Calling all foodies! Summer is here, and you know what that means. It’s time to travel, explore new countries, try new things, and most importantly, try new food. Iceland might be on your travel itinerary and you’re probably wondering what to eat while you’re there. Will they force you to eat local delicacy hákarl? We sure hope not! It’s fermented shark and has a reputation as the world’s worst food. To save you from this cruel fate, we’ve created a list of the best restaurants in Reykjavik. Bon appétit.
Mat Bar
Location: Hverfisgata 26, 101 Reykjavík
Cuisine: Nordic-Italian fusion
Highlight: Known for its tapas-style dishes, Mat Bar offers a produce-first approach with a menu that changes frequently. This intimate spot is perfect for sharing meals on a date or with family.
Tides Restaurant
Location: Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík at The EDITION Reykjavík hotel
Cuisine: Nordic
Highlight: Mastered by Iceland’s first Michelin-star chef, Gunnar Karl Gíslason, Tides Restaurant is the go-to for a unique dining experience where traditional Icelandic ingredients are transformed into exquisite dishes.
OTO
Location: Hverfisgata 4, 101 Reykjavík
Cuisine: Japanese-Italian fusion
Highlight: OTO’s innovative menu blends the flavors of Japanese and Italian cuisine, providing a unique gastronomic experience. Each dish is a visual and culinary delight, complemented by an impressive wine and cocktail selection.
Nebraska
Location: Barónsstígur 6, 101 Reykjavík
Cuisine: Eclectic
Highlight: A unique concept that combines a clothing shop with a restaurant. Nebraska offers a relaxed dining experience with a menu featuring natural wines and classic cocktails, highlighted by their osso buco.
Austur Indíafélagið (East India Company)
Location: Hverfisgata 56, 101 Reykjavík
Cuisine: Indian
Highlight: A staple in Reykjavik since 1994, Austur Indíafélagið is renowned for its authentic Tandoor dishes. This restaurant is a must-visit for anyone craving traditional Indian flavors in the heart of Iceland.
Ráðagerði Restaurant
Location: Ráðagerði 170, 170 Seltjarnarnes
Cuisine: Local Icelandic
Highlight: Situated by the charming Grótta Lighthouse, Ráðagerði offers a seasonal menu with options for brunch, lunch, or dinner. A perfect spot after a walk along the seaside.
Brút Restaurant
Location: Pósthússtræti 2, 101 Reykjavík
Cuisine: Seafood
Highlight: Located in one of Reykjavík’s oldest buildings, Brút focuses on seafood from the surrounding ocean, offering a menu that changes seasonally and an extensive wine list.
Hósíló Restaurant
Location: Hverfisgata 12, 101 Reykjavík
Cuisine: Modern European
Highlight: Opened during the pandemic, Hósíló has thrived with a menu that rotates weekly, focusing on high-quality ingredients for its small selection of appetizers, mains, and desserts.
La Primavera
Location: Marshall House, Grandi & Harpa Conference Hall
Cuisine: Italian
Highlight: La Primavera blends Italian culinary traditions with Icelandic ingredients. Known for its freshly made pasta, this restaurant offers a simplistic yet refined Italian dining experience.
ÓX Restaurant
Location: Laugavegur 28, 101 Reykjavík
Cuisine: Icelandic
Highlight: An intimate setting for only 17 guests, ÓX offers a memorable dining experience with fourteen bite-sized courses. This hidden gem provides an opportunity to explore Icelandic flavors in a unique and intimate setting.
Grillmarkaðurinn
Location: Lækjargata 2a, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Cuisine: Icelandic
Highlight: This fine dining establishment uses only the highest quality, local products in their dishes. Owners and head chefs Hrefna Rósa Sætran and Guðlaugur P. Frímannsson describe the restaurant’s fare as “traditional Icelandic food with a twist”. Head downstairs for a more intimate setting and great ambiance. They’ve got fantastic service, tasty cocktails and a delicious tasting menu that comes highly recommended. Be sure to reserve in advance to make sure you get a table at this sought-after spot.
Fiskmarkaðurinn
Location: Aðalstræti 12, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Cuisine: Icelandic
Highlight: This restaurant’s name means “fish market” in Icelandic, and that’s exactly what you’ll find here. Along with her team, head chef Hrefna Rósa Sætran has curated a tasting menu of fish dishes not to be missed. Starters and main courses include a mix of perennial favorites such as Fish Market lobster soup and pan-fried Atlantic catfish as well as more exotic fare like Robata grilled minke whale or smoked, grilled puffin breast with onions, mushrooms and blueberries. They also have an ample selection of sushi and sashimi.
Dill Restaurant
Location: Hverfisgata 12, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Cuisine: Nordic cuisine
Highlight: Reykjavik’s Dill Restaurant wears the badge of honor of being the first Icelandic restaurant bestowed with a Michelin star. The restaurant’s sommelier and head chef have worked together to create the ultimate in food and wine pairings to enhance your dining experience of what they call new Nordic cuisine. Be sure to bring a nice jacket as this is one of the nicer dining establishments in Reykjavik. We highly recommend making reservations at this restaurant as it is extremely popular and that does not seem to be changing anytime soon.
Kopar
Location: Geirsgata 3, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Cuisine: Icelandic
Highlight: For those looking to experience traditional Icelandic food while enjoying beautiful views of the water, Kopar restaurant is your destination of choice. Favorite dishes include the lobster and crab risotto, grilled and glazed Icelandic horse, and the Kopar Adventure. This tasting menu consists of 9 courses all lovingly hand selected by the chef to give you a sampling of the best of Iceland.
Kol Restaurant
Location: Skólavörðustígur 40, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Cuisine: Icelandic
Highlight: At Kol restaurant, you have one of two options: ordering a la carte or selecting from one of their three menu options. Should you decide to go with the tasting menu, you’ll always be surprised as it changes daily. You’ll enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients chosen by head chef Sævar Lárusson and his team. This establishment is another excellent option for those looking to try Icelandic cuisine. Top dishes include sauteed cod, langoustines and foie gras, seared tuna, and seafood bisque. You can make reservations on their website.
Fish Company
Location: Vesturgata 2a, Grófartorg, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Cuisine: Icelandic
Highlight: Don’t be fooled by the lack of originality in Fish Company’s name. As one of the best restaurants in Iceland, you can’t go wrong having a meal here. Owner and master chef Lárus Gunnar Jónasson says the food is “influenced by Nordic fusion, but grounded in solid Icelandic cuisine”. And it’s not just traces of Scandinavia that show up in his cooking. The menu also features items with roots in Fiji, Spain and Poland among others.
Does Iceland have any Michelin star restaurants?
Yes, Iceland is home to Michelin-starred restaurants, which are celebrated for their innovation and excellence in culinary arts. Tides Restaurant in Reykjavik, for instance, is run by Michelin-star chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason.
What time do people eat dinner in Reykjavik?
In Reykjavik, dinner is typically served from around 6 PM to 9:30 PM. However, dining times can extend later, especially during weekends and in the summer months when the days are longer.
Is it expensive to eat in Iceland?
Dining out in Iceland can be expensive due to the high cost of living and the importation of many foodstuffs. However, there are restaurants to suit various budgets, and local specialties like seafood can offer more reasonable prices.
What food is Iceland known for?
Iceland is renowned for its seafood, lamb, and dairy products. Traditional dishes include fermented shark, dried fish, and Icelandic Skyr, a high-protein yogurt-like dairy product.
So there you have it. You’re now ready to have a fantastic night out in Reykjavik starting a delicious dinner. Let us know your experiences in these restaurants and if you have any additional recommendations. We’re all ears.
