Best Restaurants in Vik
Discover the best restaurants in the town of Vik along Iceland's South Coast. From quick bites and casual options to fine dining experiences, you're sure to find delicious meals to soothe any craving. Find the best food to try during your time in Vik!
The charming town of Vik i Myrdal, commonly known as Vik, is around a 3-hour drive from Reykjavik and is an increasingly popular stop for travelers to some of Iceland's most iconic attractions. This town is known for its beautiful red and white church, the dramatic Reynisdrangar sea stacks off the coastline, and the nearby Reynisfjara black sand beach. It's also a popular rest stop for South Coast tours from Reykjavik.
Staying in Vik is perfect if you want to explore all that the whole South Coast has to offer with a rental car or to spend a night during your tour of the Ring Road. There are also many fun Vik tours and travel packages to choose from.
While the town is rather small, with a population of around 650 inhabitants, Vik boasts a lively restaurant scene with plenty of different options to choose from. Whether you're looking for a quick casual meal on the go or a lovely sit-down dining experience, here are the best Vik restaurants for a memorable culinary experience!
- See more: The Ultimate Guide to Iceland's South Coast
- Also, check out: The Best Restaurants in Reykjavik
The Best Restaurants in Vik
Vik offers a variety of dining options that cater to different preferences. Here are the best restaurants to check out during your visit to Vik!
7. Katla Restaurant
Photo from Hotel Katla
Just a 5-minute drive from the center of Vik, you can enjoy a comforting meal at Katla Restaurant. It's part of the 3-star Hotel Katla, which can also be a lovely place to stay in the area, especially for those looking to be surrounded by nature.
The restaurant is characterized by warm wooden tones and large windows with an interior similar to a country lodge. This, paired with the friendly service, creates a welcoming atmosphere with great views. While they have a typical menu, this restaurant is known for its buffets, where you can treat yourself to some delicious treats with plenty of options to choose from. Make sure to show up hungry, so you can try as many things as possible!
It's a great place for a meal when traveling, so we encourage you to book your table at Katla Restaurant ahead of time. They also offer a fantastic breakfast buffet, which is a highlight of any stay at Hotel Katla.
6. Berg Restaurant
Photo from Hótel Vík i Mýrdal
One of the main characteristics of Vik is the beautiful cliffs that tower over the town, with the charming red and white church on top. By the foot of the cliffs, you'll find the appropriately named Berg Restaurant, with the word "berg" being the Icelandic word for a rock.
The menu features some fantastic dishes, such as the braised lamb shank and the arctic char. The unique butternut squat steak with hummus is delicious and you also can't go wrong by choosing the fish of the day! The desserts are the perfect end to a great meal, and we especially recommend the coconut and passion fruit panna cotta.
This stylish and modern restaurant is part of Hotel Vik i Myrdal and is perfect for a nice night out. We highly recommend planning a visit!
5. Halldórskaffi
Photo from Halldórskaffi
In the oldest part of Vik, you'll find one of the most historic buildings in the town, Brydebúð. Its history traces back to 1829, and it's the second oldest building on the South Coast of Iceland, with the oldest one located in the town of Eyrabakki. It used to house a merchant shop, but today, it's the location of the Katla Visitor Center and the Halldórskaffi restaurant!
The building's history is reflected in the homey interior of Halldórskaffi, which is lovely for a casual lunch or dinner. The menu features tasty options such as the arctic char, Icelandic lamb fillet, and a traditional "kjötsúpa" lamb soup. It's a great way to warm yourself up from the inside out if you've been exploring in cold temperatures!
There are also plenty of burgers and pizzas to choose from, and great vegetarian options. Make sure to try out the amazing desserts that have a home-made charm befitting the historic house.
Halldórskaffi is the perfect stop when exploring the town of Vik. Take the time to visit the Katla Visitor Center next door, where you can see an interesting exhibition about the stunning Katla Geopark and the seafaring history of Vik. It's also a short distance from the beautiful Vik coastline!
4. Drangar Restaurant
Photo from Hotel Kría
Close to the Ring Road, under Vik's dramatic cliffs, is the Drangar Restaurant. It's located in the modern Hotel Kría, which offers some beautiful views of the surrounding area.
The menu is updated regularly as the restaurant takes pride in using seasonal ingredients to create new and interesting flavors. You'll see options such as Icelandic lamb, all sorts of seafood, duck, beef, and great vegetarian dishes. The desserts are also very interesting and definitely worth a try!
This is also one of the best places to stay if you're looking for a hotel in Vik, as Hotel Kría has a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from over 800 guests! Whether you stay a night or not, just make sure to include a visit to the Drangar Restaurant in Vik for a lovely dining experience.
