The Best Restaurants in Reykjavik

If you're more on the green side of life, check out our Top Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants if you're looking for something green, with plenty of options from fine dining to greasy hangover food. Any plant-lover is sure to find a suitable place to fulfill all their food cravings in Reykjavik.

Additionally, if you're looking for something a bit more casual and economical, make sure to read our Top 12 Best-Value Restaurants in Reykjavik. There are plenty of places around the city to get tasty burgers, sandwiches and, of course, hot dogs.

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

Top 7 Fine Dining Restaurants in Reykjavik

There are many great places to eat while staying in Reykjavik, with a surprising variety of different food available. This is a list of our favorite restaurants for a fine dining experience in the world's northernmost capital. You can expect these restaurants to provide delicious food with high-quality ingredients and excellent service. Therefore, the price range of these restaurants is in the upper bracket, but what makes it all worth it is the unique experiences they provide.

7. Kol Restaurant

Kol is a stylish, hip, and lively restaurant in central Reykjavik, just a stone's throw from Hallgrimskirkja church. The food is incredible, and the cocktail selection is fun and inventive. On the menu, everyone should find something to their taste, and it includes plenty of good vegan options. The highlight is the delicious lamb fillet which is perfect for those wanting to try the roaming grass-fed lamb that has been part of Iceland's history since its settlement.

The variety of food draws inspiration from around the world, which is displayed on the menu. There, you can find Icelandic classics such as birch smoked salmon, as well as French delicacies like foie gras and beef Tournedos Rossini.

The interior has a warm, modern Icelandic feel with cozy leather couches and many eye-popping hanging lamps by British designer Tom Dixon. 

Book your table at Kol Restaurant now!

6. Fiskfélagið (The Fish Company)

The Fish Company is an eclectic restaurant in downtown Reykjavik. The menu draws inspiration not only from Icelandic cuisine but also from French, Irish, Argentinian and Japanese cuisine, among many others. You could even get a proper Faroese-style sizzled skate and scallops if you're feeling frisky!

It's also possible to order a five-course meal that takes you on a gastronomical journey around the world, so to speak. If you're looking to try something Icelandic, there's also a four-course meal exploring staples of Icelandic cuisine.

The menu is inventive, fun and extremely varied, and the chefs will make small changes to your dish when they feel like it, so you never really know what to expect. Waiters are casual, laid back and fun, and you'll feel at ease at once.

Reserve your table at the Fish Company today!

5. Kopar Restaurant

Head to the old harbor in central Reykjavik, and there you'll find a true gem: Kopar Restaurant. This is a great destination if you want to know what great Icelandic seafood is all about, with fresh fish right from the source! The crab soup is not to be missed, and be careful not to overeat on the delicious bread and licorice butter served before the meal.

For you pescatarian skeptics out there, rest assured there are plenty of meat and vegan options found here as well (and they are equally delicious!). The restaurant has a great combination of flavors, fantastic cocktails, and professional service. To learn more, you can read our review of Kopar Restaurant.

One of the restaurant's best features is the wonderful overview of the Reykjavik harbor and Faxafloi bay out of the large windows facing towards the ocean. Looking out the window and seeing the very fishing boats that caught your fish while you're eating just makes the experience that much more immersive and memorable.

Reserve a table at Kopar restaurant!

4. ÓX

If you're looking for something very special and memorable while staying in Iceland, a night at ÓX definitely fits the bill. This exclusive restaurant only seats 16 people a night and has a set menu created by chef Thrainn Freyr Vigfusson that takes you on an epic journey through Iceland while delighting your senses. To learn more, you can read our review of ÓX Restaurant.

ÓX is one of only two restaurants in Reykjavik to have a Michelin star, so you can expect the highest quality in both food and service. We recommend booking a table well ahead of time, as it tends to get fully booked weeks in advance. Dining at ÓX is for those looking for adventure in cuisine and trusting a world-class chef to create an unforgettable gastronomical experience.

Reserve your table in advance at ÓX Restaurant!

3. Matarkjallarinn (Food Cellar)

For those looking for the perfect atmosphere to dine in, the Food Cellar presents you with a lounge-like bar and dining area, with live music being played every night on a gorgeous mahogany grand piano from 1880.

This is a brasserie where the menu is a mixture of seafood and lamb, with vegetarian options, focusing on Icelandic ingredients. You can go for the six-course secret menu and be wowed by the chef, or simply order a la carte. There is also a great selection of cocktails, with an emphasis on Icelandic gin and tonic.

