Best Seafood Restaurants in Reykjavik

Best Seafood Restaurants in Reykjavik

You'll find unique and amazing culinary experiences at these Reykjavik restaurants featuring interesting and inventive dishes. These are the top seafood restaurants in Reykjavik!

6. Brút

Photo from Brút restaurant

For a special treat, stop by Brút. This fun seafood restaurant has a Michelin recommendation and is located in a beautiful historic building in downtown Reykjavik, originally built in 1919. It's just a 5-minute walk away from the Reykjavik harbor and just next to the Austurstraeti shopping street.

Brút specializes in innovative but simple dishes that let the main ingredient shine. The key items on the menu, such as the arctic char, pollock, lemon sole, skate, and more, are all served with the fresh sides of the day. After your delicious meal, you can choose from the cheese and dessert selection, which is rolled to you on a carte! If you're starting your day early, you can also enjoy the tasty brunch and lunch selection.

If you're looking for a place to go for a nice glass of wine in Reykjavik, then Brút is also a great candidate. The wine list is vast, with plenty of options from different countries, which you can, of course, pair with a meal. There are also some fun cocktails to choose from!

Make sure to plan a visit to Brút for a great high-end dining experience in Reykjavik.

Reserve a table at Brút restaurant

5. Sushi Social

Photo from Sushi Social

Sushi Social is not really a typical seafood restaurant, as it offers a very diverse menu with plenty of fish, meat, and vegetarian options. However, it's earned a place on this list simply because it offers some of the best sushi you'll find anywhere in Iceland!

This restaurant serves an interesting fusion of Japanese and South American cuisine, which is reflected in their delicious nigiri, sashimi, and sushi rolls. Each one is an original creation or a twist on the classics, so be prepared for new flavors!

The interesting combination of Japan and South America is also reflected in the fun interior. You can dine under Japanese birdcage lanterns and hand-carved Brazilian curios or by a recreation of a huge bonsai tree.

To go with your meal, try the fantastic cocktail selection, some of which are award-winning! Or, if you prefer, choose from the great wine list or go for sake. You're sure to have a memorable time, no matter what you order.

Reserve your table at Sushi Social restaurant!

4. Sjávargrillið (The Seafood Grill)

The Seafood Grill, or "Sjávargrillið" as it's known locally, is a wonderful restaurant located on the rainbow-painted Skolavordustigur street, just next to the Hallgrimskirkja church. It's the perfect place for an affordable lunch in central Reykjavik or for a cozy dinner.

You can truly feel that the dishes are crafted with a culinary passion, as the story of this restaurant is a bit of a fairytale. It came to be when the young chef Gústav Axel Gunnlaugsson from the northern town of Husavik, the whale-watching capital of Iceland, was awarded the title of Chef of the Year 2010. This led to the opening of the Seafood Grill, which features a meticulously designed menu and an interior inspired by Icelandic nature and culture.

The Seafood Grill embraces the very best that local seafood ingredients have to offer, with delicious lobster tacos, shellfish soup, amazing deep-fried plaice, great sushi, and more. They also offer a curated fish feast, where you can try some of the highlights of the menu.

Make sure to include a stop at the Seafood Grill on your Reykjavik itinerary!

Book a table at the Seafood Grill

• For more, read our detailed review of the Seafood Grill
• Also, check out the Ultimate Guide to Cultural Tours in Iceland

3. Fiskfélagið (The Fish Company)

The Fish Company, or "Fiskfélagið" in Icelandic, is one of those classic establishments that's become a staple of the Reykjavik restaurant scene. It has a great location in the center of the capital, just by the Ingolfstorg square and a short walk from the Reykjavik harbor.

The menu of the Fish Company draws inspiration from all over the world, with each starter, main, and dessert named after a country. Unsurprisingly, Iceland has a special place on the menu, but you can also try amazing dishes inspired by cuisine from France, Italy, Greece, Ireland, Japan, Argentina, Bora Bora, and more! Iceland's neighbors, Greenland and the Faroe Islands are also represented!

