216 Best Restaurants in Iceland

The plokkfiskur (fish stew) at this local favorite is the perfect thing to warm you up on a cold night. The restaurant also hosts a Champagne happy hour that includes a bottle of bubbly, licorice, and cantaloupe every day between 4 and 7 pm.

This Akureyri restaurant takes its name literally, with chefs who use their signature “magic pepper” rub and a variety of others to enliven fish, lamb, and beef dishes. There are excellent sushi options, too, and it's one of the few places in Iceland where you can sample real Icelandic wasabi (fresh wasabi is actually grown locally in Iceland). Book in advance for evening meals.

There’s a tempting selection of bread and pastries at Sesam, an artisanal bakery in the middle of town that also serves coffee and cake. Each weekday there’s a good-value lunch special that’s popular with locals (Friday is pizza day).

Reserve a table at this restaurant run by award-winning Moroccan chef Jaouad Hbib, who arrived at this remote northern town in 2016. The menu changes monthly, often highlighting local ingredients. For a taste of it all, order the three-course prix-fixe menu. Note: only dinner is served during the winter months. 

Built in 1915, this former general store is now a restaurant loved by locals and visitors alike. Go for Belgian waffles in the morning or afternoon, and visit again at night for the local catch of the day and lamb tagine.

Seashells, driftwood, and nautical knickknacks are cleverly incorporated in this well-designed space, where large windows overlook the bay. Here you can dine on some hearty seafood dishes while enjoying a spot of whale-watching: humpbacks and killer whales are often seen breaching in the bay.

A charming old bait shack has been turned into an ecologically certified restaurant, serving up contemporary Icelandic cuisine with delicious fish sourced directly from local fishermen. The limited seating and high popularity means you will need to reserve in advance to secure a spot at this local gem. There are few better places to enjoy a deeply savory wolffish or a gently poached halibut with a gorgeous view of Stykkishólmur harbor.

Having graduated from its humble beginnings in Hlemmur Mathöll food hall, Skál! is now a destination in its own right, anchoring the corner of Njálsgata and Klapparstígur. The kitchen continues to turn out delightfully modern, inventive, and—most importantly—delicious small plates. This is a dining experience you'll remember long after your vacation ends.

As with any restaurant in a coastal town—and Sker is located right on the sea—fish is the way to go here. But travelers keep coming back here for its broad menu, which ranges from seafood and pizza to vegan options for both lunch and dinner. The meals are filling, but may be a little heavy on the sauce for some. They are able to handle big groups with ease and seating sometimes carries over to their sister restaurant Reks (\"Sker\" backward), which also offers event catering services.

This eccentric café—located within an old converted U.S. school bus from the decommissioned Keflavik army base—is dripping with both character and caffeine. Grab a coffee, or, if you're adventurous, one of their custom blended tea infusions or mushroom lattes. They also have a great selection of bagels and sweet snacks. 

For those looking to try authentic Icelandic food, look no further than this beloved family-run eatery. Specializing in fresh fish, their ethos is all about sustainability and slow food. And clearly it's worked, as many Icelanders make the long trip to Vestmannaeyjar purely for a dinner here. So don't be surprised if even a quick lunch at Slippurinn ends up being the meal you rave about for months after.

Located within the boutique Óðinsvé hotel, this popular bistro bar is famous for its weekend brunch and attracts a lively group of locals whose musical inflections mingle nicely with the chatter of out-of-towners. Standouts on the French-inspired menu are many, but you can't go wrong with the fish of the day or the beef tenderloin. Tables are arranged around an elevated open kitchen and central bar. One side of the bistro features large windows with dangling vines while vintage Icelandic newspapers engage diners on the other. 

The views from this attractive fifth-floor restaurant are just as excellent as the food and service. The menu focuses on Icelandic ingredients but doesn’t mind borrowing from around the world. Lounge music blends with the enthusiastic chatter and laughter of locals and tourists, who come to sip house cocktails like the “Yfir Strikið” (Over the Line; made with rose gin and champagne).

If you want to do yourself a favor, grab an outdoor table at Stúkuhúsið (assuming the weather is cooperating), order dinner, take in the views, and finish up with a slice of rhubarb pie. The food here is fresh and delicious, the service is friendly, and the desserts are the perfect ending to your day.

There are only two options on the menu at Svarta Kaffið: a vegetarian soup and a meat soup. Known locally as the soup spot, this restaurant really has more of a café atmosphere, with a small list of beers and wine on tap, too. You can get your soup in a regular bowl or you can opt for the carb-heavy bread bowl, which is never a mistake.

The old fish barrels used as seating in this humble harborside institution are kept warm by an increasing number of tourists and the odd celebrity. The trademark lobster soup is just as good as its well-traveled reputation says it is, and the grilled seafood kebabs are delightful. Those wanting to test their mettle by trying a bite of fermented shark and a shot of black death can do so here. 

This restaurant inside the Reykjavík EDITION Hotel is a fantastic spot for a celebration dinner. There is a set menu available, but the friendly staff will also help you choose from the many à la carte seafood dishes, cocktails, and wines on offer.

You never know exactly what the menu will be at the family-owned Tjöruhúsið, and for good reason: it all depends on what the local fishermen catch. You have your pick of two dinner seatings, at 7 pm and 9 pm (so don't be late), and three menu options—soup only, fish only, or fish and soup.

Located in the oldest house in Selfoss, Tryggvaskáli takes you back a century to the sitting room of an upper-class family. Allow yourself to feel like the honorary guest at a dinner party; your hosts will offer excellent Icelandic and international farm-to-table dishes.

Those who appreciate dairy will love this place, which serves super-fresh whole milk and cream to go with your coffee and delicious (although ridiculously overpriced) home-baked cakes. The café has big windows with such satisfying views of the lush surroundings that you might be tempted to stay for the free refills (filter coffee only). There’s also a menu of farm–to–table dishes, a souvenir shop, and a viewing window into the cowshed.

This restaurant celebrates the history of Hafnarfjörður with old fishing gear strung between the tables and chandeliers made from old buoys. Dive into seasonally focused Icelandic dishes with a twist while watching the boats huddle together in the harbor.

From a classic Sjoppu burger to the BBQ-and-bacon burger, Yuzu infuses their creations with international flavors, from coriander to kimchi. Vegan options are available and the fries are delightfully crisp.

If you like burgers, you'll love this popular burger joint known for its juicy smashed patties and creative toppings. There's also a bar with a set of dartboards for some casual fun.

Whether you're catching a soccer game or grabbing a much-needed meal after climbing nearby Kirkjufell Mountain, this space delivers. The beer on tap is local, the meals are hearty, and the locals are friendly.

The restaurant of Hotel Aldan is a lively spot for dinner, especially during the summer. The menu features a fusion of Icelandic cuisine with a dash of continental influence and is big on fish fresh from the fjord.

Stop at this local bakery for a taste of Icelandic pastries—be sure to try ástarpungar (deep-fried sweet bread with raisins), snúður (Icelandic cinnamon buns), or kókoskúla (sweet bread mixed with cocoa). They also serve fresh sandwiches, salads, and soups with sourdough bread.

The menu at Apotek is much the same as those at other upscale spots in Reykjavík—tons of fish, some sort of take on a tasting menu of traditional dishes (often with whale and puffin), and a few turf additions here and there—but the care and attention to detail is obvious here. The desserts alone are worth a visit, and can be enjoyed in the front lounge area with a tea or coffee for those seeking an afternoon treat while watching the hustle and bustle of the city. It's a great splurge for those looking to get in one last memorable meal before heading home.