29 Best Restaurants in Reykjavík, Iceland

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Having graduated from its humble beginnings in Hlemmur Mathöll food hall, Skál! is now a destination in its own right, anchoring the corner of Njálsgata and Klapparstígur. The kitchen continues to turn out delightfully modern, inventive, and—most importantly—delicious small plates. This is a dining experience you'll remember long after your vacation ends.

The old fish barrels used as seating in this humble harborside institution are kept warm by an increasing number of tourists and the odd celebrity. The trademark lobster soup is just as good as its well-traveled reputation says it is, and the grilled seafood kebabs are delightful. Those wanting to test their mettle by trying a bite of fermented shark and a shot of black death can do so here. 

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.

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 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.

This little fish-and-chips shop along Grandi's main drag began as a beloved food truck in the harbor. With the excellent quality of fresh Icelandic fish, battered, fried, and served alongside mushy peas and chips, this street food option has become very popular with locals, who still get a kick out of the knowledge that Iceland won "the cod war."

A popular burger joint serving up smash-style patties with a range of toppings, Hagavagninn is conveniently located next to Vesturbæjarlaug so you can fill your belly after swimming laps (or just lazing about in the hot pot)—and you won't be the only one seeking post-pool sustenance. The vegan burgers are just as good as the meat options.

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.

Though attached to a guesthouse, Kaffi Lækur is wildly popular with locals, who flock to the cozy, family-friendly café and restaurant for its fresh, farm-to-table menu. Don't miss the daily happy hour from 4 to 7 pm and 10 to 11 pm.

This is a popular spot for dining and people-watching. The menu is broad, covers all main meals with basic dishes, and there are daily specials.

If the cool essence of the Vesturbær neighborhood had to be summed up in two words, they'd be: Kaffi Vest. This charming neighborhood café and restaurant serves small meals, snacks, killer coffee, and refreshing beers and wines from morning to night.

This restaurant blends traditional Icelandic cuisine with contemporary flair, with a stunning view over the harbor. The menu features locally sourced ingredients, including rock crab, Icelandic lamb, and a fresh catch of the day, all served in a cozy, maritime-inspired setting. There's also a curated selection of craft cocktails, whiskeys, and cognacs.

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 hearty breakfasts, weekend brunches, and a selection of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and snacks in the main-level eatery.

If you're short on time and you need a snack—or some quick fuel for your next museum visit—Mandi has you covered. The Middle-Eastern dishes span kebab and hummus to shawarma and falafel, but there are a few outliers as well, like burgers and fries.

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.

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.