Your Guide to the Best Restaurants in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the capital city of Iceland and, usually, the first stop for most visitors to the island once they’ve landed at Keflavik Airport. While this might just be the starting point to many people’s Iceland adventure, Reykjavik, with its architectural gems, incredible museums, and vibrant nightlife, has to be explored. One of the capital’s claims to fame is the incredible cuisine found here, and you’ll find some of the island’s best restaurants in Reykjavik.

So, if you consider yourself a foodie or just someone who can appreciate a good meal and a full belly, this article is for you. We’ve compiled an entire guide to some of the go-to local eateries in the city so you can get a taste of Iceland (literally) while exploring Reykjavik.

1. Fiskmarkadurinn (Fish Markt)

   
   

Address: Adalstræti 2, 101 Reykjavik

Price Range: 4 500 ISK (+/- $33/ to €31) to 10 000 ISK (+/- $72/€68)

Fiskmarkadurinn opened its doors in 2007 and, as the name suggests, is well-known for its seafood cuisine. It is an eclectic mix of Icelandic and Asian culinary styles and is becoming more and more popular among locals and visitors alike.

2. Matug og Drykkur

Address: Grandagardur 2, 101 Reykjavik

Price Range: 14 500 ISK (+/- $105/ to €98) to 18 900 ISK (+/- $136/ to €127)

Matur og Drykkur has taken traditional Icelandic dishes and given them a modern twist. There is no à la carte menu, just a 6-course set menu that changes every once in a while. But if you’re looking for the authentic tastes of Iceland, this is definitely the restaurant to go to.

3. Baejarins Beztu Pylsur

Address: Multiple locations throughout the city and the greater Reykjavik area, but you can start at the centrally located Tryggvagata 1, 101 Reykjavik or Laugavegur 116, 105 Reykjavik.

Price Range: 418 ISK (+/- $3/ to €2.80) to 1 391 ISK (+/- $10/ to €9.35)

Hot dogs are Iceland’s unofficial national food, and Baejarins Beztu Pylsur is considered the place to get some. Although a hot dog stand, it’s become even more of an institution in Reykjavik than some restaurants in official buildings. Remember to ask for “everything on it,” to get a real Icelandic hot dog.

4. Mama Reykjavik

Address: Bankastræti 2, 101 Reykjavik

Price Range: 1 000 ISK (+/- $7.20/ to €6.75) to 3 500 ISK (+/- $25.20/ to €23.50)

Mama Reykjavik brings the tastes of India, West Africa, and Jamaica to Iceland through its spices. This vegetarian restaurant can be found in the city center, and while it may use a lot of tastes from abroad, all its ingredients are local and fresh.

5. Mokka Kaffi

Address: Skolavördusig 3a, 101 Reykjavik

Price Range: 1 000 ISK (+/- $7.20/ to €6.75) to 2 000 ISK (+/- $14.40/ to €13.45)

This might not be your full-spectrum restaurant with a wide variety on its menu, but you can’t have a list of the best restaurants in Reykjavik and not include the place everyone considers a must-visit for Icelandic waffles. Mokka Kaffi is definitely another favorite among locals and visitors alike.

6. Matarkjallarinn (Food Cellar)

Address: Adalstræti 2, 101 Reykjavik

Price Range: 4 000 ISK (+/- $28.80/ to €26.85) to 10 000 ISK (+/- $14.40/ to €72.00)

Matarkjallarinn dishes up much more than just cuisine. This restaurant is situated in a 160-year-old building in the middle of Reykjavik, offering customers an elegant dining experience that often includes live music. Also, try ordering “the secret menu” and rev up your unique dining experience.

7. Kaffi Loki

Address: Lokastigur 28, 101 Reykjavik

Price Range: 2 000 ISK (+/- $14.40/ to €13.45) to 6 000 ISK (+/- $43.20/ to €40.30)

Kaffi Loki offers the ultimate authentic Icelandic dining experience. Whatever traditional dish you can think of, Café Loki has it. From Rye bread topped with trout or salmon and sheepshead jelly, you can enjoy plenty of delicious Icelandic dishes while taking in the view of our beautiful Hallgrimskirkja.

8. Noodle Station

Address: Laugavegur 103, 101 Reykjavik

Price Range: 1 500 ISK (+/- $10.80/ to €10.10) to 2 500 ISK (+/- $18.00/ to €16.80)

Once again, this might not be a restaurant in the traditional sense of the word, but the Noodle Station can be a lifesaver on cold days or when you’re in a hurry and still want something wholesome and nutritious. Although called the Noodle Station, it is predominantly known for its delicious soups.

9. Loving Hut

Address: Laugavegur 164, 105 Reykjavik

Price Range: 1 500 ISK (+/- $10.80/ to €10.10) to 2 500 ISK (+/- $18.00/ to €16.80)

The Loving Hut is another vegetarian option here in Iceland, with a dedicated Asian menu filled with all sorts of wok dishes, soups, and more. 

10. Apotek

Address: Austurstræti16, 101 Reykjavik

Price Range: 2 000 ISK (+/- $14.40/ to €13.45) to 10 000 ISK (+/- $14.40/ to €72.00)

Apotek in Reykjavik is definitely not what it sounds like. It got its name from being located in the oldest pharmacy on the island. This restaurant is famous for all sorts of delicious dishes. From its Icelandic specialties to tasty desserts and a few dangerously delicious cocktails.

