23 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.

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.

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.

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.

Way back before the Grandi area was cool, this value restaurant with exceptional harbor views served up good, old-fashioned, hearty Icelandic food for a league of local fishermen. Although it’s still mainly patronized by marine-industry natives, an increasing number of tourists now venture through its humble doors to enjoy the quality fish balls and other tasty dishes.

While enjoying the exhibitions at Skriðuklaustur, you might get distracted by the delightful aromas wafting from the inviting in-house restaurant. If you follow your nose, you'll discover a lovely farmhouse-style dining area serving a buffet of lamb stew, reindeer pie, quiche, and potato salad, all made from mostly local ingredients. There's also a tantalizing display of sweets at the afternoon cake buffet. The cook, Elísabet, has published a collection of her favorite recipes available to purchase at the reception in English and Icelandic.

Eating world-class food at a restaurant built into a lava cliff with views of the milky Blue Lagoon is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you will never forget. The set menu offers a gourmet meal for pescatarians, vegetarians, and carnivores at a reasonable price (by Icelandic standards).

Helmed by the former head chef at Reykjavík restaurant Dill, Nielsen is the first Icelandic eatery to be awarded a Michelin star. The chef does wondrous things with the fine produce, all grown, caught, farmed, and foraged in the restaurant’s radius. You might spot wild game, pickled rhubarb, local barley, and angelica alongside better-known favorites such as fresh fish and lamb. 

Be prepared to give up all control when you walk into the intimate space that is the 11-seat, Michelin-starred ÓX. The 12-course tasting menu is a surprise, but just give in to the experience and let the chefs introduce you to the freshest Icelandic ingredients you can experience.

Based in an old warehouse made of scrap wood, Pakkhús makes good use of the area's supply of fresh seafood, especially the langoustine, which they are primarily known for (often referred to as 'lobster' in Iceland). Their menu also features duck, lamb, and beef, with some tempting desserts too. The créme bruleé flavored with licorice presents a tasty (and very Icelandic) twist.

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.

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).

Led by Michelin-starred chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason, this cozy restaurant nestled inside the Reykjavik 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.

Located in the second oldest building in Hafnarfjörður and shaped like a Norwegian Stave church, you will travel in time and land in a dark, wooden scene filled with Viking-inspired art. Fjörukráin serves traditional Icelandic meals on Viking-style trays carried by waiters dressed in Viking clothes. They often have live music too, and if you're lucky singing Vikings will show up and join you. If you are sick of the Scandinavian chic that you will find in most restaurants in Iceland, Fjörukráin is the place for you. 

This spot is all about homemade cakes, fish soup, and small plates. While there may not be many options on the menu, it offers up snacks and meals for all appetites.

The menu is always changing at this locally owned restaurant—you might find anything from Thai favorites to hearty burgers. It's a great place for the family, given the friendly atmosphere.

The restaurant at the Highland Center Hrauneyjar caters to both hotel guests and visitors, offering home-cooked cuisine like leg of lamb and pan-fried salmon. An attached grill offers a variety of cheaper burgers and grilled sandwiches with later opening hours. The Highlands location has the benefit of zero light pollution, meaning guests can experience brighter displays of the northern lights while they dine. The restaurant is also one of the few places in the area where you can get a decent meal.

Located inside of Harpa Concert Hall, Hnoss is the newest endeavor from Fanney Dóra, the chef behind local favorite Skál! Naturally this is a great spot for a pre-show meal, but the focus on local ingredients and freshly caught seafood make it worth a trip to Harpa on its own.

With a name that means "copper" in Icelandic, Kopar is known for its harborside location and intriguing cocktail menu that brings locals and travelers alike to its bar and tables. Try the Stand by Me if you're looking for a delicious cocktail made with Iceland's favorite schnapps (Brennivin).

The large restaurant inside the Þórbergssetur museum and cultural center is often busy, as there are limited food options along this stretch of road in Iceland. Even with that pressure, the dishes are always tasty, with a special emphasis on lamb and arctic char raised on the local farm. It's an all-day affair too: you can stop by for a light meal, soup, or a waffle or a hearty, three-course evening meal.

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. 

The chic restaurant's award-winning chef creates some unique international-themed dishes, and its wine list is one of the city's most impressive. The main menu features items such as arctic char and lamb fillet, and weekend brunch, while less inventive, is generous—and understandably popular.