Reykjavik is brimming with great food and world-class chefs. Gone are the days of limited ingredient selection, and now Iceland boasts a vibrant local food scene that's renowned for fresh ingredients and Nordic simplicity. We're here to help you discover all the great places around Reykjavik that will make your taste buds happy.
- See also the Top 28 Restaurants in all of Iceland
There is a multitude of options available, whether you're looking for something traditional, something exotic, or anything in between. What you can rely on from the restaurants in this article is that the ingredients are fresh, locally sourced, and, most important of all, super delicious!
While Iceland has a reputation for being an expensive country to visit, you can save a lot of money by using the VIP Club of Guide to Iceland, which has special offers and discounts at many great restaurants in the city, including many in this article! Access to the VIP Club is automatically given to all Guide to Iceland customers.
If you don't know where to start, you could also book a food tour in Reykjavik and get to know the local cuisine with an expert guide while strolling from place to place, trying different food like on the classic Reykjavik Food Walk Tour.
While exploring Icelandic cuisine in its capital city, you will need a place to stay, so make sure to check out the largest selection of hotels in Reykjavik to find a room to keep you cozy while cleansing your palate between meals!
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.
If you're looking for something a bit more casual and economical, make sure to read our Top 12 cheap places to eat in Reykjavik. There are plenty of places around the city to get tasty burgers, sandwiches, and hot dogs. Continue reading to learn more about the best resturants in Reykjavik.
Top 5 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.
5. 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.
Kol has an average Google rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. If you're a customer of Guide to Iceland, you can enjoy a 40% discount on set menus on Mondays and Tuesdays, so make the most of your VIP Club access!
Book your table at Kol Restaurant now!
- See more with our Review of Kol Restaurant: Expect an Experience
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. It has an impressive Google rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, and 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 with a menu consisting of 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.
Food Cellar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. 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. It has an average Google review rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, and 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, which is also located in downtown Reykjavik. It has the same owners and mark of quality as the Grill Market, but with an emphasis on seafood.
The Grill Market (and its sister restaurant) is part of the VIP Club, allowing customers of Guide to Iceland to enjoy special offers at these great establishments.
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. It has an average Google review rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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. Íslenski Barinn (The Icelandic Bar)
If you're looking for a cozy spot that celebrates all things Icelandic, Íslenski Barinn, or the Icelandic Bar, has been a go-to place since it opened in 2009. It's located just off Laugavegur street in the city center and is popular with both travelers and locals.
Íslenski Barinn prides itself on serving traditional Icelandic dishes with a modern twist. The menu features hearty classics like lamb stew and plokkfiskur (mashed fish stew) alongside inventive creations that highlight local ingredients. For those feeling bold, you can even sample fermented shark or dried fish with butter, truly authentic Icelandic flavors! Prefer something more familiar? They also serve burgers and other comfort foods to satisfy any palate.
With an average Google review rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, Íslenski Barinn is popular for its lively yet laid-back vibe. The interior is styled with rustic Icelandic charm, showcasing traditional décor and quirky artifacts that tell stories of Iceland's history. Whether you're stopping in for a full meal or just a beer from their excellent selection of local brews, this bar offers an authentic Icelandic dining experience.
Book a table at the Icelandic Bar today!
4. 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. It has an average Google rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. 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.
If you're a customer of Guide to Iceland, your access to the VIP Club will allow you to enjoy special offers at Hressó, so don't hesitate to try it!
Book your table at Hressó today!
3. Old Iceland Restaurant
Located along the bustling Laugavegur shopping street is a hidden spot, the Old Iceland Restaurant, which is known for serving fantastic Icelandic lamb, fresh seafood, and other delicious dishes based on traditional local cuisine, as indicated by the restaurant's name. It opened in 2014 and has gained a dedicated following since, with an impressive average Google rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
You'll see delicious dishes like shellfish soup, arctic char, Icelandic cod, and lamb ribeye on the menu of the Old Iceland Restaurant. They also have vegan options. For dessert, we highly recommend the rhubarb cake or the homemade kleinur, a type of Icelandic doughnut served with rhubarb curd.
