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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.
This spot has been spicing up Reykjavík since 1994 with rich, aromatic Indian cuisine in a cozy setting. Beloved for everything from its tandoori salmon to the pappadoms, it’s a timeless go-to when winter demands warmth, flavor, and fire. This is not only the best Indian restaurant in Reykjavík, it's one of the city's best restaurants period.
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.
Reykjavík’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, Dill offers a multicourse tasting menu that celebrates Icelandic ingredients through New Nordic cuisine. Chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason emphasizes sustainability, foraging, and preserving seasonal produce.
This spot brought Neapolitan-style pies to Iceland, winning over the masses with their slow-rising sourdough pies. Most of the menu stays relatively traditional when it comes to toppings, but the Pizza of the Week tends to be a bit more creative.
Located in a greenhouse within the Reykjavík Botanical Garden, Café Flóra, serves light bistro fare amid tropical plants and an idyllic pond. Much of what you'll find on the menu is grown in the gardens, and you can learn all about the sustainable practices of the kitchen.
A vibrant food hall in Reykjavík's Grandi district, Grandi Mathöll is housed in a converted fish warehouse. It features diverse street food stalls offering Icelandic, Korean, Italian, and other international cuisines, making it a great spot to go with a group---especially one that can't always agree on a single place to dine. It also has a communal seating area and waterfront views.
The "Grill Market" is known for its emphasis on Icelandic cuisine, featuring dishes like grilled beef, lamb, and seafood. The restaurant collaborates closely with local farmers to source fresh seasonal ingredients, ensuring high-quality meals. Its interior blends natural Icelandic elements such as basalt, wood, and moss, creating a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere that feels like a destination in and of itself.
Reykjavík's first food hall—the one that started an enduring craze—is still serving up a variety of cuisines from a sometimes rotating cast of vendors. With seven eateries in one location, everyone can get something they'd like to eat, while the long, communal tables keep things social.
Established in 1979 and owned-and-operated by the same family ever since, Hornið was the first Italian-style restaurant in Iceland. The welcoming spot in a sunny yellow building has maintained its charm over the years, serving pizzas fresh from the oven as well as pastas, soups, and meat and seafood dishes. The warm service is a bonus.
From traditional plokkfiskur (fish stew) 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.
Sipping on a refreshing 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
Nestled on the first floor of the art-centric Marshall House, La Primavera's impressive interiors give you a taste of what's to come on the upper floors. If you never thought you'd find Italian dishes in Iceland to rival those you'd find in Italy, think again.
This trendy—and tasty—eatery offers elevated fast food with a twist. Their menu features creative burgers, wings, and other crafty creations, made from locally sourced Icelandic ingredients while the in-house bakery, Deig, provides fresh bagels, donuts, and potato bread daily. Notably, Le Kock eschews the standard French fry in favor of a dish of Icelandic smælki, crispy fried new potatoes. You won't want a basic burger and fries ever again. In-house bar Tail serves up cocktails, craft beers, and natural wines, and features live jazz on Monday night.
This small neighborhood restaurant and bar turns out an impressive quantity and quality of small plates from its postage-stamp-size kitchen located smack-dab in the center of the dining room. The constant activity on display from the kitchen staff, bartenders, and attentive waiters only adds to the buzzing atmosphere of dining here. It helps that the food and drinks are all top-notch, too.
This small restaurant in the heart of the city is famous for its fish pans: the sizzling catch of the day accompanied by butter-fried potatoes and seasonal vegetables. It's a basic dish, but it is hearty and wholesome.
Hidden behind a graffiti-covered door on Laugavegur, ÓX is Reykjavík’s intimate Michelin-starred secret. With just 17 seats, this chef’s table delivers a dazzling tasting menu rooted in Icelandic ingredients, bold technique, and genuine hospitality. It’s theatrical, personal, and unforgettable—like being invited to a private culinary performance.
Every table at this bistro under the expansive glass dome of Perlan comes with a 360-degree view of Reykjavík. Perched atop the city's geothermal water distribution tanks on Öskjuhlíð Hill, the eatery's international menu emphasizes quick, fresh dishes like pizzas, fish-and-chips, pizza, and lamb soup.
According to urban legend, it’s tradition for Icelanders returning home from abroad to make their first stop at this beloved restaurant, and indulge in chef Úlfar’s legendary fish stew. Not just a favorite with the locals, Þrír Frakkar—a curious name that can be interpreted either as "the Three Overcoats" or "the Three Frenchies"—has a number of high-profile celebrity fans, including chef Jamie Oliver, who reportedly dined on guillemot during his visit. Other cultural delicacies include smoked puffin, salt cod, and peppered whale steak.
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 within the boutique Óðinsvé hotel, 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 while vintage Icelandic newspapers engage diners on the other.
This restaurant inside the Reykjavík 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.
From a classic Sjoppu burger to the BBQ-and-bacon burger, Yuzu infuses their creations with international flavors, from coriander to kimchi. Vegan options are available and the fries are delightfully crisp.
If you like burgers, you'll love this popular burger joint known for its juicy smashed patties and creative toppings. There's also a bar with a set of dartboards for some casual fun.
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.
If you want authentic Thai, check out Ban Thai. Here you'll find traditional Thai dishes—on a ridiculously long menu—with a lot more kick than you might find elsewhere in the city. They also have seafood and lamb dishes.
This Michelin-recommended seafood restaurant offers a seasonally inspired menu featuring dishes like marinated scallops, skate, and Icelandic whelks. The ambience is casual yet stylish, with stone floors, large bright windows, and the works of local artists on the walls. Brút is celebrated for its exceptional service, high-quality food, and award-winning wine list, making it a standout choice for dining in Reykjavík. Don't sleep on the weekend brunch, either—it's long been considered the best in Reykjavík, bringing the same level of quality to a buffet of assorted fresh salads and hot dishes.
This cozy, quirky café is known for its eclectic decor and friendly atmosphere. Offering a variety of hot beverages, light meals, and delicious cakes, it's a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.
