and dry-aged steaks. A popular choice for a starter is the Arctic char that arrives at the table on a Himalayan salt block.

Apotek also offers a variety of creatively named cocktails inspired by the historical apothecary:  "Painkillers," "Stimulants," and "Placebo" (fittingly used for non-alcoholic drinks). Overall, Apotek is a great choice if you're looking for an expertly crafted meal or want to grab drinks in a classy environment.

Book your spot at Apotek Kitchen + Bar now!

Monkeys

Monkeys is a fun and trendy restaurant known for its delicious food, colorful cocktails, and funky interior. The menu features small courses inspired by Nikkei cuisine, a blend of Peruvian and Japanese culinary traditions.

Notable dishes at Monkeys include ceviche, sushi, and anticuchos (grilled skewers) made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, emphasizing creative presentation. The tasting menu is a veritable safari for the taste buds, taking diners through the best that Nikkei cuisine has to offer before ending on what is possibly the best dessert selection in Reykjavik.

After dinner, you need not venture far for drinks, as the excellent Kokteilbarinn is part of the restaurant. Don't miss out on a photo opportunity aboard the champagne train, which has been modeled after a comfortable 1920s train cart!

Make sure to book a table at Monkeys Restaurant today!

The Grill Market

The Grill Market is a heavyweight in Reykjavik's restaurant scene and a popular choice for special occasions, from romantic dates to business dinners. A sister restaurant of the already mentioned Fish Market, the focus here is on the grill, with Icelandic specialties being some of the more popular dishes. 

The restaurant prides itself on its partnership with local farmers, ensuring the food is fresh, local, and of the highest quality.​ Some popular dishes include lamb chops, burgers, and rib-eye steaks, served in a way that balances Icelandic heritage with international influences. For larger groups, the sharing menu is a fun way for the entire table to sample the restaurant's best without succumbing to decision anxiety.

There's plenty of high-quality meat on offer, but the Grill Market also offers fantastic seafood and vegetarian options. Add in an atmosphere that's both sophisticated yet laid back to go along with the delicious food, and it's little wonder that The Grill Market remains one of Reykjavik's most popular restaurants.

Dill

Dill pioneered the way for Icelandic fine dining when the restaurant became the country's first to receive a Michelin star and remains one of only two Icelandic restaurants to have gotten one. As you might expect, dining at Dill is quite the experience.

The set menus at Dill, which are five or seven courses, are highly seasonal and change regularly, making each dinner an adventure. The minimalist and elegant setting complements the refined dishes, providing a sophisticated dining experience.

If you want to experience Dill, we recommend booking well in advance as demand is high, and the restaurant is only open from Wednesdays to Saturdays. It will be well worth the wait, however, as Dill serves some of the finest dishes you're likely to find in Iceland.

Best Restaurants in South Iceland

Iceland's South Coast is one of the country's most popular regions to visit, with iconic sights such as the black sand beach of Reynisfjara and the waterfalls of Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Over the years, many great restaurants have emerged on the South Coast, becoming significant attractions on their own.

• See our dedicated guide to the Best Restaurants on the South Coast

Black Crust Pizzeria

The black sands of the beaches near the village of Vik are one of Iceland's most iconic sights. The black sand beach of Reynisfjara is one of Iceland's premier attractions, so it is little wonder that this natural wonder would inspire creative culinary minds.  

Black Crust Pizzeria is a fantastic restaurant in Vik, known for its namesake black crust pizzas. The distinctive black color of the crust comes from natural charcoal, which gives it a slightly smoky flavor that compliments the toppings chosen on the menu.

The pizzeria has a stylish and cozy interior with natural wood, a dark green color palette, and plenty of plants, providing a comfortable dining atmosphere. Whether staying in a hotel in Vik or passing through on your travels on the Ring Road, don't miss out on sampling these delicious pizzas.

Fjöruborðið (Stokkseyri)

Fjöruborðið is a homey seafood restaurant overlooking the ocean in the quaint seaside village of Stokkseyri. The restaurant is renowned for its lobster dishes, so much so that some people drive 50 minutes from the capital of Reykjavik to have a taste!

The star of the menu is the lobster soup, a rich and creamy bisque packed with generous portions of langoustine tails. Other notable dishes include garlic butter langoustine and a variety of fresh seafood plates, all sourced locally.

If you're driving the South Coast, you'll likely need to make a small detour to visit Fjöruborðið, but it will be well worth it if you're hankering for some lobster. While you're in Stokkseyri, you might want to check out one of Iceland's more unique museums, The Ghost Center, where you can learn all about hauntings and ghost stories in Iceland.