The same international theme applies to the extensive wine selection, with many great options to choose from. The friendly staff can help you find the perfect pairing for your interesting meal.

The environment of the Fish Company is also pretty unique, as the history of its building traces back to 1884. The interior is characterized by large brick walls and exposed wooden beams, creating a cozy and rustic atmosphere. It's great for a fun night out!

We recommend trying different dishes and sharing or going for the planned multi-course menus to try the best things on offer.

Reserve a table at the Fish Company now!

2. Kopar

Kopar restaurant is renowned for its cozy and stylish atmosphere with fantastic views over the Faxafloi bay and the Esjan mountain. It's just by the Reykjavik harbor, and it's where you'll find one of the best crab soups in Iceland.

Some other highlights on the menu are the delicious risotto with lobster and crab, and you can't go wrong with the catch of the day. To accompany your meal, there's an expertly put-together wine list and cocktails mixed why world-class mixologists.

They also have a curated appetizer menu and a six-course adventure menu, which can be made vegan. However, we recommend the three-course fish adventure if you want to dive into the delicious seafood options.

Even though it can be difficult, try to save space for dessert, as the selection is pretty unique. There are plenty of delicious options, of which we highly recommend the date cake!

Book your table at Kopar now!

• Check out our detailed review of Kopar restaurant

1. Fiskmarkaðurinn (The Fish Market)

Photo from the Fish Market

If you're longing for a delicious culinary experience focused on fresh Icelandic seafood, then you're in for a special treat at the Fish Market. It's run by renowned Icelandic chef Hrefna Sætran and features an innovative and diverse range of seafood, with ingredients often purchased directly from local farmers and fishermen. It's the sister restaurant of the Grill Market, which is another one of the best restaurants in Reykjavik.

You'll find a great sushi selection here, with new and classic combinations that shine with the fresh Icelandic ingredients. For other mains, the miso back cod is fantastic, along with the lightly salted cod, though it's also worth going for dishes from the robata grill!

The Fish Market has many delicious options to choose from, and if you don't have time for a return trip, it may be best to go for the tasting menu. You'll get a starter, sushi, a main, and dessert, all to share, allowing you to taste the broad range on offer.

Photo from the Fish Market

The Fish Market is located in one of the oldest houses in Reykjavik, Adalstraeti 12, and the interior is stylish, cozy, and welcoming. It's on three floors, with the top floor being dedicated to the Uppi wine bar and test kitchen, the perfect place for a fun night out or to relax after your meal.

Uppi features one of the most extensive wine lists in Iceland, and some of the options are even exclusive to this location! If you just want to try the drinks with a lighter meal, you can also book a table directly at the Uppi wine bar.

If you do decide to visit the Fish Market, you're in for a fantastic seafood adventure. Make sure to include it in your Reykjavik itinerary.

Book your table at the Fish Market now!

• See also: Reykjavik Nightlife Guide: The Best Bars and Clubs in Iceland

Best Traditional Fish Restaurants in Reykjavik

While most of the restaurants on this list draw some inspiration from Icelandic tradition for their menu, these restaurants are dedicated to classic Icelandic dishes. If you want to experience the local food culture in a cozy setting, add these fish restaurants to your Reykjavik itinerary!

• Learn more: Icelandic Food: The Ultimate Guide to Iceland Food Culture

4. Höfnin

Photo from Höfnin

Höfnin is a family-run restaurant that specializes in fantastic Icelandic cuisine. Whether you're coming for lunch or dinner, you'll find seafood classics like the delicious shellfish soup, the traditional creamed fish stew known as plokkfiskur, and the fresh fish of the day. There are also many other non-seafood options on the menu, including Icelandic lamb, reindeer, and great vegan and vegetarian options.

If you're going for dinner, we recommend the shellfish soup for the starter and the butter-fried haddock for the main! You can also go for the curated tasting menu, although it features a range of ingredients, not just seafood.