3. Smiðjan Brugghús
Photo from Smiðjan Brugghús
For some of the best burgers on the South Coast, stop by the Smiðjan Brugghús brewery! The idea of opening a brewery in the small town of Vik came to be in 2014, but it wasn't until 2018 that the idea was expanded upon, and they opened a fantastic restaurant.
With its casual industrial-chic interior and fun atmosphere, this place is great for a tasty meal for lunch or dinner. The menu features delicious burgers, with the onion rings and bacon burger, and the blue cheese burger being special highlights. The vegan burger is also fantastic! You can get some delicious fries on the side, and while they're nice on their own, remember to order a dipping sauce as well!
If you don't want a burger, there are other options, like a lamb tomahawk and pulled pork sandwich. We highly recommend getting the tasting platter, as you'll be able to try different things on the menu.
Photo from Smiðjan Brugghús
As Smiðjan Brugghús is an actual brewery, make sure to try their artisan beers, which are crafted on-site. There are 10 different beers on tap, some of which are rather unique! If you don't manage to stop by their location in Vik or are driving when you do, you don't have to miss out.
You can pick up some of their beers on-site, and the most popular ones can be found in alcohol stores around Iceland. You may also find them in some bars in Reykjavik. Make sure to keep an eye out so you can give them a go!
- For more: The Best Bars for Craft Beer in Reykjavik
- See also: The Ultimate Guide to Icelandic Liquor and Spirits
2. Suður-Vík
Photo from Suður-Vík
Suður-Vík is a great spot for a hearty meal with a view. The restaurant is located on a lush mountainside with great views over Vik and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. It has a very charming and home-like atmosphere!
The restaurant was opened in 2013 and has become a favorite among locals in the area. The Thai curry with rice is like a warm hug after a day of exploring, and the local charr is delicious. For a sinful treat, the Suður-Vík burger is fantastic, with caramelized onions and camembert, and you can't go wrong with one of the tasty pizzas!
There are vegan options available, and many of the dishes can be made gluten-free upon request. If you're starting your day in Vik, then you can also pop in for a tasty brunch.
Photo from Suður-Vík
Suður-Vík is quite popular, so we recommend contacting the restaurant and reserving a table. If the weather allows, try to get a table outside for the amazing view!
In the basement of Suður-Vík, you'll find the Kjallarinn cocktail bar. It's generally only open during summer, but it's a fantastic place to hang out, play games, and have a good time with tasty drinks! It's a staple in the social scene in Vik, so stop by if you have the chance.
1. Black Crust Pizzeria
For a special culinary treat in Vik, you simply must check out Black Crust Pizzeria. Since it opened in 2022, it has gained traction as the go-to place for lunch or dinner along the South Coast for both locals and travelers alike!
This unique restaurant is famous for charcoal-infused dough, which gives the pizza a distinct black appearance. The combos of toppings are also delicious, with options like langoustine and truffle-infused cream cheese pizza or one with marinated duck! There are also multiple sourdough pizzas on the menu if you prefer something more traditional.
This restaurant is very casual, which is perfect when you've been exploring Icelandic nature all day! Black Crust Pizzeria even shares a building with the Katla Track tour operator, so if you're planning to embark on this Katla ice-caving and glacier hiking tour or other ice cave tours in the vicinity, it couldn't be more convenient to finish your adventure with a tasty pizza upon your return.
Be aware that Black Crust Pizzeria doesn't take reservations, as you simply order at the bar and find a comfy table in the dining area. If you don't manage to grab a table, you can get a takeaway. It's especially perfect for enjoying the beautiful surroundings during those rare sunny summer days!
If the day of your visit happens to not be a very nice summer day, and there may be a real risk of your pizza blowing away with the wind, then it can also be super cozy to bring your pizza back to your accommodation in Vik. No matter how you do it, don't miss out on this delicious treat when you're exploring Iceland's beautiful South Coast.
Summary of the Best Restaurants in Vik
Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Alexey Komarov.
Vik may be a rather small town, but its restaurants are packed with flavor and character! Each restaurant here brings its own special touch to the food scene, making the most of local ingredients. From cozy cafes serving up hearty, homemade meals to more upscale spots where you can enjoy a fine dining experience, you're sure to find a great place to suit different tastes and budgets.
Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite on your travels or settling in for a cozy meal after a day of exploring, you're sure to have a great time. Take the time to discover the small-town charm of Vik!
Will you explore the South Coast and stop in Vik? Which of these restaurants would you most like to try? Have you visited any of these places before? Share your thoughts and experience in the comment section below!
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