87 Best Restaurants in Iceland

Glaumbær's cozy tea room is an unforgettable stop, particularly after a meander around the historical grounds. Either get their soup, cakes, and coffee buffet or just order something á la carte. Their traditional pancakes are particularly drool-worthy, as is the homemade rhubarb jam.

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. 

The fresh flavors of Icelandic seafood and lamb feature in several superb dishes served at Báran, a welcoming bar and restaurant where the prices are affordable and the quality is high. Its harborside location adds atmospheric charm to the welcoming candlelit interior, where old historical annals, some dating back to the 19th century, have been incorporated into the decor. Standouts on the menu include several tasty modern classics with pizza and pasta dishes, but the Báran burger, dubbed as the best in Iceland, is always a winning choice.

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. 

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.

Ágúst Einþórsson is the baker behind this local favorite, with its full displays full of simple yet perfect pastries and other baked goods. It's the kind of unflashy spot you stumble upon and can't get out of your head long after you return home.

In a parking lot facing the harbor, this tiny yet famous fast-food hut is known for serving the original Icelandic hot dog—and a single person serves about a thousand of them a day from the window. Ask for eina með öllu (pronounced "ayn-ah med utl-lou"), or "one with everything," which gets you mustard, tomato sauce, rémoulade (mayonnaise with finely chopped pickles), and chopped raw and fried onions.

This spot sources many of its ingredients from the surrounding fjord, offering an authentic taste of local life. This spot is often busy so call to book a table ahead of time.

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.

This restaurant is often packed with locals and travelers, which is a true testament to how great it is. Café Riis serves up a mean fish soup, as well as pizza that some have called the best in Iceland. Its cozy interior feels a lot like a family holiday cabin.

There's only one option at Dill: a tasting menu with a modern spin on traditional Icelandic dishes. In 2017, Dill was the first restaurant in Iceland to be awarded a Michelin star, with chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason at the helm. The spot is known around town for precision, and making a reservation here will win you brownie points with locals.

White tablecloths, vintage-style crockery, and antiques add to the neoclassic tone of Eldhúsið restaurant, where you can enjoy beautifully plated meals made from local ingredients. You can’t go wrong with the fish of the day, beef reared on the surrounding farm, or the homemade ice creams and sorbets. There's a vegan menu, too.

This spot serves up Neapolitan-style pies with slow-rising sourdough made on-site. Most of the menu stays relatively traditional when it comes to toppings, but the Pizza of the Week tends to be a bit more creative.

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.

The only mushroom farmers in Iceland invite you to feast on pâté, spreads, sauces, and ice cream—all made out of mushrooms. There's an emphasis on slow cooking, and their herbs, meat, and vegetables come from neighboring farms.

Located inside the Fosshotel Húsavík, this beautifully designed restaurant is a convenient place for guests to dine, although you don't need to be a guest to eat here. While their main menu offers traditional first rate Icelandic fare, they also have pizzas and great burgers. 

For a true chocolate high, visit Frida—aka the chocolate temptress of the north—who sells exceptional handmade chocolates in her delightful coffee shop. The decor is stylish, from the cartoon-covered walls of the bathroom to all the featured works of art, but the chocolates are the star attractions here, with some surprising flavors like blue cheese and beer.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

This beautifully designed food hall may not be that big, housing just seven food stations, but it brings together some of the most exciting spots to eat in the city. Come here to check out Garlic, the Gastro Truck, Kore Grandi, Grandi's Pasta Shop, Annapurna Asian Spices, The Sheepfold, The Cold Store, and Fjárhúsið.

A collaborative project by well-known culinary innovators Hrefna Rós Sætran (founder and owner of the Fish Market) and Guðlaugur P. Frímannsson, Grillmarkaðurinn serves seasonal, organic, and locally grown ingredients in a beautifully designed interior that's heavy on natural materials such as wood and stone. The menu is equally "earthy," featuring lots of smoked, grilled, and barbecued meat dishes. For something classic, try the grilled chicken wings or grilled pork ribs; for something more unique, order the minke whale steak.

This food hall features eight vendors loved by locals: Brauð & Co., Fuego, SKÁL!, Micro Roast Te & Kaffi, Flatey Pizza, Kröst, Fjárhúsið, and Báhn Mí. It's a great place for groups and kids.

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.

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.

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).