While enjoying the delicious food and sipping on the delectable drinks, the semi-improvised live piano versions of modern pop songs elevate the experience to another level. Half of the fun is trying to guess what song is being played before the chorus!

Reserve your table at the Food Cellar today!

2. Grillmarkaðurinn (The Grill Market)

The Grill Market has been a staple of quality Icelandic cuisine, which feels natural and raw, yet sophisticated. It's tucked away in a back alley from the busy Austurstraeti street in downtown Reykjavik. Just look for an iron gate on the side of the street that will take you to a cuisine experience you won't soon forget. To learn more about it, you can read our review of the Grill Market.

The Grill Market is a great destination for high-quality meat, but you can also get fantastic seafood, duck, mini-burgers, soups, and salad. The ingredients used come directly from Icelandic farmers, making it exceptionally fresh and local. The eight-dish 'taster' menu and its accompanying wine selection are a great choice for those with an adventurous spirit when it comes to food.

We also recommend the Grill Market's "sister restaurant," called the Fish Market, also located in downtown Reykjavik. It has the same owners and mark of quality as the Grill Market, but with an emphasis on seafood.

Book your table at the Grill Market today!

1. Dill Restaurant

Dill is the first Icelandic restaurant to receive a Michelin star, paving the way for world-class dining experiences in Iceland. In addition to its dedication to serving delicious food with great service, Dill also puts an emphasis on sustainability, upholding the age-old Icelandic tradition of using every part of the animal that comes through its kitchen door. This earned the restaurant a Michelin Green Star in 2022.

The restaurant is small, dimly lit with a rustic interior, and is only open from Wednesdays until Saturdays from 6 PM. Therefore, bookings need to be made weeks (if not months!) in advance. However, the wait is worth it for the divine Nordic food focusing on quality Icelandic ingredients.

On arrival, you can choose between a set menu of five or seven courses, with some tasting snacks before the meal begins, meaning that everyone will be enjoying the same dishes, creating a fun shared experience for all guests.

Book a table at Dill Restaurant.

Top 5 Icelandic Cuisine Restaurants in Reykjavik

If you want to get a real taste of Iceland, we recommend these restaurants for those looking to experience Icelandic cuisine at the highest level. While some visitors may have heard horror stories of fermented shark and boiled sheep head, it is far from the only thing Icelandic cuisine has to offer. What these restaurants have in common is taking traditional Icelandic cuisine and elevating it to modern times, worthy of a fine restaurant, with an emphasis on fresh fish and delicious lamb.

5. Fjörukráin (The Viking Village)

If you want to take a step back into the past, about 1000 years or so, we highly recommend dining at the Viking Village. We even had to make a slight exception to include it on this list, as this restaurant is not located in Reykjavik but rather in the nearby municipality of Hafnarfjordur. However, if you're staying in downtown Reykjavik, it's only about a 15-minute drive away, so it's not hard to reach if you rent a car.

Located in a historic house built in 1841, the decor takes inspiration from Iceland's past, when the country was founded during the Viking period. On the menu, you can find traditional food, such as Icelandic meat soup and sheep head, as well as comfort food for the less adventurous eater, such as cheeseburgers and sourdough pizzas.

The main attraction of this restaurant is the unique atmosphere it provides, with servers wearing era-appropriate clothing, beautiful Viking-inspired artwork on its walls, and a lute-playing bard who might visit your table to tell stories and sing Icelandic folk songs while you eat.

Book a table at the Viking Village Restaurant today!

• Read more: The Viking Village in Hafnarfjordur

4. Þrír Frakkar

This charming family-owned restaurant has been a mainstay in the Icelandic food scene since it was opened in 1989, making it the oldest restaurant in this article! It specializes in traditional Icelandic seafood, with many options available such as dried cod, cured salmon, and hashed fish (plokkfiskur) with Icelandic rye bread.

If you're the adventurous type, you can also try some exotic meat (that's been eaten in Iceland for centuries), such as puffin, horse, and auk. What makes this restaurant stand out is the family tradition it upholds, with emphasis on simple, straightforward, but delicious food in an unassuming nautical-themed environment.

Þrír Frakkar (directly translating to "Three Overcoats") is located in the residential neighborhood of Thingholt, which gives it an unmistakable local flavor, just a short walk from the city center.

Make sure to reserve your table at Þrír Frakkar today!

