Restaurants in Iceland Open During Christmas & New Year's 2023
Find out which restaurants are open for Christmas and New Year's 2023 in Reykjavik and plan your holiday season meals. While some restaurants close during the holidays, some stay open during this time of year and offer Christmas buffets and fantastic meals. Continue reading to learn which restaurants are open for Christmas and New Year’s in Reykjavik.
Christmas in Iceland is a beautiful time of year, and 2023 is no exception. Fluffy white snow lightly covers the ground, and the streets are decorated with colorful lights and festive ornaments. One of the season's greatest joys is stepping into a nice, warm restaurant after a walk in the snow and enjoying a wonderful Christmas meal while looking out the windows. For a fun and immersive experience, book a food tour in Iceland while enjoying the festivities outside.
Stories of the troll giantess Gryla and the thirteen Yule Lads are a great introduction to Icelandic Christmas culture, while many tours tailor their activities to the season. The festive season coincides with the appearance of the aurora borealis, which you can see while going on a northern lights tour, or you can visit a sparkling ice cave during this time of year, which makes Christmas a popular time for travel to the country.
Visitors who want to indulge in Iceland’s culture over the Yuletide wouldn’t want to be unprepared and find their plans foiled because of the public holidays! On the 24th, 25th, and 26th, many shops, services, and attractions will be closed, as these dates are public holidays in Iceland. The same applies to New Year's Eve (December 31st) and New Year's Day (January 1st).
Though not all will be open over Christmas, some will be. Many restaurants adapt their menu to the time of year, using seasonal ingredients to allow you to enjoy both festive Icelandic and international feasts. Combine this with the decorations most restaurants invest in, and there are few better places to get into the Christmas spirit. Most of the best restaurants in Iceland are located in the capital, so make sure to book a room in Reykjavik for your visit.
- Explore the options: The Best Restaurants in Reykjavik
Regardless of the food or price, almost all restaurants require you to make a reservation around Christmas, with some booking up quickly. Be sure to do this as early as possible, especially on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. If you don’t, you’ll be put on a waiting list with no guarantees of a table.
Suppose you want to see Reykjavik’s incredible fireworks display on New Year’s Eve. In that case, you'll have a place to fill up before midnight, which will be particularly rewarding for those planning to enjoy the city’s thriving nightlife. If you're looking for something economical, check out our 12 best spots for dining on a budget in Reykjavik.
The table below lists the best Reykjavik restaurants open on Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve. The table also details what kind of cuisine they offer and any additional notes. The restaurants are listed in alphabetical order.
Restaurants in Reykjavik Open During the Holiday Season
As many restaurants in Reykjavik will shut their doors for some time during the winter season, you may be wondering if any restaurants in Reykjavik are open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or New Year's Eve. Some will have specific menus presenting classic Icelandic Christmas staples, such as smoked lamb and ptarmigan, giving you a true local flavor.
The restaurants listed below are highly recommended and will be open for all or some of the holidays. Which days these restaurants are open will be listed below. You can book a table directly by clicking the link in the description.
Caruso
Caruso is one of the premier Italian restaurants in Iceland, located in a historic house by Austurstraeti street, initially built in 1801 and housing various government officials through the years. The restaurant will offer wonderful Christmas courses with an Italian flair.
December 24th: Closed
December 25th: OPEN
December 26th: OPEN
December 31st: OPEN
Book your table at Caruso right now!
Forréttabarinn
Forréttabarinn is a fun restaurant that has a relaxed and casual atmosphere, serving delicious appetizers and a wide range of beer on draft. The restaurant's name simply translates to "The Appetizer Bar," as they exclusively serve small courses for a low price, meaning you get to be a bit adventurous and try out multiple dishes.
December 24th: Closed
December 25th: Closed
December 26th: OPEN
December 31st: OPEN
Book a table at Forréttabarinn today!
Jörgensen Kitchen & Bar
Jörgensen Kitchen & Bar is a good restaurant with a modern flair and a versatile menu where everybody should find something that will cater to their interests. The wine and cocktail menu is extensive as well, which you can enjoy in a nice atmosphere in downtown Reykjavik.
December 24th: OPEN
December 25th: OPEN
December 26th: OPEN
December 31st: OPEN
Book a table at Jörgensen Kitchen & Bar today!
Kol Restaurant
Kol is a hip and lively restaurant located close to the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church in downtown Reykjavik. The interior design has a warm and modern feel to it, with cozy leather couches and beautiful hanging lamps by British designer Tom Dixon.
December 24th: Closed
December 25th: Closed
December 26th: OPEN
December 31st: OPEN
Book your table at Kol restaurant today!
Matarkjallarinn (Food Cellar)
The Food Cellar is a great restaurant serving delicious food and providing a great atmosphere. A live piano player sets the mood with easy-listening renditions of pop songs and classical music. Before the meal, go for a fun and inventive cocktail with a wide range of gin and tonics to choose from.
December 24th: Closed
December 25th: Closed
December 26th: OPEN
December 31st: OPEN
Reserve your table at the Food Cellar today!
Monkeys Food & Wine
Monkeys is a fun and trendy restaurant in downtown Reykjavik serving so-called Nikkei cuisine, which combines Japanese cooking techniques with the vibrant flavors of Peru, with the best and freshest ingredients from Iceland.
December 24th: Closed
December 25th: Closed
December 26th: OPEN
December 31st: OPEN
Book a table at Monkeys Food & Wine today!
Sümac
Sümac is a fantastic restaurant in Reykjavik, headed by the Michelin-starred chef Thrainn Freyr Vigfusson, providing delicious Middle Eastern-style cuisine with fresh Icelandic ingredients. The interior is inspired by Beirut, Lebanon giving a nice and inviting atmosphere.
December 24th: Closed
December 25th: Closed
December 26th: OPEN
December 31st: OPEN
Restaurants Outside Reykjavik Open During the Holiday Season
There are not only fantastic restaurants in Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, but you can have an Icelandic Christmas feast in the countryside with some of the restaurants listed below. Most of these restaurants offer special Christmas and New Year's menus, with seasonal cuisine and a festive flair.
HVER Restaurant (Hveragerdi)
HVER Restaurant is a great restaurant serving delicious Nordic cuisine, located at the four-star Hotel Ork in the geothermal town of Hveragerdi in South Iceland. We recommend this for anyone exploring this region of Iceland during the holidays, especially if you're staying at the hotel.
December 24th: OPEN
December 25th: OPEN
December 26th: OPEN
December 31st: OPEN
Book a table at Hver Restaurant in Hveragerdi today!
We hope you’ve found the perfect restaurant in Iceland to dine out on Christmas. As previously stated, remember to book early to secure your table for the holidays. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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