4 Best Restaurants in Akureyri, Iceland

Akureyri’s favorite bakery gets a lot of business from locals but still flies under the radar for many visitors. As at most Icelandic bakeries, the shelves are stacked with Danish pastries, freshly baked bread, sandwiches, and cakes—but the quality here puts them a cut above the rest. It’s by the Glerá River, about a 10-minute walk from the city center.

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.

In the Botanical Gardens, this café stands out with its bold design—a dramatic pitched roof and shimmering glass walls, pierced together like a mosaic. It's a scenic, affordable stop for both breakfast and lunch, as well as for some truly stellar coffee. Later in the day, return for a glass from their extensive natural wine list. 

Gunnar Karl Gíslason is somewhat of a rock star in the Icelandic culinary scene. After founding Dill—Iceland's first Michelin-starred restaurant—he opened North in his hometown of Akureyri, serving breakfast daily and dinner several nights a week. Focusing on using as many local ingredients as possible, the ever-changing prix-fixe menu offers a journey into the heart of Icelandic cuisine.