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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.
A renowned Reykjavík restaurant, Matur og Drykkur is celebrated for its inventive takes on traditional Icelandic cuisine. Situated in a historic saltfish factory, it offers seasonal tasting menus crafted from locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant has garnered acclaim for its creative dishes and commitment to honoring Icelandic culinary heritage.
Nestled between the greenery of Öskjuhlíð and Reykjavík's geothermal beach, Nauthóll serves fresh fish, burgers, soups, salads, and a selection of small plates all creatively prepared using fresh ingredients. Meals feel elevated in Nauthóll's sparse gallery-like interiors, which put the sweeping views over Nauthólsvík front-and-center.
Reykjavík's cozy, all-vegan café is celebrated for its inventive plant-based dishes and warm ambience. It serves up a rotating menu of house-made pastries, hearty soups, and inventive sandwiches. Signature items include the vegan cheese and jalapeño roll and indulgent cakes. With reclaimed furniture, local art, and a zero-waste ethos, it's a favorite spot for a peaceful coffee break.
Once exclusively focused on Belgian-style fries, this cozy little eatery now serves up burgers and battered fish to enjoy on the side of those tasty strips of hand-cut potato. Good luck choosing from the lengthy list of flavored fry sauces (hint: they’re all delicious).
Head to Reykjavík Röst to enjoy a harborside coffee. If caffeine isn't your thing, opt for the well-loved hot chocolate or just grab a beer.
Reykjavík’s beloved family-run bakery, Sandholt has been delighting locals and visitors alike since 1920. Its marble counters showcase an array of freshly baked goods, including sourdough bread, pastries, cakes, and handmade chocolates. Renowned for its commitment to quality and tradition, Sandholt is a staple in the city's culinary scene.
At the artsy Solon, you can view some modern art, have a meal (try the fish of the day), and enjoy some people-watching through the large windows. You'll find local ingredients alongside Italian staples and fresher-than-fresh seafood dishes on the menu.
This is where Reykjavík meets Beirut, with North African spices colliding with Icelandic ingredients in the sultry, dimly lit space. Come for the grilled lamb, and stay for cocktails and the vibrant downtown energy. This place is always buzzing, and never boring.
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.
Iceland’s biggest coffee chain is run by the couple largely responsible for starting the modern Icelandic coffee revolution. Far from its humble beginnings in 1984, the company today boasts its own roastery and operates 12 shops. Six are in downtown Reykjavík—three inside Eymundsson bookstores, so you can enjoy a good book while sipping on a smooth, barista-brewed double latte or macchiato. They also sell great tea, as well as their own brand of light refreshments like cookies, cakes, and delicious frosted muffins. They simply don’t make enough of the citron muffin (everyone’s favorite) so get there early!
This beloved ice cream shop was among the first purveyors of heaping mounds of homemade frozen desserts. The colorful shop is known for its lively vibe and wide selection of flavors, ranging from classic fruit varieties to Turkish pepper or rye bread.
The chic restaurant's award-winning chef creates some unique international-theme 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 with special menus for high tea and weekend brunch.
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