The name of the restaurant is the Icelandic word for the harbor, which is appropriate as it's located by the old Reykjavik harbor! it features great views of the marina, Faxafloi bay, and Esjan mountain, and if the weather allows, you can take in the view outside on the restaurant patio. Otherwise, try to request a window seat, especially upstairs!

Book a table at Höfnin restaurant now!

3. Old Iceland Restaurant

If you want to dive deep into the culinary history of Iceland, then a visit to the Old Iceland Restaurant may be in order. It's on the Laugavegur shopping street in central Reykjavik, making it the perfect location for a meal when exploring the city.

As the name implies, this restaurant celebrates Icelandic tradition with local ingredients. The menu features dishes such as cod cheeks, pan-fried arctic char, fillet of cod, shellfish soup, and more. The desserts are also fun, with options like a traditional married bliss cake and fresh kleinur with rhubarb curd.

The atmosphere is cozy and casual, making it a great option for a nice lunch or dinner. If you're on a tight schedule, it may be best to plan a lunch visit as they don't take reservations past 6 PM. If you're looking for a last-minute dinner in the Laugavegur area, however, you can stop by and see if they have a free table. If not, they can take down your name for a waiting list for later in the evening!

Book your table at the Old Iceland Restaurant

2. Þrír Frakkar

Þrír Frakkar is one of the more classic restaurants in Reykjavik and a favorite among locals. It's located on Baldursgata street, just a short walk from the Hallgrimskirkja church and other major attractions.

This upscale restaurant originally opened in 1989 and has always been run by chef Úlfar Eysteinsson and his family! It's quite small and has a very cozy and homey feel, making it perfect for an intimate meal with a partner, friends, or family.

The menu features great seafood dishes like plokkfiskur fish stew, seafood "gratin," pan-fried plaice and halibut, and so much more. You can even try fermented shark and dried cod as a starter!

Photo from Þrír Frakkar

The menu also features some more unique dishes, such as puffin, whale, and horse, if you're feeling adventurous. The lunch menu is pretty affordable, and the location is convenient!

This is one of the best places in Reykjavik to try traditional Icelandic food, so don't miss out on a visit when you're in the city!

Reserve your table at Þrír Frakkar restaurant

• See also: The 13 Weirdest Things About Icelandic People and Culture

1. Messinn

Hidden away, along the Laekjargata street, is Messinn, one of the best seafood restaurants in Reykjavik! It's known for fantastic fish pans, with the traditional plokkfiskur fish stew, plaice, and fillet of cod being especially delicious options.

The servings are very generous and can easily be shared among two people if you pair one fish pan with a starter or a dessert. This makes it a great value option if you want a nice lunch or dinner out but are on a budget!

Aside from the delicious food, the interior is also beautifully designed. The blue, beige, and white color scheme complements the dark rustic wood of the tables and support beams. There are also many small touches that reference the ocean, like model boats and sailing gear. The fish pans are even served on tiny pallets, making it feel like you're getting fish right out of the sea!

Messinn also has another location in the town center of Selfoss, a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik. It's a great lunch or dinner stop when doing self-drive tours of the South Coast or of the Golden Circle!

Be aware that Messinn is very popular, and it's even included as a stop in some Reykjavik walking tours. If you want to visit, it's best to reserve a table with a few days' notice to ensure availability.

Book your table at Messinn restaurant now!

• See also: Where to Eat in Reykjavik: 12 Spots for Dining on a Budget
• Learn more about traveling the Golden Circle or exploring the South Coast

Summary of the Best Seafood Restaurants in Reykjavik

Reykjavik's seafood scene is as diverse as it is delicious, offering something for every palate. Whether you're settling into a quaint bistro or an upscale restaurant, you're in for a treat with the freshest possible ingredients, expertly prepared for a memorable culinary adventure.

As you check out the different seafood spots around Reykjavik, remember that you're not just enjoying delicious food; you're also getting a taste of Iceland's rich culture and history. Enjoy your meal, or as we say in Iceland, "Verði þér að góðu!"

Which one of these restaurants sounds the best? Is there a special dish you'd like to try? Are there places missing that deserve a place on this list? Share your thoughts and experience in the comments below!