Best Restaurants in Reykjavík

Read on to discover a selection of the best restaurants in Reykjavík. Whether you want fine dining experiences, cheap eats, or a casual place after a day of exploring, you’ll find them here.

If locally caught fish is what you’re after, there’s no better place to try than Fiskfélagið. The highlights are the sushi platter and catch of the day. But you can also choose from langoustines, scallops, Arctic char, and some vegan options.

Just a stone’s throw from Reykjavík’s harbor, and sights including the Harpa Concert Hall and Reykjavík Art Museum, Fiskfélagið is conveniently located no matter where you’re staying. It’s the perfect place for a special meal after a day’s sightseeing.

Address: Vesturgata 2a, Grófartorg, 101 Reykjavík
Website: Fiskfélagið
Price: $$$$

One of Reykjavík's top fine dining restaurants, Grillmarkaðurinn focuses on quality grilled meat and fish. The menu also includes more unusual Icelandic options such as reindeer.

Overall, impeccably prepared food, stylish interiors, and the eight-course tasting menu make it one of Reykjavík’s best restaurants to splash out in.

Address: Lækjargata 2a, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Website: Grillmarkaðurinn
Price: $$$$

For something a little more casual, head to Sæta Svínið, meaning ‘Sweet Pig’. Set in a traditional Icelandic house close to Ingólfur Square, you’ll find a friendly gastropub offering curated, quality grub.

Rustic interiors and outdoor seating ensure this is a welcoming place to chill and savor good food at any time of day. While their pub staples such as burgers, ribs, and chicken wings are renowned, it’s the fresh fish and impressive selection of desserts that make it stand out.

Address: Hafnarstræti, 101 Reykjavík
Website: Sæta Svínið
Price: $$$

Styling itself as a ‘kitchen and bar’, Apótek is more than just a restaurant. You can enjoy brunch, afternoon tea, a classy evening meal, or sample something from the patisserie. Alternatively, just relax with a coffee, cocktail, or glass of wine in elegant surroundings.

The meal options are interesting and diverse, including a tasting menu of Nordic cuisine, seafood, and a refreshingly wide variety of vegetarian dishes. The restaurant is run by Argentinian chef Carlos Gimenez, so you can expect a South American grill too.

Address: Austurstræti 16, 101 Reykjavík
Website: Apótek
Price: $$$

Messinn is a small, cozy restaurant with a focus on local seafood. It’s best known for its fish pans, freshly cooked fish served in a hot pan alongside potatoes and vegetables. Try the wolffish, Arctic char, or plokkfiskur, a typical Icelandic fish stew made with potatoes.

It’s a down-to-earth place but that doesn’t mean it has sacrificed on quality. And as a sign of their popularity, you’ll find they’ve recently opened another restaurant in Selfoss. That said, if you’re not into seafood, Messinn probably won’t be the place for you.

Address: Lækjargata 6, 101 Reykjavík
Website: Messinn
Price: $$

Snaps is a slice of France in the heart of Reykjavík. You’ll find this bright and relaxed bistro just round the corner from Skólavörðustígur, downtown Reykjavík’s famous ‘Rainbow Street’.

The restaurant serves escargots, beef bourguignon, mussels, onion soup, and other French classics in the evening. Head there in the morning for brunch, or to grab a croque monsieur to go (a grilled cheese and ham sandwich).

Whatever you choose, expect generous portions and a relaxed atmosphere.

Address: Þórsgata 1, Þórsgata 1, 101 Reykjavík
Website: Snaps Bistro
Price: $$$

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur translates as ‘the best hotdogs in town’ – and that’s exactly what you’ll be getting. This historic hotdog stand has been serving up quick meals since 1937. It’s so popular with locals and visitors alike, they’ve expanded to offer 7 outlets across the city.

Their speciality is the lamb hotdog with fried onions and remoulade. Dig in on one of the nearby benches and soak up the easy-going atmosphere around the stand. It has been a fixture of Reykjavík street food culture since 1937.

Address: Tryggvagata 1, 101 Reykjavík (and other locations)
Website: Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
Price: $

Le KocK was inspired by the mission to raise the bar of fast food in Iceland. Visit this American-style diner near Reykjavík's harbour and you'll find one of the better burger options in the capital.

In fact, it’s now known as one of the best places for burgers in the capital. Choose your favorite toppings and swap out the standard beef for pork, or pick a vegan bean and mushroom patty instead. For something a bit different, try the chicken wings.

Yet that’s not all that Le KocK offers. Inside, you’ll find the Deig bakery, which specialises in bagels, pretzels, and donuts. And there’s a bar serving great cocktails too.

Address: Tryggvagata 14, 101 Reykjavík
Website: Le KocK
Price: $$

Next door to Le KocK is Ramen Momo, Iceland’s very first ramen restaurant. 