3. Messinn Restaurant

If you want nicely cooked, well-made Icelandic fish and plenty of it, then don't miss out on Messinn. Located across the street from the historic Reykjavik Junior College, you'll find this ocean-themed restaurant that has only fish on its menu (and one vegan dish).

The signature dish of Messinn is the fish pan, which serves you delicious fresh fish with vegetables and sides on a hot pan. Try the fish gills, it's like a cross between oyster and chicken served with juicy cherry tomatoes. You can also try their modern take on the traditional Icelandic "plokkfiskur" hashed fish. The service is very friendly and relaxed in a cozy and homely atmosphere.

If you happen to be in the town of Selfoss, Messinn also has a restaurant there with the same high-quality ingredients and service.

Book a table at Messinn Restaurant now!

2. Hressó

In a lively spot on Austurstraeti street in downtown Reykjavik, you’ll find Hressingarskálinn, fondly known as Hressó. This beloved bistro originally opened in 1932 and serves a variety of Icelandic dishes with a modern twist, with comforting favorites like breaded lamb chops, classic meat soup, and fish cakes alongside hearty burgers, steaks, and vegetarian options. You can also try Icelandic specialties like fermented shark or sheep’s head!

For a full experience, the two- or three-course menu lets you sample select dishes or try the sharing pans with bacalao, cod, or pan-fried salmon. With plenty of drink choices, including cocktails, wines, and non-alcoholic options, Hressó pairs good food with a cozy setting and lively ambiance. This makes it an excellent place to enjoy authentic Icelandic food while in Reykjavik.

Book your table at Hressó today!

1. Matur og Drykkur

You came to Iceland to try Icelandic food, and you want to come back with some stories, right?

Matur og Drykkur tells the story of Icelandic cuisine (and to a larger extent, the Icelandic people), with its ever-changing menu depending on the season. Appropriately located by the Reykjavik harbor in a former saltfish processing plant from 1924, this restaurant draws its inspiration from traditional recipes of Iceland's past.

The name of Matur og Drykkur, which simply means "Food and Drink," is taken from the 1947 cookbook of the same name by Helga Sigurðardóttir, the first headmistress of Iceland's School of Housekeeping, which preserves many classic Icelandic recipes throughout the ages.

Don't be put off by the somewhat odd descriptions on the menu. This restaurant gives Icelandic traditional food a whole new meaning with its tasty and inventive twists. Vegetarian and pescatarian options are also available. While Matur og Drykkur does not have a Michelin star (yet) it does have an official Michelin review, which is usually the first step toward that coveted star.

Make your reservation at Matur og Drykkur now!

• Where to eat during the day: The Best Bakeries in Reykjavik

Top 5 Fusion Cuisine Restaurants in Reykjavik

In recent years, boundaries between culinary traditions have faded and creative chefs have learned that good food is good food, no matter where it originates from. In Reykjavik, that's no exception, where you can find many wonderful restaurants that serve food inspired by different cuisines around the world. These are our favorite restaurants in Reykjavik for the adventurous eater.

5. Forréttabarinn

The concept of Forréttabarinn lies in its name, which translates to "The Appetizer Bar." Simply put, this restaurant only serves appetizers, or horse d'oeuvre if you want to get fancy. That doesn't mean you won't get satiated. It just means you have the chance to try out many different flavourful dishes throughout the night.

Anything from a classic Icelandic langoustine soup to a crispy duck wrap, from a chicken quesadilla to a quinoa mushroom burger, you are sure to find the starter that's just right for you. On top of that, this is also a great bar to get cocktails or beer on draft.

Located by the Reykjavik harbor in an old factory building, it gives a rustic charm and is a great way to start your night on the town in Reykjavik.

Book your table at Forréttabarinn right now!

4. Hnoss

One of the premier destinations to visit while staying in Reykjavik is the famous Harpa Concert Hall, known for its nightly light show and the mesmerizing patterns of its multiple-shaped glass panels. So if you're planning to visit the lovely Harpa, why not enjoy a delicious meal while there?

Hnoss is a great restaurant located on the ground floor of Harpa, meaning there's no other restaurant in Iceland with a higher ceiling! Surrounded by this architectural wonder, you can dine on their seasonal-dependent menu using fresh Icelandic ingredients, with vegetarian options.

The service is good, the cocktails are great (try the espresso martini) and ask your waiter about their ever-changing two-course offer of the day.

Book a table at Hnoss Restaurant today!

