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An attention-attracting Viking ship decked out with colorful shields acts like a visual ringmaster for this fabulous Hauganes restaurant, drumming up business for their fishy fare. Tasty seafood dishes and baccalá (salted codfish)–themed meals star on the menu alongside the seaside views. If you're lucky, you might just see a whale in the distance.
Hafnargata 6, Northeast, 621, Iceland
Known For
- Outrageously good fish and chips
- Amazing views out to the ocean
- Baccalá pizza
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Hungry locals and visitors all come to Berlin (no relation to the city or German food) for the eggs, bacon, and baked tomatoes served on thick crusty bread with a side of juicy fruits. For those with a sweet tooth, the Belgian waffles will no doubt hit the spot.
Skipagata 4, Akureyri, Northeast, 600, Iceland
Known For
- All-day breakfast
- Hearty portions
- Waffles with whipped cream and caramel sauce
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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Pretty enough to be featured on picture postcards of Akureyri's town center, this beautiful blue building with red turrets is the perfect spot in any season to grab a coffee and watch the world go by. The interior, with weathered wooden beams and chandeliers, gives off a supercozy vibe—the perfect setting for a simple savory brunch plate, a soup, or a nice sweet treat.
Hafnarstræti 96, Akureyri, Northeast, 600, Iceland
Known For
- Happy marriage cake (a traditional dessert in Iceland made with rhubarb)
- The best coffee in Akureyri
- Brunch plate
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$$ | Miðbær |
This Icelandic food haven is a must-stop for many people around the world—just take a look at their guest book. Do yourself a favor and visit after taking in the views from the iconic Hallgrímskirkja; you'll feel like you're in the center of a Nordic movie set.
Lokastígur 28, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 101, Iceland
Known For
- Location across from Hallgrímskirkja
- Delicious homemade dishes
- Friendly service
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$$ | Laugardalur |
This bistro has a truly unique location inside the botanic gardens of Reykjavík. Of course, much of what you'll find on the menu is grown in the gardens, and you can learn all about the sustainable practices of the kitchen.
Grasagarðinum Laugarda, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 104, Iceland
Known For
- Organic ingredients
- Truly unique atmosphere
- Beautiful dish presentation
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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When you eat at Friðheimar, you're in for an experience. The restaurant is located in a tomato greenhouse and every single thing on the menu uses tomatoes in some shape or form. And boy does the chef get creative—from the green-tomato-and-apple pie to the tomato beer, you're going to find something new at this spot.
Bláskógabyggð, West, Iceland
Known For
- Perfect tomato soup
- Fun atmosphere
- Unique green-tomato-and-apple pie
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There is a glorious jumble of vintage ski wear, old leather saddles, and other knickknacks to engage your curiosity in this small-town café, which is just as charming as the children’s story it’s named after: The Brothers From Bakki. The famous local storybook (about three brothers who build a house with no windows and tried to carry sunshine into the house using their hats) makes for a great read while you wait for your order. Look out for the marvelous wooden sculpture of former President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson by local artist Dagur Óskarsson.
Grundargata 1, Dalvik, Northeast, 620, Iceland
Known For
- Exellent fish soup
- Cakes that look almost too good to eat
- Homey interior filled with antiques
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$$ | Miðbær |
This plain and simple breakfast spot has won the hearts of many politicians who work nearby—as well as Björk—and it tends to get quite busy. If you feel like taking on a huge meal, give "the Truck" (pancakes, eggs, bacon, fried potatoes, tomatoes, and toast) a go. All of the books on the shelves surrounding the tables are free for perusal while you wait for your food.
Hverfisgata 16a, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 101, Iceland
Known For
- Signature "the Truck" breakfast
- Frequented by local celebrities
- Lots of books to read while you wait
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends. No dinner
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Located within the 1238 Battle of Iceland museum, this restaurant not only serves some delightful fare but also acts as Skagafjörður's premier concert venue, bringing both famous and small-time artists to play in the remote countryside. They also have a small store with gifts and souvenirs.
Aðalgata 21, Northwest, 550, Iceland
Known For
- Only concert venue in the surrounding area
- Simple salads, soups, and sandwiches
- Lots and lots of cakes
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$$ | Miðbær |
Icelandic art covers the walls of this restaurant in the Hótel Holt, within walking distance of downtown; the cocktail lounge and bar showcase drawings by Jóhannes Kjarval. It has long been at the forefront of Icelandic dining, with impeccable service and mouthwatering wild-game and seafood dishes—favorites include gravlax and reindeer. The bar's whiskey selection is as diverse as any in Europe.