Book your table at Fjöruborðið!

Rauða Húsið (Eyrarbakki)

Rauða Húsið, also known as The Red House, is situated in the historic village of Eyrarbakki, the sister village of Stokkseyri. This fine-dining restaurant is housed in a century-old building, specializing in langoustine.

If you're looking to get some lobster, the aptly named "lobster feast" is an obvious choice, allowing you to try the lobster soup and langoustine tails before getting to the (non-lobster-based!) dessert of your choice. The restaurant also offers a variety of non-seafood dishes, and many patrons praise its delicious lamb main.

With its warm ambiance and commitment to using fresh, local ingredients from the nearby town of Thorlakshofn, Rauða Húsið offers another great option by the South Coast to sample Icelandic maritime bounty.

Reserve a table at Rauða Húsið!

Slippurinn (Westman Islands)

The Westman Islands are well known for their volcanic landscapes, thriving puffin colonies, and rich history. If you happen to be visiting the islands between May and September, don't miss out on visiting Slippurinn.

Housed in a former machine workshop that used to serve the islands' old shipyard, this family-run restaurant serves local food with a heavy emphasis on sustainability. Here, you will find dishes such as cured halibut, Icelandic lamb, and shellfish courses flavored using old Icelandic culinary practices.

We recommend booking a table at Slippurinn in advance as it's commonly packed during the summer months, and you'll be happy you did after sampling the menu.

Fröken Selfoss (Selfoss)

Fröken Selfoss is a new and trendy restaurant in Selfoss, the largest town in South Iceland. Selfoss recently underwent a bit of a facelift in the shape of a new town center, and Fröken Selfoss is one of the great restaurants that emerged as a result of this renovation.

The restaurant describes itself as "suitably fancy," meaning you can enjoy a chic yet laid-back atmosphere. Mains here include salted cod, seafood pasta, and a traditional Icelandic meat soup, and the bar offers possibly the best cocktails found on the South Coast.

For dessert, you could try the brownie or a rhubarb and apple pie, or swing by Groovís - the ice cream parlor run by the owners of Fröken Selfoss, where you can take a trip down nostalgia road by enjoying ice cream, freshly baked mini donuts, or cotton candy.

Reserve a table at Fröken Selfoss!

Best Restaurants in East Iceland

The Eastfjords are a lesser-visited region of Iceland that is nevertheless full of natural beauty, with serene fjords and lovely waterfalls. But while it's easy to find places to visit for your travel itinerary, a very important question remains! Where do you find a delicious meal during your days of exploring?

• Check out our dedicated guide to the Best Restaurants in East Iceland

Berunes Restaurant (Djupivogur)

Djupivogur is a small fishing village found in the Eastfjords, known for its stunning natural surroundings. Here, you'll find Berunes HI Hostel, which offers its guests a charming farmhouse stay option for accommodation in Djupivogur. More important to this article, however, is the Berunes Restaurant.

Owned by a renowned chef who grew up in Berunes,  the restaurant offers a menu that changes regularly to highlight local ingredients from both land and sea. While items on such an elusive menu can be hard to pin down, you can generally expect expertly crafted meat, fish, and vegetarian options for your main.

The delicious food is elevated with the stunning views from the farm, making it a fantastic spot to make unforgettable memories. If you're passing through Djupivogur, we highly recommend booking a table at Berunes Restaurant to take in the beauty and culture of East Iceland.

Skaftfell Bistro (Seydisfjordur)

Seydisfjordur is a small village packed with a colorful personality. While the primary industry for centuries has been fishing, Seydisfjordur is also known for its cultural scene, as is perfectly exhibited in Skaftfell Art Center. Along with its artistic displays, the center also operates the fantastic Skaftfell Bistro.

Housed in the basement of a 1907 Icelandic house built by Norwegian fishermen, Skaftfell Bistro offers a charming ambiance to go along with an ever-changing menu, where you might find a traditionally prepared lamb rump steak, or you might be walking into taco night. 

It's recommended to book your table at Skaftfell Bistro in advance to ensure availability. Afterward, take a walk through Seydisfjordur, drink in the wonderful scenery, and visit one of Iceland's most iconic churches.

Norð Austur - Sushi & Bar (Seydisfjordur)

Norð Austur, also found in Seydisfjordur, is an establishment that leaves many visitors dumbfounded, serving world-class sushi in the remote reaches of East Iceland. Making use of the town's maritime roots, they only use the freshest ingredients caught by local fishermen.

