25 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 bistro has a truly unique location inside the botanic gardens of Reykjavík. Of course, 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.

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.

Icelandic art covers the walls of this restaurant in the Hótel Holt, within walking distance of downtown; the cocktail lounge and bar showcase drawings by Jóhannes Kjarval. It has long been at the forefront of Icelandic dining, with impeccable service and mouthwatering wild-game and seafood dishes—favorites include gravlax and reindeer. The bar's whiskey selection is as diverse as any in Europe.

This welcoming bistro is light and airy, with lots of natural wood, potted plants, and cast-iron bistro tables. The emphasis is on pizza and pasta, but there's also a selection of meat and fish dishes. Try the seafood soup, a favorite for lunch. Their delicious cakes can be enjoyed with the obligatory espresso at any time of day.

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.

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.

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 really can't be beaten.

This rotating restaurant, atop Reykjavík's geothermal water distribution tanks on Öskjuhlíð Hill, has spectacular panoramic views (one revolution takes about two hours). The international menu emphasizes quick, fresh dishes like salted cod, fish and chips, pizza, and lamb soup.

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.

The old fish barrels used as seating in this humble harborside fishing shack 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. Thankfully, a section at the back can now accommodate the influx of wayfarers, some of whom dine on the shamelessly advertised "Moby Dick on a Stick" minke whale kebab.

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.

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.

Located by the harbor, Forettabarinn serves up dishes from around the world along with local beers from the breweries that dot Iceland's coast. The small plates make it a great place to start the night, but the set menus also offer welcoming options for a full meal. The flavors bounce around the globe, from beef carpaccio and a Cajun-style burger to Caprese salads and pumpkin soup.

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.

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.

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. 

The atmosphere is the real crowd-pleaser here—especially if you're looking for a romantic restaurant with low lighting for date night or a hip dinner with perfectly fine food. As the name suggests, the surroundings skew toward stone and offer the cozy kind of vibes only a cellar can provide.

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

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 strew. 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.

At the artsy Solon Bistro & Bar 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.

Shared plates are the way to go at Sumac, where you're bound to make a few new friends given the lively environment. The menu is set up for tasting a lot of different dishes—perfect when you're with a crew or not quite sure what you're craving.

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.