Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is renowned for its unique and delectable cuisine. With an abundance of restaurants scattered across the city, it can be overwhelming to decide where to dine. Fear not, as we’ve carefully curated a list of the best restaurants in Reykjavik that will leave your taste buds craving more.
As you embark on your culinary journey, indulge in authentic Icelandic delicacies such as skyr, a type of yogurt, and fermented shark (hákarl). For the adventurous, we recommend Plokkfiskur (Icelandic fish stew) or Hangikjot (smoked lamb), renowned for its succulent texture and rich flavor.
Want to experience a true taste of Iceland? Head over to Grillmarkaðurinn, a restaurant that prides itself on using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. The menu ranges from succulent grilled meats to vegetarian options that satisfy you thoroughly.
For seafood lovers, a visit to Saegreifinn is an absolute must. This cozy seafood shack by the harbor boasts the day’s freshest catch. Indulge in mouth-watering dishes such as their famous lobster soup or grilled langoustines.
Not to be missed is the trendy Matur og Drykkur, where you can savor traditional Icelandic food with a modern twist. The chefs create innovative dishes using traditional methods and only the best local produce.
Reykjavik also offers an array of international cuisine, and no trip is complete without trying the gourmet pizzas at Flatey. Bold, flavorful toppings are used on crispy, homemade crusts to create pizzas that are truly out of the ordinary.
With its diverse cuisine, Reykjavik truly is a foodie’s paradise. From traditional Icelandic cuisine to exotic international flavors, this city has something to offer every palate. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for a sensory adventure and discover the best restaurants in Reykjavík.
Where to stay in Reykjavik? Check out this link to find the best hotel deals!
Don’t know what to do in Reykjavik? Find awesome tours at affordable prices here!
Do you need help planning your trips? Start here!
❗️Be insured before your trip and get a SafetyWing FREE insurance quote
📚 Read our post about why you should always have insurance
✈️ Find out how to find cheap flights using Skyscanner or find deals now
🛌🏻 Book your accommodation through Booking.com
🎭 Find awesome and hassle-free tours through GetYourGuide
🚘 Explore Europe on an epic road trip with Discover Cars
Top 10 Best Restaurants in Reykjavik, Iceland
Mat Bar
Mat Bar is where delectable cuisine and a hip atmosphere meet to create a unique eating adventure. You must dine at this little, chef-driven establishment in the center of Reykjavik.
Walking into Mat Bar, you’ll immediately notice how much care has been put into every facet of the space. The furnishings are contemporary while still being comfortable, and the ambiance is hip without being cold. You’re going to love this warm and welcoming room.
However, the cuisine is the main attraction. Mat Bar proudly serves inventive, bold, and flavorful dishes with only the freshest, seasonal, and sustainably sourced ingredients. And it all begins with the wood fire grill that is the focal point of their barely adequate restaurant cooking space.
The dishes on the menu are a one-of-a-kind marriage of the Nordic approach to cooking with the simplicity of Italian cuisine. What’s even better? You are not limited to a single cuisine. There is something for everyone at Mat Bar, as the restaurant is not biased toward any particular cuisine and instead serves whatever tastes good.
The variety of condiments that have been pickled, fermented, and preserved to enhance the flavors of every dish will astound you. And because the menu adapts to the shifting of the seasons, there will always be something new and interesting to sample.
So, why is Mat Bar regarded as one of Reykjavik’s finest eateries? The answer is straightforward: everything about this restaurant has been designed to make your meal one you won’t soon forget.
Mat Bar is the ideal place to savor every moment, from the friendly service to the deliciously unique flavors of their meals. Don’t be left out of the charm of Mat Bar and its amazing cuisine; reserve a table immediately.
- Website: https://www.matbar.is/
- Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 5 PM to 10 PM; Fri and Sat 12 PM to 10 PM
- Address: Hverfisgata 26, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Where to stay in Reykjavik? Check out this link to find the best hotel deals!
Don’t know what to do in Reykjavik? Find awesome tours at affordable prices here!
Apotek
Is it your goal to find some of the best restaurants in Reykjavik? Apotek Restaurant is where you want to be. This casual-chic eatery in a picture-perfect area of the Icelandic capital serves a tasty blend of Icelandic and European dishes with a sizzling Argentine grill. Prepare for a memorable dining experience with loved ones in a chic and lively setting.
