Must-see restaurants in Iceland

  • Vegamót

    The Westfjords

    On sunny days head straight for the sheltered deck of this cheery little grill, look down onto the harbour and tuck into burgers, garlic-laced prawn…

  • Rostin Restaurant

    Reykjanes Peninsula

    Located above the Garðskagi Museum, this simple space has large glass windows and awesome views out to sea, plus a nice deck for the summer months. Menu…

  • Restaurant Galdur

    The Westfjords

    The menu changes daily at this friendly restaurant: look for fish fresh from the fjord, crispy pizzas and rhubarb with cream for dessert. Great outdoor…

  • Hafnarbúðin

    Southeast Iceland

    A fabulous relic, this tiny old-school diner has a cheap-and-cheerful vibe, big breakfasts, a menu of fast-food favourites (hot dogs, burgers, toasted…

  • Surf & Turf

    The South

    Sleek American-style joint with hardwood floors, stripped-back minimalist decor and designer-cool chipboard walls. It serves up various burgers (like blue…

  • Restaurant Árhús

    The South

    Set on the river bank of the Rangá, Árhús serves tasty pasta, meat and fish dishes, plus burgers and pizzas. In nice weather the terrace overlooking the…

  • Forréttabarinn

    Reykjavík

    Tapas restaurants are popular in the capital, and this hip joint near the harbour is a favourite for its menu of creative plates like cod and pork belly…

  • Kaffi Ilmur

    Akureyri

    In a charming historical building painted butter yellow (and once a saddlery), this welcoming cafe offers a tasty range of bodacious breakfast and lunch…

  • Café Laut

    Akureyri

    What could be better than a designer cafe in a botanical garden? This cafe has gorgeous picture windows, good coffee, a big sun terrace and a lunchtime…

  • Nesbrauð

    Snæfellsnes Peninsula

    On the road into town, this bakery is a good choice for a quick breakfast or lunch. Stock up on sugary confections such as kleinur (traditional twisty…

  • Papa's

    Reykjanes Peninsula

    Fish and chips at Papa's are a treat, although you'll also find locals crowding in for pizza, salad, burgers and pulled-pork sandwiches. The space is…

  • Pítsugerðin

    Heimaey

    Top spot for a pizza. All pies are cooked in a wood-burning oven. Classic styles include margarita and calzone, plus some more bonkers flavours such as …

  • Greifinn

    Akureyri

    Family-friendly and always full to bursting, Greifinn is one of the most popular spots in town. The menu favours comfort food above all: ribs and wings,…

  • Kaffi Duus

    Reykjanes Peninsula

    This friendly, nautical-themed cafe-restaurant-bar, decorated with walrus tusks, overlooks the small-boat harbour. It serves generous platefuls of fresh…

  • Kjöt og Kúnst

    The South

    Icelandic dishes (soup, fish and lamb), plus an array of sandwiches and pizzas. Loads of mega-cakes, vegan options and geothermal bread, too. When the…

  • Bryggjukaffi

    The Westfjords

    A friendly local woman serves up delicious daily soup (the fish stew is outstanding) with excellent fresh bread, and bakes cakes and irresistible waffles…

  • Tanginn

    Heimaey

    With giant windows looking onto the harbour and comfortable, modern decor in slate and wood, Tanginn makes for a fun stop for fresh fish, burgers, crêpes,…

  • Biryani

    Reykjanes Peninsula

    Cheap-eats counter-service joint selling tasty Middle Eastern and Indian dishes, from falafel wraps to curries. Open until the wee hours, it's one of the…

  • Jöklasel

    Southeast Iceland

    Jöklasel, the base hut for Glacier Jeeps, is situated at the top of Rte F985, 840m above sea level. The cafe at Jöklasel must have the most epic views in…

  • Skerjakolla

    North Iceland

    Skerjakolla is a sweet surprise: a decent grocery store, with a small and simple cafe serving pizza, sandwiches, coffee and cake. There's even a Vínbúðin…

