17 Best Restaurants in Reykjavík, Iceland

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 beautifully designed food hall may not be that big, housing just seven food stations, but it brings together some of the most exciting spots to eat in the city. Come here to check out Garlic, the Gastro Truck, Kore Grandi, Grandi's Pasta Shop, Annapurna Asian Spices, The Sheepfold, The Cold Store, and Fjárhúsið.

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.

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.

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.

This restaurant is clearly inspired by American cuisine, from chicken wings to burgers. The potato options are downright creative, especially the Greek potatoes with feta spread, ranch dressing, red grapes, peanuts, and spring onions.

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.

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.

The menu is simple at Café Babalú: choose between crepes, grilled cheese options, or a selection of soups. It's a fantastic spot for a quick lunch near Hallgrimskirkja.

Fire-baked sourdough pizzas are the thing to get at Hressó, where the atmosphere is casual and the toppings are truly local. If you've ever wanted to try a pizza with shrimp on top, this is the place to do it.

Although Jörgensen Kitchen & Bar has a similar menu to other eateries around the city (burgers, fish-and-chips, cod, catch of the day, etc), what's really intriguing about this restaurant is the private garden area. Dining in this dreamy oasis in the middle of the city's main shopping street is a real pleasure.

Reminiscent of an American-style diner, Laundromat Café makes two promises: a meal and a place to wash your clothes—and it delivers. The latter can be found in the basement, but you'll find no frills meals, lots of books, and neverending coffee refills in the restaurant. 

Burgers, fish soup, lobster, mussels, deep-fried Camembert, garlic bread—these are just some of the ample nourishment you can find here after a day of swimming at the nearby geothermal beach. This is a also great spot to take a break from walking Ægisíða and its water views.

Head to Reykjavík Röst to enjoy a harborside coffee. If caffeine isn't your thing, opt for the well-loved hot chocolate.

If your ideal dinner consists of eating on a patio with a good beer in hand, you won't be disappointed by this lively pub. You can even mingle with the locals for a rousing game of bingo on Sunday night. Keep an eye out for the burger of the month—they can get pretty inventive.