Bergstaðastræti 37, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 101, Iceland
Known For
- Impressive reserve wine list
- Welcoming vibe
- Diverse whiskey selection
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$$ | Miðbær |
This welcoming bistro is light and airy, with lots of natural wood, potted plants, and cast-iron bistro tables. The emphasis is on pizza and pasta, but there's also a selection of meat and fish dishes. Try the seafood soup, a favorite for lunch. Their delicious cakes can be enjoyed with the obligatory espresso at any time of day.
Hafnarstræti 15, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 101, Iceland
Known For
- Large pizza menu
- Cozy interior
- Excellent seafood soup
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In addition to superb coffee and homemade pastries, this excellent vintage hospital–themed café offers a dose of 1940s-style respite—as well as a hint of theater—in a lovely, detailed setting in the countryside. Run by actress Maria Pálsdóttir, the café doubles as an exhibition center dedicated to patients of “the Great White Plague” (tuberculosis).
Eyjafjarðarsveit, Akureyri, Northeast, 601, Iceland
Known For
- Icelandic marriage cake
- Themed decor
- Delicious chocolate cake
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekdays Sept.–May.
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$$ | Miðbær |
From traditional fish pie and meat soup to a spectacular waffle fry, Íslenski Barinn covers a lot of ground on its menu, but the focus is local at this restaurant and bar. You'll also find only beers and spirits made in Iceland—so don't come here looking for imports.
Ingólfsstræti 1a, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 101, Iceland
Known For
- Delicious fish pie
- Hyperlocal beer and spirit options
- Perfect place to mix with the locals
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Glorious in its haphazardness, this welcoming café is also a bar and gallery exhibiting and selling various paintings, handicrafts, knitwear, and a selection of homemade jams and preserves. It’s a happy blend of old, upcycled, and new, featuring lots of driftwood and an entire wall dedicated to a quirky collection of teapots, pans, and kitchenware.
Aðalbraut 24, Northeast, 675, Iceland
Known For
- Great souvenirs
- Quality hamburgers
- Delightful homemade cakes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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$$ | Miðbær |
This Nordic-Italian restaurant does the classics very well, but the owner, Guðjón Hauksson, sought out an Italian cheese-maker for the mozzarella; it's best with pickled tomatoes and basil in MAT BAR's take on the traditional Caprese salad. There's an emphasis on seasonal produce, so there's a good chance the menu will be different every time you visit.
Hverfisgata 26, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 101, Iceland
Known For
- Next-level mozzarella
- Great cocktail menu
- Food that's meant to be shared
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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$$ | Miðbær |
This small restaurant in the heart of the city is famous for its fish pans: the sizzling catch of the day accompanied by butter-fried potatoes and seasonal vegetables. It's a basic dish, but it really can't be beaten.
Lækjargata 6, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 101, Iceland
Known For
- Iconic fish pans
- Generous portions
- Sharable dishes
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$$ | Vesturbær |
This bright and sophisticated eatery caters to guests and locals alike. Owned by the Farmers Association of Iceland, the restaurant works with local fishermen and farmers to bring the freshest ingredients to the table.
Hagatorg, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 107, Iceland
Known For
- Unforgettable Farmers Trip tasting menu
- Impeccable service
- Central location close to the university
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Tucked away in this small town is a local brewery that uses geothermal energy to make quirky and tasty beers and eclectic and delicious wood-fired pizzas. The selection of draft beers changes depending on what concoction these master brewers made that week, but expect to find very creative ingredients—many of which are local.
Breiðumörk 2, Hveragerði, South, 810, Iceland
Known For
- The Ölverk beer flight
- Pretzel with beer cheese dip
- Lots of unique pizza toppings (if you're adventurous, try the one with bananas)
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Tucked away in the sleepy fishing town of Hafnarfjörður, Pallett looks at times like an ad from a 1970s issue of Vogue with its jungle of houseplants, a rotary telephone at the counter, and cassette player blaring in the background. But this is more than just a hipster hangout: the food is hearty, wholesome, and inherently British (think freshly baked scones with homemade jam) and the coffee is made from award-winning beans. Pálmar Þór, co-owner and resident coffee guru, is a twice-national barista champion and makes a first-class Irish coffee that'll leave you feeling so serene, you might just want to stay in the 1970s a little longer.
Strandgata 75, Hafnarfjörður, Capital Region, IS-220, Iceland
Known For
- Heaven for coffee nerds
- Part of the slow living movement
- Only place in Iceland that does mince pies
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$$ | Miðbær |
This rotating restaurant, atop Reykjavík's geothermal water distribution tanks on Öskjuhlíð Hill, has spectacular panoramic views (one revolution takes about two hours). The international menu emphasizes quick, fresh dishes like salted cod, fish and chips, pizza, and lamb soup.
Varmahlíð 1, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 101, Iceland
Known For
- Incredible 360-degree views of the city
- Unique revolving format
- Varied menu
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