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The dining scene in Reykjavík has diversified a great deal in the past few years: traditional Icelandic restaurants now face competition from restaurants serving Asian, Italian, Mexican, Indian, and vegetarian fare. A recent trend has seen the emergence of several upscale establishments emphasizing locally grown ingredients and new Nordic cuisine.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
From traditional fish pie and meat soup to a spectacular waffle fry, Íslenski Barinn covers a lot of ground on its menu, but the focus is local at this restaurant and bar. You'll also find only beers and spirits made in Iceland—so don't come here looking for imports.
By day, Kaffibrennslan is a cozy café, with a menu full of sandwich and soup options and every coffee drink you could imagine. At night, the scene changes and you're more likely to be taking a shot with the bartender than asking them which sandwich they prefer—no matter what, you're in for a great time. The second floor is an intimate loft area with window seating that overlooks the busy street below.
Two friends came together to open this café, which specializes in Italian coffee and baked goods. The interior is airy and lively, the perfect spot to plan your day of adventures.
Sipping on a refreshing "Donkey" cocktail will add a spicy warmth to your cheeks while you take in this friendly spot's sights, sounds, and aromas, which intensify as the evening progresses. Each dish is carefully paired with wine and delivered with a detailed narrative by well-informed staff. Send your senses into overdrive with dishes like fruits de mer, charred salmon, or an assemblage of popular desserts aptly titled "Simply the Best."
This Nordic-Italian restaurant does the classics very well, but the owner, Guðjón Hauksson, sought out an Italian cheese-maker for the mozzarella; it's best with pickled tomatoes and basil in MAT BAR's take on the traditional Caprese salad. There's an emphasis on seasonal produce, so there's a good chance the menu will be different every time you visit.
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.
If you’re serious about the quality of your cup of joe, then you should feel right at home at Reykjavík Roasters. Owned and operated by some of Iceland’s most esteemed, award-winning baristas, Reykjavík Roasters delivers incredibly consistent cups of coffee. Its dedicated patrons seem to occupy the shabby-chic seating all day long, occasionally getting up for a refill or to play the other side of a vintage vinyl. The staff at this respected establishment prepare every coffee variety perfectly, every time.
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.
Located in the Hlemmur Mathöll food hall, Skál! offers elegant Icelandic platings in a casual setting. The best part is that prices are much more reasonable than you'd see in most restaurants around the city, but you really aren't giving up any quality when it comes to the food.
Always bustling, 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, and vintage Icelandic newspapers engage diners on the other. Service is swift, informative, and delivered with a genuine smile. If you have room for dessert, the crème brûlée is pure velvety vanilla heaven.
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.
From the classic cornerstore Sjoppu burger to the BBQ and bacon burger, the menu is far from one-sided at this lunchtime favorite. Plus, there are plenty of vegan options. Don't forget to ask about the burger of the month.
If a smash burger is what you're after, head to this casual spot from Hjalti Vignisson and Robert Aron Magnússon. You'll also find a bar with a set of dart boards for some casual fun.
You'll have a tough time choosing your dinner line-up at this Indian restaurant. From the fan-favorite tandoori salmon to the pappadoms, the spices are bold and the flavors are unbeatable when it comes to Indian fare in the city.
When you find yourself tired of Icelandic dishes, check out Ban Thai. Here you'll find traditional Thai dishes with a bit more kick than you might find elsewhere in the city. They also have seafood and lamb dishes.
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