And that’s not all: when you’re in the neighborhood, swing by Apotek Restaurant and check out the buzzing bar! Exciting handmade cocktails, including painkillers and stimulants, are crafted here by skilled “pharmacists” to fit many moods. That’s an opportunity you shouldn’t pass up.
This popular eatery may be found in the historic building that housed Reykjavkurapotek from 1930 until 1999 on Austurstraeti No. 16. Architectural preservation was a top priority for designers Leifur Welding and Brynhildur Gulaugsdóttir, who also aimed to create a fresh, comfortable space. The restaurant’s original wood wall panels, marble, and decor have all been restored to add to the ambiance.
At Apotek Restaurant, head chef Carlos Gimenez and his team of exceptional cooks are responsible for creating delectable cuisine. Considering all that Apotek has going for it, it’s easy to see why it’s considered one of Reykjavik’s finest dining establishments.
- Website: https://apotekrestaurant.is/
- Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30 AM to 11 PM; Fri-Sat 11:30 AM to 12 PM; Sun 12 PM to 11 PM
- Address: Austurstræti 16, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Where to stay in Reykjavik? Check out this link to find the best hotel deals!
Don’t know what to do in Reykjavik? Find awesome tours at affordable prices here!
Þrír Frakkar
Amongst the many restaurants all over Reykjavík, Þrír Frakkar should be on your list! The family who runs this eatery has been doing it right since 1989, and its seafood specialties continue to win over regulars and newcomers alike.
Chef lfar Eysteinsson and his staff are fish experts; their dishes are delicious proof of that. You can find anything you like on the menu, from fresh catches from the surrounding waterways to more unusual selections like whale meat and seabird meals.
The dedication of the staff at Þrír Frakkar, though, is what truly separates it from the rest of the Reykjavik dining scene. The staff is welcoming, helpful, and eager to go the additional mile for you. And the greatest part is that the rates are fair in relation to the high standard of both the cuisine and the service.
Þrír Frakkar is the perfect spot for a candlelit supper for two, a lively evening with friends, or a joyous occasion. Why hold off? Please immediately make a reservation at this top-rated restaurant in Iceland to see why everyone is raving about it.
- Website: https://www.3frakkar.is/
- Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30 AM to 2 PM and 6 PM to 10 PM; Fri 11:30 AM to 2 PM and 6 PM to 10:30 PM; Sat 6 PM to 10:30 PM and Sun 6 PM to 10 PM
- Address: Baldursgata 14, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Where to stay in Reykjavik? Check out this link to find the best hotel deals!
Don’t know what to do in Reykjavik? Find awesome tours at affordable prices here!
Are you planning your travels? Here’re my top travel resources!
I’m a serial planner both in life and in travel – I have bucket lists, things to do, see, and everything. So, I always love when my life is sorted easily using tools and resources that would make my general planning a little smoother and easier. Therefore, in my many years of traveling the world, I’ve seen myself returning to these travel resources repeatedly. And here I am, sharing my tips to make your life easy and breezy so you can stress less, travel heaps, and focus on the fun part of travel!
- Booking.com – I book all my hotels through this website and don’t honestly use anything else. They always have the best prices, in my opinion.
- Airbnb – If I’m traveling long-term to one destination, I book my flats through Airbnb.
- Skyscanner – The best place to find cheap flights on flexible dates. I use this a lot to score cheap flights within Europe!
- SafetyWing – Always travel insured! Never leave your home country without one. It is worth the extra money, I promise you!
- GetYourGuide – Hands-down, the best place to find cool and unique tours if you don’t feel like winging it, and go straight to a local expert. I use this a lot in new destinations to get acquainted with the area!
- My Pretty Wild World Travel Diary (coming soon) – A book you can write down your travel plans, create itineraries, track down your budget, and dot down memories along the way! A handy book you can keep and read later to revisit memory lane.
- Pretty Wild World Travel Planning Printables (coming soon) – Are you a nut like me when it comes to planning? Yes? Good. My travel planning resource in one zip file is an easy-to-use printable planner that comes with tips that helps you plan your travels during the planning stage, a pre-flight checklist, an itinerary planner, and so on.
