- Read More
101 Restaurant and Bar
The weekend scene at the 101 reflects the hotel’s stylish decor; dress to impress and be prepared to drop around $20 for a cocktail. The many cozy seating nooks and gas fireplace make this a romantic spot.
- Read More
3 Frakkar
This is the place to go for a truly traditional Icelandic meal. Since opening in 1989, this small, family-run restaurant has been popular with locals and tourists alike. The décor is a bit kitschy (mounted fish and game heads on...
- Read More
Apotek Kitchen & Bar
Set in the former apothecary from which it takes its name, this buzzy new restaurant right in the heart of Reykjavik pays homage to its history with a cocktail menu divided into categories: painkillers, stimulants, tranquilizers and placebos. The menu...
- Read More
B5
With its neon-lit bar and clusters of tables, B5 is a good place to start a night on the town. A DJ spins on the weekends, and the crowd is a mix of young professionals and affluent locals. B5 is...
- Read More
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (Hot Dog Stand)
This small stand on Reykjavík’s waterfront with the intimidating name—it simply means “best hot dogs in town”—is popular with both locals and visitors (Bill Clinton is one of its most famous customers). If you order “eina mid öllu,” you get...
- Read More
Brauð & Co.
Perfect for morning treats or afternoon snacks, Brauð & Co. is a must-try bakery for handmade pastries (don’t miss the cinnamon rolls), breads and soft pretzels. Guests can sample some of the delicious treats while watching the bakers in action.
- Read More
Dill
A purveyor of New Nordic cuisine (local, seasonal), Dill offers an elevated approach to traditional Icelandic fare. Dinner may be a seven-course affair with wine pairing, while the lunch menu could include a hearty fish stew or meatballs with a...
- Read More
Eldur & Is
At first glance, this family-run café may seem like a regular place to get gelato and crepes, but step inside to discover the quirks that make this a local gem. Meaning “fire and ice,” Eldur & Is is run by...
- Read More
Fish Company (Fiskfelagid)
Set in an historic building from 1884, the Fish Company is known for its charming atmosphere and seriously innovative food. The stone cellar dining room has a cozy feeling with whimsical modern touches like copper lanterns that resemble organ pipes...
- Read More
Fish Market
Opened in 2007, this restaurant housed in a historic building in the city center quickly established itself as one of the city’s premier addresses for seafood. Celebrated chef Hrefna Saetran is still overseeing the kitchen, which turns out regional Icelandic...
- Read More
Forréttabarinn
This large loft-like restaurant near Reykjavík’s port has a hip, industrial-chic vibe and is furnished with lightwood tables, white chairs, and colorful lamps. The menu features traditional local cuisine served in small, shareable portions—Icelandic tapas. The bar serves a good...
- Read More
Grill Markadurinn (Grill Market)
Smack dab in the middle of the city, Grill Market provides a swanky setting for a memorable night on the town. The restaurant, which is tucked away slightly off the main drag, has a bar on the lower level that...
- Read More
Hótel Smyrlabjörg
The Vatnajökull region, along Iceland’s southeastern shore, is known for its ice lagoon tours and puffin tours. Surprisingly, there are no fine dining options (or luxury accommodations) near this natural attractions. But if you have traveled this far east and...
- Read More
Islenski Barinn (Icelandic Bar)
A fun place for drinks and comfort food (burgers) where you can also sample unusual local delicacies like fermented shark. The latter is best washed down with a shot of brennivín—an Icelandic spirit that literally translates as “burning wine” and...
- Read More
Kaffivagninn
The oldest operating restaurant in Iceland, this historic establishment is situated right along Reykjavik's waterfront and originated as a watering hole for seamen and locals. Unlike the rest of Reykjavik, it is not hipster-cool but homey in its atmosphere and...
- Read More
Kopar
Facing out onto Reykjavík’s port, Kopar’s brasserie-style dining room serves up delicately prepared dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. The young chef/owner honed her skills at Reykjavík’s perennial favorite Fish Market before venturing out on her own. The menu at...
- Read More
Lamb Street Food
Head to Lamb for delicious Mediterranean-style pitas. The eatery offers an innovative take on Icelandic lamb dishes, featuring a Middle Eastern twist.
- Read More
Laundromat Café
This large and colorfully decorated restaurant features a diner-style menu (burgers, sandwiches, salads) and does a particularly nice breakfast/brunch that ranges from healthy (granola, yogurt, and fresh fruit) to indulgent (spiced sausages, bacon, scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, grilled tomato, and...
- Read More
Mokka Kaffi
Reykjavík’s oldest coffee shop, which opened in 1958, is located on a serene downtown side street and makes a wonderful pit stop to refuel over coffee and pastries. The leather booth seating attracts students and creative types who while away...
- Read More
Nostra
Located on Laugavegur, one of the most popular streets in Reykjavik, Nostra offers experiential dining at its finest. The tasting menus incorporate local, seasonal ingredients and feel innovative and artful, featuring unique dishes like seared cod with lobster sauce and...
- Read More
ÓX Restaurant
Helmed by chef Þráinn Freyr Vigfússon (of fellow Reykjavik restaurant Sumac), ÓX offers an intimate gastronomic experience in a traditional Icelandic kitchen that seats only 11 guests at a time. Diners pre-pay 210 euros per person for a truly memorable,...
- Read More
ROK Bar
A trendy cocktail bar and restaurant located right across the street from Hallgrimskirkja (iconic Lutheran church), ROK offers a relaxed scene, high quality food and drink and an industrial but cozy interior housed within a classically Icelandic grass-roofed structure.
- Read More
Saegreifinn (The Sea Baron Restaurant)
Located in the heart of Reykjavík’s old harbor this cozy fish shack owned an operated by a retired fisherman and coastguard chef served up some of the best lobster soup you will ever taste. The place is very casual (line...
- Read More
Sandholt
This historic bakery and café, helmed by a fourth generation of artisan bakers, serves what is arguably the city’s best cinnamon bun. Other temptations include beautifully boxed chocolates, tarts and cakes, salads and sourdough sandwiches and craft drinks. Opening daily...
- Courtesy SumacRead More
Sumac
Featuring seasonal Icelandic ingredients influenced by the flavors of Lebanon and Morocco, Sumac feels at once unique and quintessentially Icelandic. The muted colors of the Lebanese-inspired décor highlight the vibrant hues of flavorful dishes like beef cheek tagine and roasted...
- Read More
Valdís
This popular ice cream parlor serves a variety of classic and adventurous flavors. Don't miss the waffle cones.
Reykjavik

Fish Company
Even if otherworldly Reykjavík occasionally lets you forget that you’re on an island, the inflated restaurant prices, especially for wine and liquor, are a painful reminder that a lot is imported (entrées average $50 each). The good news is that the food is consistently excellent, especially the fresh seafood, organic produce and local lamb, so overall it’s worth the splurge.