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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 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tucked into a cozy downtown cellar, Fish Company is a love letter to Icelandic ingredients with a globetrotting soul. Chef-driven and unafraid to experiment, expect dishes like Arctic char with unexpected international flair. The vibe is intimate, sleek, and a bit mysterious—ideal for date nights or marking a special occasion. It’s where Reykjavík fine dining meets delicious, creative storytelling. Their lunch menu sushi platters are a favorite, but you really can't go wrong with anything at this local institution.
Hressingarskálinn, more commonly known as Hressó, has been in operation since 1932. Though it has changed hands a few times in the past decades, it has been reinvented as a bistro with a talented culinary team serving home-cooked Icelandic foods with modern flair. If you're popping in between meals, be sure to order a slice of the cake of the day or a fresh kleina with your coffee.
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. Matarkjallarinn serves a more casual menu of burgers or a fish of the day at lunch before dimming the lights and letting the live pianist loose on the ivories to bring a touch of class to dinner, when a selection of steaks, seafood, and duck confit are on the menu. As the name suggests, the surroundings skew toward stone and offer the cozy kind of vibes only a cellar can provide.
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.
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.
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.