Grillmarkaðurinn
Looking for a meal that incorporates modern elements with Icelandic tradition? Grillmarkaurinn is the best grill restaurant in Reykjavik, so there’s no need to go anywhere else. Grillmarkaurinn was established by Hrefna Rósa Saetran, a member of the Icelandic culinary team, with an emphasis on using fire, smoke, fire logs, and coal to emphasize the locality of their ingredients.
The structure that now houses the restaurant had a previous life as Iceland’s largest assembly hall in 1920 before being converted into a movie theater and finally burning down in 2011. The modern Grillmarkaurinn is a sophisticated and relaxing spot for a meal with friends or family.
Grillmarkaurinn stands out due to its commitment to haute cuisine and innovative cooking techniques, executed with Icelandic products. The luscious Icelandic lamb, savory langoustine, and tart wild mushrooms on the menu will surely please any diner’s palate, whether they prefer seafood or meat.
A bar on the basement level also serves various wines and original cocktails. The laid-back vibe makes it a great spot to unwind and chat over a drink with loved ones.
In that case, why delay any longer? While table reservations are preferred, bar seating is not required. Spend the evening feasting on Iceland’s finest, and you’ll have a memory that will last a lifetime.
- Website: https://www.grillmarkadurinn.is/en
- Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 6 PM to 9:30 PM; Fri and Saturday 6 PM to 10 PM
- Address: Lækjargata 2a, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Where to stay in Reykjavik? Check out this link to find the best hotel deals!
Don’t know what to do in Reykjavik? Find awesome tours at affordable prices here!
Íslenski barinn
In addition to serving delicious Icelandic food, this restaurant also creates a unique ambiance by fusing contemporary and Icelandic traditional elements.
You’ll be taken back to a pivotal era in Iceland’s history when you enter. The restaurant’s furnishings, which span the entire 20th century, reflect this. It’s like entering a time capsule without sacrificing modern conveniences or style.
Sit and browse the menu; you won’t believe the variety and originality of the foods available. The menu frequently changes to showcase the seasonal availability of the finest Icelandic foods. You could try the dried fish or the whale, or take a chance and try a Not-Dog. These renowned hot dogs are given a unique local spin with mouthwateringly creative stuffing.
Don’t forget the beer, either. Microbreweries are springing up all over town, making Íslenski barinn famous for its assortment of locally brewed beers. Relax with a pint and take in the atmosphere while chatting with your dinner mates.
In sum, Íslenski barinn is an essential stop for each tourist in Reykjavik. It’s simple to understand why it’s become one of the top restaurants in town: it has the rare combination of history, culture, and modernity that has made it so successful.
- Website: https://islenskibarinn.is/en/
- Kitchen opening hours: 11:30 AM to 10 PM every day
- Address: 1a Ingólfsstræti, Ingólfsstræti 1a 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Where to stay in Reykjavik? Check out this link to find the best hotel deals!
Don’t know what to do in Reykjavik? Find awesome tours at affordable prices here!
Saegreifinn – A seafood restaurant
In an old, green-painted fisherman’s cottage on Reykjavik’s waterfront, you’ll find the lovely Saegreifinn restaurant. The legendary Icelandic fisherman and coast guard cook, Seabaron owns Saegreifinn, a seafood paradise.
The menu’s highlight is lobster soup, which locals and tourists widely regard as the best worldwide. The soup’s light celery, red bell pepper, tomato, cinnamon, clove, and coriander undertones perfectly match the tender, fresh lobster. Each mouthwatering bite will have you reaching for more.
Saegreifinn’s gastronomic offerings are extensive; the lobster soup is just the beginning. Seabaron is an expert grill master, as seen by the fish he speared and cooked, which he presented with potatoes and vegetables.
Some examples of recently caught seafood include mink whale, angler, catfish, cod, skate, halibut, salmon, lemon sole, plaice, blue ling, torsk, and prawns. We suggest the “moby dick on a stick” or a shark cooked in the traditional Viking style if you’re up for serious risk-taking.
Saegreifinn is already fascinating because of the Seabaron, but eating there is an experience. The aroma of cooking fish, the sounds of the locals, and the cozy atmosphere of the hut all work together to make you feel like you’ve walked into another world. The soup has warm, toasty bread and smooth, thick Icelandic butter.
In conclusion, Saegreifinn is a fantastic restaurant option in Reykjavik. With its warm, inviting atmosphere and delicious seafood, this restaurant is not to be missed. If you’re a gastronome or appreciate the finer things in life, Seabaron’s Saegreifinn is where you should eat.