Here you'll find many of the usual suspects you'd expect to find at a Japanese sushi restaurant, with sushi rolls and nigiri, gyozas, tempura, and more.  For drinks, you have the option of getting Sake or a glass of Japanese whiskey.

While sushi may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about rural Iceland, don't miss out on booking your table at Norð Austur - Sushi & Bar with good notice, as the well-deserved reputation of this restaurant makes it highly popular with locals and travelers passing through.

Randulf's Sea House (Eskifjordur)

Randulff's Sea house can be found in a well-preserved timber structure dating back to 1890, by the pier of the fishing town of Eskifjordur. Partially owned by the East Iceland Maritime Museum, the restaurant is adorned with pieces of fisherman history, granting the establishment a unique atmosphere.

The menu features a variety of intriguing Icelandic dishes made from local ingredients such as reindeer, lamb, and local seafood. It's also an excellent opportunity to sample Iceland's more notorious culinary traditions, including fermented shark, dried fish, and Brennivin.

Randulf's Sea House is usually only open during the summer, with sporadic openings on special occasions throughout the year.

Nielsen Restaurant (Egilsstadir)

Egilsstadir is the largest town in East Iceland and acts as a gateway to the rest of the region. There are many good options for accommodation in Egilsstadir that can serve as a base of operations when exploring the region, and great restaurants to get back to after a long day of exploring.

Nielsen Restaurant is the most celebrated restaurant in Egilsstadir, housed in the town's oldest building. Run by a husband and wife who share a passion for cooking and cuisine, Nielsen offers guests a menu packed with exquisite dishes carefully crafted with the freshest local ingredients.

Although it is only open during the summer months, Nielsen Restaurant is rightfully praised for its excellent food, friendly service, and cozy atmosphere, making it a must-visit for anyone traveling through East Iceland.

Book a table at Nielsen Restaurant!

Best Restaurants in North Iceland

North Iceland is home to stunning natural areas and historical sites. Akureyri, the unofficial capital of the region, acts as a gateway to these sites, as well as a slew of fantastic restaurants strewn across settlements of varying sizes.

• See our dedicated guide to the Best Restaurants in North Iceland

Jarlstofa Restaurant (Saudarkrokur)

The old town of Saudarkrokur is truly charming, and among these historic streets, you'll discover Jarlstofa, a cozy restaurant nestled within Hotel Tindastoll, the oldest hotel in Iceland. Generally open only for dinner during the warmer months.

Dining at Jarlstofa is like stepping back in time, surrounded by antique decor and furniture that preserves the charm of the 19th century. The restaurant's ambiance, combined with its commitment to serving quality local food, makes it one of the coziest places to enjoy a meal in Iceland.

Jarlstofa offers a regularly changing set of two- or three-course menus that showcase the freshest Icelandic ingredients. For those with specific dietary preferences, there are also vegetarian and kid's menus available.

If a full meal isn’t what you’re after, you can opt for the soup of the day or share a selection of small dishes, perfect for a relaxed evening of conversation over a beer or glass of wine. Jarlstofa is a must-visit on any journey through the beautiful North Iceland.

Strikið (Akureyri)

Strikið Restaurant can be found on the fifth floor of a building in Akureyri, offering diners a unique experience with stunning views over the nearby fjord and surrounding mountains.  Opened in 2005, it has been one of Akureyri's most popular restaurants for almost two decades.

The menu sports dishes inspired by both Icelandic and international dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. The prices are very fair as there's no skimping on the portion sizes.

When the weather allows, patrons can enjoy their meals in the restaurant's outdoor areas, pairing their delicious dinner with gorgeous views.

Book your table at Strikið today!

Rub 23

Rub 23 is a seafood restaurant with an emphasis on Asian dishes which has become one of the more acclaimed restaurants in North Iceland. The name of the establishment derives from the word "rub," meaning spice blend, and the restaurant's street number: 23. 

The restaurant places a great emphasis on its selection of sushi and seafood options but also offers meat and vegetarian options. The restaurant also has a cocktail bar where guests can try their favorite drinks mixed with Icelandic liquor.

Overall, Rub 23 is an excellent choice for a night out in Akureyri. The place is popular, so make sure to book your table at Rub 23 in advance.

Reserve a table at Rub 23!