11. Reykjavik Street Food

Address: Skolavordustig 8, 101 Reykjavik

Price Range: 2 300 ISK (+/- $16.55/ to €15.45) to 3 000 ISK (+/- $22.00/ to €20.15)

Once again, this is not the traditional sit-down restaurant experience, but Reykjavik Street Food is a must-visit fast-food restaurant that makes the most yummy Icelandic meals and noodle soups. 

12. Skal

Address: Laugavegur 107, 101 Reykjavik

Price Range: 2 000 ISK (+/- $14.40/ to €13.45) to 4 000 ISK (+/- $28.80/ to €26.85)

Skal is yet another dining experience that laughs in the face of traditional restaurant settings. This restaurant is in a food hall (famous for being the first one in Iceland, converted from an old bus station). This restaurant puts a high value on fresh ingredients and focuses on serving a variety of authentically Icelandic dishes, so you can expect a lot of tasty fish, potatoes, and lamb dishes. 

13. La Primavera

Address: Grandagardur 20, 101 Reykjavik

Price Range: 2 000 ISK (+/- $14.40/ to €13.45) to 8 000 ISK (+/- $57.55/ to €53.70)

If you’re craving Italian in Iceland, La Primavera is the place to go. Using fresh local ingredients, like cod eggs, La Primavera serves up Italian favorites with some local flavor (literally). La Primavera is also known for its big servings, so come hungry. 

14. Mat Bar

Address: Hverfisgata 26, 101 Reykjavik

Price Range: 2 000 ISK (+/- $14.40/ to €13.45) to 6 000 ISK (+/- $43.20/ to €40.30)

Mat Bar has definitely taken up an elite spot on the best restaurants in Reykjavik list. It may not have an extensive menu, but it focuses on comfort plates and dishes made from fresh and in-season local ingredients. 

15. Apero

Address: Laugavegur 20b, 101 Reykjavik

Price Range: 1 500 ISK (+/- $10.80/ to €10.10) to 4 000 ISK (+/- $28.80/ to €26.85)

If you’re looking for French cuisine with an Icelandic twist, Apero is the spot for you. This combo also guarantees that you’ll not only find the tastiest of snacks but also have some of the best wines to pair them with.

16. Chickpea

Address: Hallveigarstigur 1, 101 Reykjavik

Price Range: 2 000 ISK (+/- $14.40/ to €13.45) to 4 000 ISK (+/- $28.80/ to €26.85)

Chickpea is what happens when you take traditional fan-favorite falafels and give them 100 different twists. Here, you’ll find every falafel variation you can possibly imagine with every sauce and dip under the sun. The fact that this is a family-run business just makes the restaurant even more wholesome than its vegan status.

17. Dill

Address: Laugavegur 59, 101 Reykjavik

Price Range: 23 500 ISK (+/- $170.00/ to €158.00)

Dill serves up exquisite cuisine created by a chef all the way from the Big Apple (aka New York). The restaurant follows the ethos of letting nothing go to waste, and whether you’re looking for a juicy grill or a tasty dessert treat, Dill’s ever-changing set menu is guaranteed to deliver.  

18. Brut

Address: Posthusstræti 2, 101 Reykjavik

Price Range: 2 000 ISK (+/- $14.40/ to €13.45) to 7 000 ISK (+/- $50.35/ to €47.00)

Brut’s claim to fame is its incredible seafood dishes with award-winning wines. The fresh salads made from local ingredients are delicious add-ons. Brut is also known as a restaurant great for a quick lunch with friends as well as a more elegant dinner that makes for the ideal romantic date. Brut is ultimately the perfect all-around seafood dining experience. 

19. Austur Indiafelagid

Address: Hverfisgata 56, 101 Reykjavik

Price Range: 2 500 ISK (+/- $18.00/ to €16.80) to 8 000 ISK (+/- $57.55/ to €53.70)

Austur Indiafelagid is an eclectic mix of Indian and Icelandic cuisine. This is one of the Reykjavik restaurants that’s become an establishment (how could it not after being operational for more than 30 years) and is definitely a favorite to many. Even Harrison Ford has said that it’s one of his favorite joints! 

20. Nebraska

Address: Baronsstigur 6, 101 Reykjavik

Price Range: 974 ISK (+/- $7.00/ to €6.55) to 6 120 ISK (+/- $44.00/ to €41.10)

Nebraska is another restaurant that doesn’t take the traditional venue route. But maybe having comfort food inside a clothing store might not be that bad. Besides, you’ll need all the comfort you can get after you receive your first credit card bill after your shopping spree. But, all jokes aside, Nebraska has really been hailed as a must-go vegan spot, and you can wash your delicious food down with a glass of wine.

21. Deig

Address: Tryggvagata 14, 101 Reykjavik

Price Range: 1 000 ISK (+/- $7.20/ to €6.75) to 2 000 ISK (+/- $14.40/ to €13.45)

As a bakery, Deig is known for its delicious sweet treats. But you can get all sorts of interesting savory variations before indulging in the “desserts.” Deig is the spot if you’re craving things like doughnuts and bagels, so don’t miss out on satisfying your sweet (and savory!) tooth here. 

Time to Dine at the Best Restaurants in Reykjavik!

Now that you have your list of best restaurants in Reykjavik, it’s time to eat! Besides, if you plan on renting a campervan in Reykjavik to go road-tripping around the island, you’ll need your strength because there are plenty of interesting things to see and exciting things to do here on the island. Bon appetite! Or, as we say, gjördu svo vel!