3. Apotek Kitchen + Bar

For over a decade, Apotek Kitchen + Bar has been a premiere destination for locals and visitors alike looking for delicious food and great drinks. Located in the historic building of the city's first apothecary (i.e. pharmacy), from which the restaurant draws its name. It's right in the heart of the city center of Reykjavik, making it a perfect way to get acquainted with the atmosphere of the downtown area.

The food at Apotek is quite varied, you can try a crispy duck on a Belgian waffle, a Danish crown ribeye or go for a hearty rump steak burger! There are also plenty of vegetarian options, so everybody is sure to find something to their liking.

Being an "apothecary," you can, of course, get delicious alcoholic concoctions from the talented mixologists behind the bar. Cocktails on the menu range from "stimulants" to "stress relievers," and if you're not in the mood for alcohol, you can go for a virgin cocktail, or "placebo" as they call it.

Apotek Kitchen + Bar is also a great stop for brunch and they offer a mouth-watering afternoon tea menu as well, with a selection of sweet and savory treats and special blend teas made specifically for Apotek.

Book your spot at Apotek Kitchen + Bar now!

2. Pünk

Sometimes called the most "Instagram-friendly" restaurant in Reykjavik, dining at Pünk is a feast for the senses. With its floral pattern couches, lights, and greenery along the ceiling and an everblooming cherry blossom tree at its center, Pünk sets an eclectic mood for a fun evening in Reykjavik.

The menu consists of many smaller dishes, encouraging you to try different flavors. You can go for their delicious tacos, the fresh tuna tartare, or, if you really mean business, the grilled lamb crown. Drawing inspiration from Korean, Mexican, and Icelandic cuisine, this is a true fusion restaurant that takes your taste buds on a journey. If you like cheese, we highly recommend their signature "crack cakes" to start the night, it's crispy cheese crackers dipped in melted gooey cheese. It's cheese on cheese! Need I say more?

Additionally, there is a towering lit-up bar at the restaurant with talented mixologists that will make you a great cocktail that hits the spot. Seating is also available on the wooden porch outside the restaurant, which is refreshing on a sunny day in Iceland. The colorful atmosphere, good food, enthusiastic service and their (not overly loud) rhythmic electronic music make Pünk the perfect place to dine out style.

Book a table at Pünk Restaurant right now!

1. Monkeys

One of the trendiest restaurants in town, Monkeys has everything you need for a memorable dining experience. The first thing that catches your attention is the eye-popping detail-oriented chic décor that characterizes this restaurant. Fringed lampshades, colorful chairs, wooden panels, and their signature aquatic monkey statues set the tone for this special place.

Once you're seated, you have a choice of various delicious courses inspired by so-called Nikkei cuisine, which combines Japanese cooking techniques with the diverse flavors of Peru, while utilizing the freshest ingredients from Iceland, creating something totally unique. There's also an expansive wine selection from all over the world, so don't hesitate to ask your waiter what wine pairs best with the dish of your choice.

After enjoying the exotic, yet delicious, food at Monkeys, you might want a refreshing cocktail to top off the evening. Within Monkeys, you will find its very own cocktail bar with a separate entrance called Kokteilbarinn. You can then enjoy your cocktail while sitting in a full-sized old-timey railroad car located inside the restaurant, which gives off fun Hogwarts Express vibes. Anything from a classic mojito, to the advanced aji pepper margarita. This restaurant has anything you'd want for an unforgettable night in Reykjavik.

Make sure to book a table at Monkeys Restaurant today!

Top 5 International Cuisine Restaurants in Reykjavik

For thousands of years, food has brought people together and no matter where you are in the world, you can find authentic and delicious cuisine from different countries, even in remote northern islands like Iceland. These are just some of our favorite restaurants in Reykjavik that excel at their national cuisine.

5. Austur-Indíafjelagið 🇮🇳

Opening in 1994, Austur-Indíafjelagið (named after the historic East India Company) has been providing first-rate authentic Indian food with fresh Icelandic ingredients for nearly three decades.

When the restaurant was first opened, it provided simple Indian food for takeaway. Over the years, it has blossomed into a high-class restaurant with beautiful décor of Indian origin, while the takeaway food has been relegated to their subsidiary Hraðlestin, which has four locations in the capital region.

This family-owned restaurant imports all its spices from India, which gives it that authentic Indian flavor you're looking for. You wouldn't expect such genuine Indian food in the northernmost capital of the world, far away from the tropical climate of its home, but Austur-Indíafjelagið simply hits the mark.

