4 Best Restaurants in City Center West, Reykjavík

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.

The atmosphere is the real crowd-pleaser here—especially if you're looking for a romantic restaurant with low lighting for date night or a hip dinner with perfectly fine food. Matarkjallarinn serves a more casual menu of burgers or a fish of the day at lunch before dimming the lights and letting the live pianist loose on the ivories to bring a touch of class to dinner, when a selection of steaks, seafood, and duck confit are on the menu. As the name suggests, the surroundings skew toward stone and offer the cozy kind of vibes only a cellar can provide. 

If your ideal dinner consists of eating on a patio with a good beer in hand, you won't be disappointed by this lively gastropub. You can even mingle with the locals for a rousing game of bingo once a month. Be sure to greet the pig out front—she's usually dressed for the occasion.

This eatery blends Icelandic ingredients with Spanish flair in a cozy, dimly lit cellar. Think puffin with blueberry sauce, langoustines, or lamb—all washed down with a killer sangria. This is a great place to go with friends and share a selection of small plates or order a set menu for the table.