18 Best Restaurants in West Iceland and Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland

The menu may be small and handwritten, but dining here is an experience and stepping inside the family-run restaurant feels like walking into, well, a family home. The cuisine is contemporary Icelandic, with a French bistro twist; the primary emphasis is on seafood with a nose-to-tail philosophy, so expect to see dishes incorporating dulse and fish skin. Comfortable chairs dressed in luxurious fabrics flank the tables and the views are great no matter the season. The owner is usually there; be prepared to be engaged in a chat (bordering on a stand-up routine) about everything from small town gossip to food preferences. 

This exceptional restaurant that blends Icelandic ingredients and Japanese influence offers a menu that is truly one of the best in the country. If the innovative set menu feels intimidating, then there is plenty of familiar fare like hamburgers, soups, and tasty vegetarian options on the menu. This place truly has it all, making it both an easy stop for groups with varying dietary needs and a destination restaurant for the more culinary inclined. 

Take a break from your tour of the west coast for a slice of cake at this quaint coffee shop. They also have solid coffee and a great selection of baked goods—everything you need to keep you going while sightseeing.

Located inside the exhibition space of the National Park Center, Matarlist looks like a run-of-the-mill museum cafeteria, but it offers a pleasant departure from Iceland's usual roadside fare. Meals are nutritious and balanced, featuring freshly caught fish and a variety of other local ingredients mixed with Thai and Indian touches. Generous portions of lamb over puréed vegetables and hearty soups with red curry and coconut milk leave you with plenty of energy for glacial hikes and spelunking.

A charming old bait shack has been turned into an ecologically certified restaurant, serving up contemporary Icelandic cuisine with delicious fish sourced directly from local fishermen. The limited seating and high popularity means you will need to reserve in advance to secure a spot at this local gem. There are few better places to enjoy a deeply savory wolffish or a gently poached halibut with a gorgeous view of Stykkishólmur harbor.

As with any restaurant in a coastal town—and Sker is located right on the sea—fish is the way to go here. But travelers keep coming back here for its broad menu, which ranges from seafood and pizza to vegan options for both lunch and dinner. The meals are filling, but may be a little heavy on the sauce for some. They are able to handle big groups with ease and seating sometimes carries over to their sister restaurant Reks (\"Sker\" backward), which also offers event catering services.

Whether you're catching a soccer game or grabbing a much-needed meal after climbing nearby Kirkjufell Mountain, this space delivers. The beer on tap is local, the meals are hearty, and the locals are friendly.

From lamb shanks to spaghetti, you never quite know what's going to show up on the menu at Englendingavík. The historic building is surrounded by equally aged architecture; it's almost like stepping back in time—a much cozier time.

You'll get the best of land and sea at Galito, from burgers and cod to sushi and even pizza. There's something for everyone here, which is especially tempting in a region that isn't known for having a ton of restaurant options.

This humble, local bakery is known for their fantastic \"love balls,\" a local delicacy somewhat like a fried doughnut hole infused with cardamom. For a savory treat, you can try their homemade steamed rye bread, flapjacks with smoked salmon, or all-you-can-eat soup. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a quick and affordable meal on your way out of the city and take in the views through wraparound windows.

This spot is all about homemade cakes, fish soup, and small plates. While there may not be many options on the menu, it offers up snacks and meals for all appetites.

For a quick bite, settle into a pizza or panini at this waterside café. It's casual and quick, so don't expect a special presentation or intricate ingredients.

You'll find a little bit of everything at Hverinn, a campground, restaurant, and greenhouse. The restaurant offers simple fare, mostly made with locally sourced ingredients or vegetables grown in the on-site greenhouse. There's a farmers market corner in the summer if you want to try some of the local bounty right from the sources.

This quirky café claims the secret ingredient on the menu is \"love,\" and you might guess it after being greeted by a cornucopia of crystals and Icelandic tchotchkes. If you don't mind some dusty corners and are looking to center yourself with a quiche and a cup of tea, this is the place for you.

Wood-fired pizza is the main appeal here, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Don't sleep on the homemade garlic oil the restaurant offers on the side—it will take your pizza to a whole new level. Its location near a golf course makes it the perfect pre- or postround snack. 

The menu is always changing at this locally owned restaurant—you might find anything from Thai favorites to hearty burgers. It's a great place for the family, given the friendly atmosphere.

This hot dog food truck has an intriguing naming system when it comes to its menu: each item is named after a member of the Danish Royal Family. The Icelandic hot dogs here are tasty, affordable, and filling, and they often feature loaded submarine sandwiches on the menu as well. Make sure to try their deep-fried variation on the classic Icelandic dog.

This restaurant is located in the oldest section of Stykkishólmur inside a bright, airy building from the early 1900s. The crowd-pleasing menu features regional items like lamb shanks, scallops, and cod. It's a popular spot with the locals and its downstairs bar is a good choice for a late-night drink and to catch some classic 1970s pop ballads.