Siglunes (Siglufjordur)

Siglufjordur is the northernmost town on Iceland's mainland and a charming place to visit. Hotel Siglunes is a deeply rooted choice of accommodation in Siglufjordur that has also become known for its hotel restaurant, Siglunes.

The master chef at Siglunes is Moroccan with a menu to match his home country, bringing stunning Mediterranean dishes to Iceland's north. Try them for yourself, and you'll find that Icelandic lamb lends itself very well to Moroccan tagine!

If you're looking for a place to stay in Siglufjordur or just somewhere to grab dinner, you can't go wrong with Hotel Siglunes. 

Vogafjos Farm Resort (Lake Myvatn)

Vogafjós is a farm and accommodation by Lake Myvatn that the same family has owned for over 120 years. The region is considered by many to be the most beautiful area in all of Iceland, with rich birdlife and incredible volcanic landscapes.

In addition to being a great choice, if you need accommodation near Lake Myvatn, Vogafjós also operates a restaurant, which can be found in a refurbished cowshed, offering traditional homemade Icelandic food. The menu is textbook farm-to-table, with items such as homemade mozzarella and rye bread baked underground using geothermal heat.

A rather unique experience in Vogafjos is being able to look through an indoor window where you can watch the farm cows being milked as you dine! It should go without saying that booking a room at Vogafjos is a great option if you want to get in touch with authentic Icelandic farm life.

Best Restaurants in West Iceland

There is much to see in West Iceland, including the incredibly diverse Snaefellsnes peninsula, often nicknamed "Iceland in Miniature," as it features many of Iceland's iconic natural formations. Many of the settlements here are incredibly charming and offer great food, if you know where to look.

Englendingavík (Borgarnes)

Borgarnes is West Iceland's largest town, steeped in culture and history. In the old part of the town lies a cove called Englendingavik, "or Englishman Cove," which became the namesake of a great hotel and restaurant of the same name.

The restaurant is set in a charming, historic building that offers patrons a lovely atmosphere and great views to go along with their meals. Englendingavík's menu focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, placing an emphasis on Icelandic fish.

Englendingavík has a wonderful sheltered terrace, which is a great place to sit in the sun, enjoying good food and drinks in good company.

Narfeyrarstofa (Stykkisholmur)

Stykkisholmur is a beautiful little town on the northern shore of the Snaefellsnes peninsula overlooking Breidafjordur. The restaurant Narfeyrarstofa can be found in one of the town's oldest buildings, which has served many purposes throughout the years, having served diners since the early 2000s.

The menu features a variety of traditional Icelandic dishes, with a strong emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Signature items include succulent lamb, fresh seafood, and delicious homemade desserts.

The traditional interior and delicious food make almost every visit to Narfeyrarstofa a memorable one, be it for a casual lunch or a special dinner.

Book a table at Narfeyrarstofa right now!

Sjávarpakkhúsið (Stykkishólmur)

Sjávarpakkhúsið is another charming found in Stykkisholmur, right by the harbor. Housed in a beautifully maintained timber building over 100 years old, the restaurant offers a cozy and authentic Icelandic dining experience. Its name, which translates to "Seafood Packing House," reflects its history as a former fish packing plant.

The menu at Sjávarpakkhúsið emphasizes fresh, locally sourced seafood and seasonal ingredients. Specialties include blue mussels in white wine, perfectly cooked scallops, and a hearty fish soup, all complemented by a selection of local craft beers and fine wines. 

The dining experience is enhanced by stunning views over Stykkisholmur harbor, where guests can watch colorful fishing boats come and go.

Reserve your table at Sjávarpakkhúsið!

Bjargarsteinn Mathús (Grundarfjordur)

The history of the old building of Bjargarsteinn is an interesting one. Originally built in the town of Akranes in 1908, it was later transported to and rebuilt in Borgarnes in 2008 before finally being moved to the seaside village of Grundarfjordur, where it now stands as the restaurant Bjargarsteinn Mathús.

The cozy and rustic atmosphere of Bjargarsteinn Mathús and its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and sea make it a perfect spot for a relaxing meal. The menu is internationally inspired and everchanging, making each visit an adventure.

Grundarfjordur is located very close to famous locations such as the arrowhead mountain of Kirkjufell and the associated waterfall Kirkjufellsfoss. If you're looking for a place to eat nearby, you can't go wrong with Bjargarsteinn Mathús.

Have you dined in any of the restaurants we mentioned above? Did we miss your favorite one? What is your opinion about restaurants in Iceland? Let us know in the comments below!