  • Salthúsið

    Reykjanes Peninsula

    The classy wooden Salthúsið specialises in local saltfiskur (saltfish), which is prepared in different ways, plus there's salmon, lobster, chicken and…

  • Icelandic Fish & Chips

    Reykjavík

    Pick your fish and, voila, spelt-batter fried it becomes. Pair it with local beer, organic salads (990kr) and ‘Skyronnaises’ – skyr-based sauces (eg basil…

  • Ósinn

    Southeast Iceland

    The fresh-faced restaurant at Hótel Höfn is open year-round and offers a creative menu that sings with fine local ingredients. It ranges from pearl-barley…

  • Kaupfjélagið

    East Iceland

    Kaupfjélagið stocks groceries and serves up coffee and light meals to passing travellers. Its best feature is the fun displays of vintage general-store…

  • Café Mika

    The Golden Circle

    Café Mika is popular with locals for its sizeable menu, outdoor pizza oven, sandwiches and Icelandic mains. The roasted langoustines (lobster) with garlic…

  • Hraun

    Snæfellsnes Peninsula

    This upbeat establishment on the main road cheerfully fills a blond-wood building with a broad front deck. The only gig in town besides fast food, it does…

  • Brynja

    Akureyri

    This legendary ice-cream shop is known across Iceland for one of the best ice creams in the country (it’s made with milk, not cream). It’s 500m downhill…

  • Café Kaffitár

    Reykjavík

    The ground-floor cafe at the National Museum offers wi-fi and a welcome respite, with wraparound windows looking out on a flowing fountain. It serves a…

  • Hard Wok Cafe

    North Iceland

    The newest entry on Sauðárkrókur's food scene, this casual restaurant specialises in noodles and Asian fusion, but also offers popular pizza, fish-and…

  • Hornið

    Reykjavík

    There’s an easygoing air at this bright art deco cafe-restaurant. Pizzas are freshly made before your eyes, the prettily presented pasta meals will set…

  • Thai Koon

    Ísafjörður

    After a stretch of limited food options in remote Iceland, this small Thai canteen seems decidedly exotic. There’s no grand ambience but the curries and…

  • Systrakaffi

    Southeast Iceland

    The liveliest place in town is this cafe-bar, which can get slammed in summer. Its tasty, wide-ranging menu offers soups, salads, pizzas and burgers – but…

  • Lobster Hut

    Reykjavík

    What's it gonna be? Lobster soup? Lobster salad? Lobster sandwich? This little food truck dishes it all out, for fine diners on the run. By day it's…

  • Krían

    North Iceland

    The island's only restaurant (named after the Arctic tern, kría in Icelandic) is an agreeable place with an outdoor deck that enjoys views over the…

  • Nora Magasin

    Reykjavík

    Hip and open plan, this buzzy bistro-bar serves up a tasty selection of pub food, from creative small plates to burgers and fresh fish. Coffee and…

  • Serrano

    Akureyri

    Like your food fast, but fresher than you've been encountering at all those N1 grill-bars? Hit up Serrano for a delish burrito, made to order; you can…

  • Hótel Edda Restaurant

    West Iceland

    Local ingredients from cod to lamb feature on this short but tasty menu. For dessert try the delicious skyr (yoghurt-like dessert) and ice cream from…

  • Bergsson RE

    Reykjavík

    An acclaimed seafood spot with great harbour views and a daily-changing lunch menu featuring the freshest catch. The same family runs Bergsson Mathús in…

  • Þórbergssetur Restaurant

    Southeast Iceland

    The museum at Hali, Þórbergssetur, is home to a quality cafe-restaurant where the speciality is Arctic char. It's 13km east of Jökulsárlón, and gets very…

  • Galito

    West Iceland

    Despite its location in a completely nondescript commercial block, Galito is undoubtedly top dog if you’re looking to upgrade from petrol-station fare…

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