Must-see restaurants in Iceland

  • Frú Lauga

    Reykjavík

    Reykjavík's trailblazing farmers market sources its ingredients from all over the countryside, featuring treats such as skyr (Icelandic yoghurt) from…

  • Fjöruhúsið

    Snæfellsnes Peninsula

    It’s well worth following the stone path down to the ocean’s edge for the renowned fish soup at beautifully situated, quaint Fjöruhúsið. Located by the…

  • Húsið

    Ísafjörður

    Sidle up to the rough-hewn wood tables inside this tin-clad house, or kick back on the sunny terrace for flavourful, relaxed meals and local beer on tap…

  • Naustið

    North Iceland

    Buttercup-yellow Naustið wins wide praise for its super-fresh fish and a simple concept that's well executed: skewers of fish and vegetables, grilled to…

  • Fiskfélagið

    Reykjavík

    The ‘Fish Company’ takes Icelandic seafood recipes and spins them through a variety of far-flung inspirations, from Fiji coconut to Spanish chorizo. Dine…

  • Gott

    Heimaey

    Fresh fusion food is done with care, using organic, healthy ingredients in this jolly wood-floored dining room with coloured chairs. Menu items range from…

  • Narfeyrarstofa

    Snæfellsnes Peninsula

    This charming restaurant is the Snæfellsnes’ darling fine-dining destination. Book a table on the 2nd floor for the romantic lighting of antique lamps and…

  • Kaupfélagið Raufarhöfn

    North Iceland

    Easily the brightest spark in town, this charming cafe and handicrafts gallery has bags of personality (driftwood, artworks, coffee pots). It's a welcome…

  • Flatey Pizza

    Reykjavík

    Flatey raises pizza making to something akin to an art form. Its sourdough circles are made from organic wheat and are baked for just one minute at 500°C…

  • Rauða Húsið

    The South

    This elegant and romantic white-linen restaurant fills a red house (hence the name) and has cheery staff and great fresh seafood prepared to perfection…

  • Apotek

    Reykjavík

    This beautiful restaurant and bar with shining glass fixtures and a cool ambience is equally known for its delicious menu of small plates that are perfect…

  • Fosshotel Hellnar Restaurant

    Snæfellsnes Peninsula

    Even if you’re not overnighting at Hótel Hellnar, we highly recommend having dinner at its restaurant, which sources local organic produce for its…

  • Stúkuhúsið

    The Westfjords

    In this cool eatery, friendly staff serve up filling salads, chicken soup, Icelandic lamb and their speciality: succulent fish fresh from the fjord…

  • Le Kock

    Le Kock

    Reykjavík

    The three founding chefs at this charismatic joint have impressive restaurant pedigrees, Icelandic and otherwise. Their skills shine through in reinvented…

  • Havarí

    East Iceland

    Continuing the wonderful Icelandic tradition of live music in unlikely places, this warm, creative farm (1km east of Berunes HI Hostel) is owned by a…

  • Eldstó Art Café

    The South

    Eldstó serves fresh-brewed coffee, homemade daily specials (such as traditional Icelandic flatbread with smoked lamb, and hot chocolate, for 1350kr) and…

  • Gamla Fjósið

    The South

    Built in a former cowshed that was in use until 1999, this charming eatery’s focus is on farm-fresh and grass-fed meaty mains, from burgers to Volcano…

  • Flúðasveppir Farmers Bistro

    Flúðasveppir Farmers Bistro

    The Golden Circle

    This restaurant is attached to Iceland's only mushroom farm. The mushroom soup is made with a secret recipe and served from a buffet with homemade bread…

  • Skyrgerðin

    The South

    This chilled-out cafe-cum-restaurant incorporates rough wood furniture, antiques and vintage photos. Creative meals are crafted from fresh Icelandic…

  • Messinn Granda

    Reykjavík

    Sample the catch of the day at this buffet-style harbour restaurant, serving its freshly caught selection on steaming skillets with root vegetables and…

  • Friðheimar

    The Golden Circle

    This farm is a surreal sight: huge, bright greenhouses grow tomatoes and a range of other crops throughout the year using geothermal energy. Staff sell…