- Phone number: +354 553 1500
- Opening hours: 11:30 AM to 4 PM and 6 PM to 10 PM every day
- Address: Geirsgata 4a, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Where to stay in Reykjavik? Check out this link to find the best hotel deals!
Don’t know what to do in Reykjavik? Find awesome tours at affordable prices here!
Hold up! Have you thought about the importance of travel insurance?
Remember this: anything can happen. Travel is fun, but your health is more important; thus, I always, always, always recommend getting insured during the duration of your trip. I have benefitted from having one multiple times, and it has been covered for thousands of euros!
The latest one is not necessarily “health” related – it was during the peak of the unspeakable terrible C that consumed the world. I was living in Vietnam when I received an email from SafetyWing (my travel insurance) that if I want they’ll fly be back home to Finland as the world goes through a global emergency alert. I flew back fully covered, and dealing with SafetyWing was a breeze despite the roar of people in contact with them trying to get back home.
I can’t highly recommend them enough. Otherwise, I rarely get sick; hence I don’t always need to head to a hospital, but knowing that I have travel insurance makes me feel safe at the very least.
Read my post about why you should get travel insurance for more information. Otherwise, you can get a free quote from SafetyWing – they’re the best, in my opinion.
Brút Restaurant
Brút Restaurant offers some of the finest casual fine dining in Reykjavik. The exquisite furnishings of this lodging, housed in one of Reykjavik’s most venerable buildings, will leave a lasting impression. The menu here has been carefully curated to feature the freshest seafood caught in the waterways near the city.
The cooks at Brút are continually experimenting with new seasonal dishes, so the menu is always changing. Sea snails are a local delicacy, so if you’re daring, go for them. There should be something on the menu at this restaurant for everyone, as it features both well-known brands and more unique dishes.
The broad selection features bottles from some of the best wineries globally. The best wines to pair with the delectable fare will be featured prominently. Additionally, the well-versed wait staff may offer suggestions for wine pairings at any moment.
Indulge your senses and not just your stomach at Brút Restaurant. Dine on traditional Icelandic dishes while taking in spectacular views of Reykjavik. Make a reservation now to discover why this is often regarded as one of Reykjavik’s finest eateries.
- Website: https://www.brut.is/
- Opening hours: Mon-Tues – Closed; Wed- 5 PM to 10 PM; Thurs-Fri 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM; Sat- 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM; Sun- 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Address: Pósthússtræti 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Where to stay in Reykjavik? Check out this link to find the best hotel deals!
Don’t know what to do in Reykjavik? Find awesome tours at affordable prices here!
Matur og Drykkur – One of Reykjavik’s fine dining restaurants
If you’re looking for a restaurant that offers a unique culinary experience in Reykjavik, look no further than Matur og Drykkur. This hidden gem inside the Saga Museum takes classic Icelandic recipes and adds a contemporary twist to make them unforgettable.
The à la carte menu has delicious options, but the tasting menus shine. Each dish is carefully crafted to showcase the flavors and textures of Iceland’s finest ingredients. Be sure to try the cod skin with celeriac, the sweetbreads with pumpkin, or the infamous fermented shark, which is surprisingly delicious.
Even on a budget, you can still indulge in some of Matur og Drykkur’s incredible creations. The Icelandic Snacks menu offers great value, with options like smoked lamb and pickled herring that are perfect for sharing.
While Matur og Drykkur may not have a Michelin star (yet), it has been recognized as one of the best restaurants in Reykjavik by multiple local awards. And with good reason. The atmosphere is intimate and welcoming, the service impeccable, and the food is outstanding. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this culinary masterpiece for yourself.
- Website: https://www.maturogdrykkur.is/
- Opening hours: Thurs to Sun – 6 PM to 11 PM
- Address: Grandagarður 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Where to stay in Reykjavik? Check out this link to find the best hotel deals!
Don’t know what to do in Reykjavik? Find awesome tours at affordable prices here!
Café Loki
Want to try some genuine Icelandic food without breaking the bank? In the heart of downtown Reykjavik, you’ll find Café Loki. The location is ideal (right across the street from the famous Hallgrmskirkja), and the food is among Reykjavik’s best and most genuine.
