44 Best Restaurants in Reykjanes Peninsula and the South Coast (with the Golden Circle), Iceland

For over 20 years, Langbest has fed the citizens of Reykjanesbær to great acclaim. This is a must-stop for some of the region's best pizza, but they also serve hamburgers, steaks, and more.

This lively and elegant hotel bistro is perfect for a refreshing cocktail and a rich meal after a long day of endless lava fields and hot springs. On the weekends they serve brunch.

High-end food halls are a big trend in Iceland—and Mathöll Suðurlands is right up there with the best of them. Part of the Greenhouse hotel and shopping center, it offers a number of established and up-and-coming eateries. Don't miss the delectable kimchi-smothered chicken burgers at Yuzu or, for the vegans, the stellar mushroom open-faced sandwich from Hipstur. 

In an unassuming summer cottage at the town limits of Flúðir, you will find traditional Ethiopian specialties cooked and served by an Ethiopian-Icelandic couple. Eating spicy food with your hands surrounded by Ethiopian art is a real treat after a full day of sightseeing in the intense Icelandic terrain. Calling ahead is highly recommended. 

The people of Keflavík talk about Olsen Olsen like it's a family member—its legend precedes it. Grab a burger and a Coke and get a taste of what it was like when the U.S. Army introduced Icelanders to rock 'n' roll and fast food.

Eyrarbakki's only restaurant can be found in a stately red house facing the town church. Thankfully, it happens to serve one of the best lobster soups in the south of Iceland. Be sure to treat yourself to the aptly named chocolate lava cake. Opening hours change seasonally so be sure to check that's open before you head out. 

A kind Polish family runs this restaurant on the Golden Circle route. Don't let the humble exterior fool you: inside you will find some of Iceland's best pizzas and handmade chocolates.

Even if you're not hungry, a stop by Röstin Restaurant is worth it for the sea views alone. Located on the second floor of the Heritage and Maritime Museum of Garðskagi, the eatery offers classic Icelandic meals with a twist. During summer you can sit outside and enjoy the breeze, and if you're lucky, you just might spot some whales in the distance. 

This laid-back and charming restaurant at a campground near Geysir serves excellent pizzas and burgers. They also have a solid selection of beer and some particularly great lamb soup—together creating the perfect ending to a long day of sightseeing.

After a long day of exploring the south coast, a burger and beer from Vík's Smiðjan Brugghús is just what the doctor ordered. This brewery serves up its own luxurious craft beer brewed on the premises along with a selection of comfort food including wings, chicken and waffles, BBQ ribs, and, of course, loaded burgers.

A great option after a long day of traveling, this hotel restaurant offers an elegant but casual place to sit down and have a well-rounded Icelandic meal. They have an à la carte menu but also offer take-out box lunches for traveling guests.

In an old beautiful house overlooking the mountains, Suður-Vík offers a wide variety of dishes, ranging from wild game to curry bowls. In the basement they have a bar that stays open late.

Tucked away just beyond the famed Friðheimar café, this relaxed wine bar and bistro offers a more casual take on its sister restaurant's menu, including, yes, the famous Friðheimar tomato soup. It's the perfect place to sip a craft cocktail and snack on some local cheeses, all the while surrounded by lush vines and natural light.