You can find it on Hverfisgata street, parallel to the bustling shopping street of Laugarvegur, in an unassuming house with a beautiful interior, where it has remained since it was first opened.

Book a table at Austur-Indíafjelagið!

4. Jómfrúin 🇩🇰

For centuries, Iceland was ruled by the Danish crown until declaring independence in 1944. While relations between the two nations were strained at times, today, it's all water under the bridge and Icelanders can enjoy delicious Danish cuisine at Jómfrúin in downtown Reykjavik.

Established in 1996, Jómfrúin is the premiere destination in Iceland for authentic Danish smørrebrød, an open-faced rye bread sandwich featuring various combinations of seafood, meat, vegetables, and condiments on top.

In addition to the wide variety of different smørrebrød available, the restaurant also offers a great selection of Scandinavian main courses.

Jómfrúin is open from 11 AM to 10 PM every day and also makes for a great place for brunch. On a sunny day, it's a good place to sit outside and enjoy a nice meal or a beverage at the seating area behind the restaurant. Every Sunday during the summer, there's an intimate live jazz concert outside the restaurant between 3 and 5 PM.

Reserve your table at Jómfrúin today!

3. Sümac 🇱🇧

Sümac is a fantastic restaurant that takes the best of Icelandic ingredients, such as lamb and fish, and turns them into a Middle Eastern-style feast for your taste buds. The range of flavors found on the menu is a true delight, including yogurt sauces, pomegranate, coriander, fennel, lentils, almonds, dates and, of course, sümac, which is a dried reddish fruit with a tangy flavor.

Headed by the Michelin-starred chef Thrainn Freyr Vigfusson, who also runs the restaurant ÓX mentioned above, located in the same building. Sümac is working towards its very own star and already has a Michelin review in its favor. If you want a deeper dive into what makes this restaurant a great place to dine, you can read our review of Sümac.

The interior of Sümac takes its inspiration from Beirut, Lebanon, which has sometimes been called the Paris of the East, giving it a rustic Mediterranean feel. The restaurant also has a cocktail bar with a great selection of drinks, with emphasis on not only taste, but color!

Make sure to book your table at Sümac in advance!

2. Tres Locos 🇲🇽

In a charming red building with roller blinds covered windows by Ingolfstorg square in downtown Reykjavik, you would never expect the Mexican fantasy wonderland that lies within. As you step in the door, you hear the enticing sounds of Mesoamerican music and see the walls covered in Day of the Dead masks, Calavera skulls, and mariachi hats, surrounded by cactuses!

On the upper floor, you will see a huge mural of a Mexican luchador wrestler in all its glory. Even in the bathrooms, the paper towel dispenser is not some typical plastic container but a repurposed wooden wine box. The number of details in the décor of Tres Locos is what stands out right away, before you even sit down to eat.

When it's time to eat, the playfulness of the restaurant's design is reflected in the vibrant Mexican cuisine it serves, full of flavor and color. You can go for a selection of tacos, quesadillas or tostadas, which all have their own distinct character. The sweet plantain (banana) crackers dipped in spicy salsa is to die for!

The service is excellent, the presentation of the food is fantastic and the cocktails are worth a try as well. Depending on the cocktail, it might be served in a skull glass or a sombrero, there's only one way to find out!

Book your table today at Tres Locos!

1. Tapas Barinn 🇪🇸

Tapas Barinn is a staple in the Icelandic restaurant scene, having been around since 2000 and always remaining popular. The restaurant is located in an intimate cellar with its signature uneven white "stucco" walls, which makes you feel like you're dining at a hidden restaurant somewhere in Andalusía. To set the mood even further, only Spanish flamenco and pop music is played throughout the night, and we wouldn't want it any other way.

What the restaurant excels at is using the finest Icelandic ingredients and serving them in a Spanish tapas style. These are small, bite-sized dishes that delight the palate. As soon as you've finished one dish, the next one is not far behind, and on and on they keep coming until you're completely stuffed and satisfied at the end of the night.

You can order a la carte or go for a set menu. The most popular for visitors is the "Icelandic Gourmet Feast," which includes puffin, arctic char and skyr, giving you a taste of Icelandic food classics with a Spanish twist. For those that are truly brave, you try the "Journey into the Unknown," which is a combination of seafood, meat and vegetables especially selected by the chef for that evening.

Reserve your table at Tapas Barinn right now!

What is your favorite restaurant in Reykjavik? Which restaurant are you most excited about trying out? Are there any restaurants we missed? Please let us know in the comments below!