This is a small, relaxed joint where you can eat at the bar or overlooking the street. If there aren’t any seats available, enjoy your ramen to go instead.

Address: Tryggvagata 16, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Website: Ramen Momo
Price: $

Skál! is a mid-range restaurant on Njálsgata focusing on Icelandic ingredients, natural wines, and craft cocktails.

The menu changes regularly and leans toward sharing plates. It was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2019, which recognises good quality at a reasonable price, and remains one of the more distinctive options in its category in Reykjavík. Booking in advance is recommended.

Address: Njálsgata 1, 101 Reykjavík Website: Skál! Price: $$$

OTO takes its inspiration from Japanese and Italian cooking, combining the two in a way that makes it stand out from most options in the city.

The kitchen focuses on precision and seasonal produce. It opens from 17:30 Wednesday to Saturday and is closed Sunday to Tuesday, so it suits an evening later in a stay when you have had a chance to work through other options first.

Address: Hverfisgata 44, 101 Reykjavík Website: OTO Price: $$$

Restaurants aside, don’t miss Reykjavík’s hugely popular food halls. You’ll find these large indoor markets in renovated bus terminals or warehouses around the city.

They reflect how much Reykjavík's food culture has developed. You can find dishes from across the world alongside Icelandic producers and local restaurants with a second presence in the halls.

This isn’t fine dining though. The focus here is on street food, so expect pizza, tacos, sushi, and pretty much everything else you can imagine. Scroll down to learn about some of Reykjavík’s best food halls.

The city’s original food hall, Hlemmur opened its doors in 2017 on the site of Reykjavík’s old bus station. Since then, it has been serving food from around the world every day from 10am to 10pm.

Address: Laugavegur 107, 105 Reykjavík
Website: Hlemmur Mathöll

If you’re after a quick bite in the harbor area, Grandi is a great choice. Here you’re encouraged to try a few smaller plates from different stands. 

Address: Grandagarður 16 101, 101 Reykjavík
Website: Grandi Mathöll

Opening its door for the first time in December 2022, Pósthús is located inside an old post office in downtown Reykjavík. You’ll find pizza and tacos, alongside a wine bar and Scandinavian-Indian fusion restaurant, plus a lot more.

Address: Pósthússtræti 5 101, 101 Reykjavík
Website: Pósthús

Next to the shoreside walkway, Hafnartorg is one of Iceland’s biggest hubs for shopping and entertainment. Hafnartorg Gallery is the center’s food hall, where you can enjoy drinks, delicious street food, and gourmet offerings.

Address: Geirsgata 17, 101 Reykjavík
Website: Hafnartorg Gallery

Borg29 is located just a short distance from the city center, in Reykjavík’s political and financial district. If you’re visiting Höfði House, the historic building on the city’s waterfront, this food hall is the perfect place for a quick bite.

Address: Borgartún 29, 105 Reykjavík
Website: Borg29

Located in the Smáralind shopping centre in Kópavogur, just south of Reykjavík, Garðurinn is a plant-based restaurant and one of the few dedicated vegetarian and vegan dining options in the wider capital area. It serves soups, salads, and hot dishes made from seasonal vegetables, and has been a fixture of the Reykjavík food scene for over 20 years. A practical stop for plant-based travellers who want something beyond the token vegetarian option on a standard menu.

Address: Smáralind, Hagasmári 1, 201 Kópavogur Website: Garðurinn

An impressive food scene isn’t all that Reykjavík has to offer you. With Nordic architecture and a renowned musical culture, it’s definitely worth lingering in the city to soak it all in.

Being based in the capital doesn’t mean you have to miss out on Iceland’s natural wonders. Choose one of Iceland Tours’ multi-day packages from Reykjavík, and you’ll explore breathtaking scenery on guided tours by day, before spending your evenings in the city.

These day-tripper packages range from 2 to 5 nights, and let you discover the Land of Fire and Ice without having to unpack and repack your bag. For example, you could visit destinations including the Golden Circle, Vík fishing village, Katla volcano, and more, all while overnighting in the city.

Alternatively, time in Reykjavík before taking a group tour of Iceland. It’s a great way to discover the country with an expert guide and meet like-minded travelers.

Reykjavík makes a natural base for an Iceland trip. Multi-day packages from the capital include guided day trips to the Golden Circle, south coast, and other key routes, with evenings free to explore the city's restaurants and food scene. Browse Iceland multi-day tours from Reykjavík to find a package that suits your travel dates.  

No matter how you decide to travel, a local expert at Iceland Tours will organize your accommodation, activities, and transport within Iceland. And if there’s anything else you want to do, you can customize your tour to include it.

Ready for a taste of Iceland? Secure your booking today with just a 5% deposit.