When you go in, you’ll be greeted by friendly servers eager to help you choose from the extensive menu. Traditional Icelandic dishes include ‘plokkfiskur,’ a fish stew with onions and potatoes, and the notorious dried fish with butter and Brennivn schnapps, both of which you should try if you’re feeling adventurous.
Pancakes, vegetarian dishes, bagels, bread, and hot beverages are some internationally wonderful dinner alternatives available even if you’re not ready for a culinary journey.
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner couldn’t be more ideal at this cozy and contemporary restaurant. Keep some room in your stomach for the rye bread ice cream. That’s correct; you spotted a typo. It’s a unique sweet that pairs well with the robust flavors of Icelandic main courses.
So, why is Café Loki regarded as one of Reykjavik’s finest eateries? The food is great, and the pricing is reasonable. The service is warm and welcoming, and the personnel is pleasant and knowledgeable. And I doubt you’ll be able to say anywhere else that you’ve tasted dried fish with butter and Brennivn schnapps.
- Website: https://loki.is/
- Opening hours: 8 AM to 10 PM every day
- Address: Lokastígur 28, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Where to stay in Reykjavik? Check out this link to find the best hotel deals!
Don’t know what to do in Reykjavik? Find awesome tours at affordable prices here!
What are my favorite travel must-haves?
As a frequent traveler, I’ve learned a lot throughout my years of travel, and there are five items that I always carry with me regardless of where I go and how long the trip is. Here are my five travel must-haves!
- Warm packable jacket – I always carry a light jacket, even when heading to warm countries. There hasn’t been a time I never used it, especially in airports and planes.
- Transparent toiletry bag – I often bring a carry-on if I’m only traveling within Europe for a few days. Life is so much easier to go through security checks with a transparent toiletry bag.
- Kindle Paperwhite – I love a good read and always take my Kindle everywhere. It keeps me entertained during long flights and waiting times.
- Powerbank – I don’t know how I could travel without one! Having a power bank saved me a ton since I carry a lot of electronic devices with me.
- Travel Adapter – I never leave my luggage without a travel adapter! I carry one with me all the time. It is just one of that travel-must haves that doesn’t hurt to have in your bag at all times.
Dill Restaurant – One of the best Reykjavik restaurants
The chefs at this acclaimed eatery take great pride in their commitment to sustainability; they use traditional Icelandic ways and cutting-edge techniques to create inventive little plates that pack a big flavor punch.
The already-impressive guest experience is taken to new heights by the internationally-experienced chef and his staff as they experiment with novel ways and preparations of native foods.
DILL, established in 2009, represents Iceland’s ingredients’ raw, natural beauty and abundance. Gunnar Karl Gslasson, the restaurant’s founder and a master chef in his own right, will take you on a culinary tour of the varied landscape of Iceland and serve up a series of dishes as erratic as the country’s weather.
At DILL, they respect every ingredient and use every last bit to make a memorable meal that will leave diners satisfied and engrossed.
Join us at DILL, where we treat food as an art form rather than merely a means to an end. A meal here guarantees to be as remarkable as the beautiful country that inspired it, and it’s a no-brainer for anyone interested in sampling the finest of Reykjavik’s culinary offerings.
A trip to Reykjavik is certainly worth seeing its abundant restaurant scene!
- Website: https://www.dillrestaurant.is/en/home/
- Call for opening hours: +354 552 1522
- Address: Laugavegur 59, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Where to stay in Reykjavik? Check out this link to find the best hotel deals!
Don’t know what to do in Reykjavik? Find awesome tours at affordable prices here!
Planning a trip to Iceland? Check out our other posts!
- Best time to visit Iceland
- Points of interest: Must-see museums in Reykjavik, Restaurants to check out, Cafes to take a break, Top attractions to visit, Places to visit, Top museums in Iceland
- Plan your visit: Day trips from Reykjavik, Beaches in Iceland, Top things to do, Things to know before your visit, Best hikes to do, National Parks
- Cultural insights: Facts about Iceland, Tipping in Iceland, Traditional Icelandic foods to try, Drinks in Iceland
- Useful insights: Supermarkets in Iceland, Camping sites
- Iceland by month: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Where to stay in Reykjavik
Tours to do in Reykjavik
Are you on Pinterest? Pin this for later!