If you'd like to treat yourself to a special night out while in Reykjavik, then Old Iceland Restaurant is a good option. You can choose from two three-course menus for a delicious dining experience, and you can complete the meal with a carefully selected wine pairing. There are also some excellent cocktails to choose from on their drink menu.
Old Iceland Restaurant is relatively small, making for a cozy atmosphere. They don't accept reservations after 6 PM, so if you'd like to go for dinner, we recommend going early for the best chance of getting a seat. If it happens to be full when you arrive, you can go on a waiting list for a table and enjoy a stroll around Reykjavik in the meantime. Alternatively, you can book a table for a delicious lunch at Old Iceland Restaurant or an early dinner.
You can book your table at Old Iceland Restaurant here!
2. Reykjavik Kitchen
Reykjavik Kitchen has become one of the most popular places to try Icelandic food in recent years. It's a family-run restaurant that specializes in fresh Icelandic fish and meat and serves excellent Icelandic dishes in a friendly and relaxed setting.
It's right in the heart of Reykjavik, right next to Hlemmur square, which lies along the Laugavegur shopping street. The menu features iconic dishes like the "kjötsúpa" meat soup, pan-fried cod, arctic char, and Icelandic lamb. The delicious desserts are not to be missed either, with options like the Iceland vínarterta cake and skyr créme brúlée being favorites.
They also have a three-course menu offer with either Icelandic lamb or cod, and there's also an option of a completely vegan three course menu. You can also go for a wine pairing to complete the meal or choose from the extensive drinks menu. It features plenty of soft drinks, classic Icelandic beers, cocktails, wines, and even strong spirits, like the Icelandic Brennivín snaps, also known as "Black Death."
Reykjavik Kitchen has an average Google rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars and is a great option for trying Icelandic food in a cozy atmosphere. It's a popular spot, so we recommend booking your table ahead of time to ensure availability.
You can book a table at Reykjavik Kitchen here
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. It has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, and 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, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, it's a great way to start your night in the town of 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. It has an average Google review rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.
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.
It has an average Google rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. All customers of Guide to Iceland have access to the VIP Club, which will give you a 20% discount on the food menu at Apotek from Sundays to Thursdays!
Book your spot at Apotek Kitchen + Bar now!
2. 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.
They have an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, and the menu is inventive, fun, and extremely varied. 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!
1. Monkeys
One of the trendiest restaurants in town, Monkeys has everything you need for a memorable dining experience. It has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. 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 and 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.
All members of the VIP Club of Guide to Iceland can enjoy a 20% discount off the food menu every day of the week, and a whopping 40% discount off set menus on Mondays and Thursdays. So, if you're a customer of Guide to Iceland, don't hesitate to secure your spot!
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.
- See also: Top 9 Italian Restaurants in Reykjavik
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.
Austur-Indíafjelagið has an average Google review rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. You can find it on Hverfisgata Street, parallel to the bustling shopping street of Laugavegur, 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. It has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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. It has an average Google review rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, and 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!
It has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. 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 are 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 who are truly brave, you can try the "Journey into the Unknown," which is a combination of seafood, meat, and vegetables specially selected by the chef for that evening.
Tapas Barinn has an average Google review rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. All customers of Guide to Iceland can claim a 20% discount off the food menu from Sundays to Thursdays by using the VIP Club!
Reserve your table at Tapas Barinn right now!
Top 5 Cheap Restaurants in Reykjavik
Reykjavik has a fantastic restaurant scene with plenty of options, from fine dining to delicious fast food. These are the more affordable options for a great cheap meal in Iceland's capital.
5. Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
No list of cheap food in Reykjavik could be complete without a mention of the Icelandic hot dog!
While not actually a restaurant, you can always head to Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, the legendary hot dog stand in Reykjavik, for an affordable meal. This small stand has been serving hot dogs since 1937 and, over the years, has become a must-visit spot for both locals and tourists alike.
Icelandic hot dogs are famous for their unique flavor, thanks to a mix of lamb, beef, and pork in the sausage. But the real magic lies in the toppings. When you order “eina með öllu” (one with everything), you’ll get a delicious combination of ketchup, sweet brown mustard, mayonnaise-based remoulade, raw onions, and crispy fried onions. It’s a flavor-packed experience that you won’t forget!