  • Kaupfélagsbarinn

    East Iceland

    Part of the Hildibrand complex, this is easily the most upmarket restaurant in this neck of the woods. In its large, mid-century-modern space, say hello…

  • Sjávarpakkhúsið

    Snæfellsnes Peninsula

    This old fish-packing house has been transformed into a wood-lined cafe-bar with harbourfront outdoor seating. The speciality is blue-shell mussels…

  • LAVA Restaurant

    Reykjanes Peninsula

    The Blue Lagoon's cavernous dining room can feel like a function hall, but views to the lagoon are serene, the waitstaff are excellent and the menu…

  • Kökulist

    Reykjanes Peninsula

    On the way out of town, a few minutes' walk from the Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll, is this excellent bakery and cafe. It serves dozens of sweet…

  • Dalakaffi

    Dalakaffi

    The South

    This little hut cafe near the start of the trail to Reykjadalur serves homemade soups, flatbread with smoked lamb or salmon, cakes and coffee. Gluten free…

  • Ölverk, pizza and brewery, exterior

    Ölverk

    The South

    This minimalist pizzeria and microbrewery is a fine combination of bar and restaurant. Pizza toppings are creative (ever had banana on a pie?) and the…

  • Matarkjallarinn

    Matarkjallarinn

    Reykjavík

    Elegance is everywhere at Matarkjallarinn (the 'Food Cellar'). Brasserie-style dishes, Icelandic ingredients, magical decor and oh-so-skillful cocktails…

  • Berlin

    Akureyri

    Breakfast served all day? Hello Berlin! If you need a fix of bacon and eggs or avocado on toast, this cosy timber-lined cafe is your spot. Good coffee is…

  • Kumiko tea house and cake shop.

    Kumiko

    Reykjavík

    Theme cafe Kumiko is a Japanese tea house and cake shop that revels in a bright, cartoon-like decor. The vibe extends to their creations: Princess Cakes,…

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    Stofan Kaffihús

    Reykjavík

    In this historic brick building you'll find a warmly welcoming cafe with worn wooden floors, plump couches and a spacious main room. Settle in for coffee,…

  • Coocoo's Nest restaurant

    Coocoo's Nest

    Reykjavík

    Pop into this cool eatery for delicious brunches (11am to 4pm Friday to Sunday) and decadent cocktails. It's casual, small and groovy, with mosaic plywood…

  • Kaffihús Vesturbæjar

    Kaffihús Vesturbæjar

    Reykjavík

    This popular hang-out in the Vesturbær neighbourhood is a real hipster stronghold, with thrifty, mismatched decor. Delightful dishes range from soups and…

  • Litla Kaffistofan

    Litla Kaffistofan

    Greater Reykjavík

    The humbly named 'Small Cafeteria' has been serving travellers for some 60 years. Set between Reykjavík and Hveragerði, regulars love it for the greasy…

  • Valdi's offers ice cream

    Valdís

    Reykjavík

    Throughout summer happy families flock here, take a number and join the crush waiting for a scoop chosen from the huge array of homemade ice creams…

  • Arna ice cream and coffee shop.

    Arna

    Greater Reykjavík

    Choose between soft serve and gelato ice cream made with lactose-free products from Arna's dairy farm in Bolungarvík in the Westfjords. Or opt for smooth…

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    Salt

    Reykjavík

    Cod, ling, lobster soup? Salt is an excellent Old Harbour option for fruits of the sea and is among the many 'whale-friendly' restaurants in Reykjavík.

  • Geitafell

    North Iceland

    Roughly 25km from Hvammstangi – 3km north of Illugastaðir – is the wonderfully unique Geitafell, a restaurant in a converted barn where fish soup is the…

  • Icelandair Hotel Akureyri

    Akureyri

    Suffering afternoon sluggishness? Get your sugar rush courtesy of the great-value high tea served every afternoon in the smart lounge of the Icelandair…

  • Súpa

    The Golden Circle

    Hearty soups are served at the counter of this more recent addition to the Geysir Center. Flavours include the Kenya (with kidney beans, tomatoes, red…

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