While you can technically find Icelandic hot dogs almost anywhere in the country, at gas stations, corner shops, the airport, and even IKEA, this specific stand in Reykjavik is truly iconic. It has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, and with its long history, central location, and status as a cultural landmark, it's a standout choice for trying this local specialty.
With its rich history and celebrity fans like Bill Clinton and Gordon Ramsay, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur has become an Icelandic institution. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a taste of local culture, a visit to this legendary spot is a must!
- Check out the Ultimate Guide to the Famous Icelandic Hot Dog
4. 101 Reykjavik Street Food
If you're in need of some tasty, easy, and cheap comfort food, then 101 Reykjavik Street Food is here to deliver. They serve a taste of traditional Icelandic comfort dishes and it's perfect for warming up on a cold day with hearty and delicious meals. It's located on Skolavordustigur street, within a 10-minute walk from the Hallgrimskirkja church.
The menu features Icelandic classics like "kjötsúpa" meat soup with tender lamb, potatoes, and carrots, as well as plokkfiskur fish stew and rich langoustine soup. If you prefer something familiar, you can also enjoy fish and chips or a satisfying noodle soup with chicken, beef, or a vegan vegetable option.
Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional Icelandic meal or just a quick, comforting bite, 101 Reykjavik Street Food is an affordable and satisfying choice. It has a Google review rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
3. Svarta Kaffið
Photo taken from Svarta Kaffið.
For more than 20 years, Svarta Kaffið has been a beloved spot on Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping street, and it has become a local landmark in its own right. Known for its cozy atmosphere and no-fuss approach to food, this café has earned fans from all over the world with its signature dish: hearty soup served in a bread bowl.
The menu at Svarta Kaffið is refreshingly simple. They offer just two soups each day, typically one meat-based and one vegetarian. Both are rich, flavorful, and perfect for warming up after a day of exploring Reykjavik. The bread bowl is both the vessel and an essential part of the meal, as tearing off pieces of freshly baked bread to enjoy with the soup is part of the experience.
They don’t take reservations, so you can stop by whenever it suits you, and the friendly staff will do their best to find you a spot. It has an average Google rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, and whether you need a quick and satisfying lunch or a cozy dinner, this café is a fantastic choice.
2. Icelandic Street Food
Photo taken from Icelandic Street Food
Icelandic Street Food brought a new concept to Reykjavik, making it easy to try the traditional home-style Icelandic cuisine for a cheap price. It's located along Laekjargata Street, right in the heart of Reykjavik, and serves a classic plokkfiskur fish stew served with Icelandic rye bread and butter, a traditional kjötsúpa lamb soup, and a tasty shellfish soup. These classic dishes make for the perfect comfort dish!
For dessert, enjoy classic Icelandic happy marriage cake or go for the pancakes served rolled up with sugar, exactly as you'd find them served in Icelandic homes. It has an excellent average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, and they don't take reservations, so make sure to stop by if you're craving an affordable and delicious taste of Iceland.
1. Litli Barinn
Litli Barinn is a neighborhood bar that opened in early 2024 but has quickly become popular for its delicious quality food at good prices. It's a 5-minute walk from Ingolfstorg square and is by the entrance of the Local 101 Hotel, hidden away along a quiet side street. It has an incredible average Google rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.
Litli Barinn’s menu is packed with delicious options. You can go for small dishes like soft-boiled eggs over skyr with hollandaise and roe, or melted brie with honey and pistachio, or go for a larger main like the lamb sausages, all made with healthy, local ingredients. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices, and the prices are surprisingly affordable.
Litli Barinn also has some of Reykjavik’s best margaritas, a great wine selection, and a daily happy hour from 3 PM to 6 PM. The Icelandic music and cozy mood make it perfect for a casual night out or a romantic date.
Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend booking ahead to ensure a seat. Guide to Iceland customers can even enjoy a 20% discount off the menu or a complimentary small dish with any wine bottle order, making Litli Barinn a must-visit spot for an affordable dinner in Reykjavik.
You can book your table at Litli Barinn here
- Also, check out our Review of Litli Barinn: A Neighborhood Gem
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!
