Iceland is very proud of its fresh fish and lamb, but there is also a growing local culinary trend focusing on seasonal organic products. Many tourists are amazed by the variety of restaurants in Reykjavik. You can take a gastronomic tour around the world without leaving the city center, where you will be served Japanese sushi, Spanish tapas, as well as Indian, French, Mexican, Italian, Thai and American dishes, but in this article we will tell you about the best and most interesting restaurants where you can taste traditional Icelandic dishes.
Iceland has some amazing restaurants, and foodies will definitely find something to pamper themselves while exploring this beautiful country. Whether you stop in Iceland's beautiful cities or in the charming city of Reykjavik and take day trips to Iceland's best national parks, there is always great food here. The same goes for those heading to Iceland's famous Blue Lagoon or traveling in search of the most beautiful stops along Iceland's ring road, there are plenty of well-established places to stop for lunch and dinner. Here are ten Icelandic restaurants that are a must-try, from Reykjavik to Husavik and beyond.
The best restaurants and cafes in Iceland:
- The best restaurants and cafes in Iceland:
- 101 Reykjavík Streetfood
- Café Loki
- Islenski Barinn
- Svarta Kaffið
- Strikið
- Kol Restaurant
- Seabaron
- The Laundromat Cafe
- Gamli Baukar
- Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
- Grillmarkadurinn
- Fjörukráin
- Forrettabarinn
101 Reykjavík Streetfood
101 Reykjavik Streetfood is the perfect place to taste traditional Icelandic dishes inexpensively. This is a great place to try the traditional Icelandic lamb meat soup. Then, as a main course, try the stewed fish (Plockfiskur), which is one of the national dishes of Iceland.
Address: Skólavörðustígur 8, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
https://goo.gl/maps/ywrtn3msDNJQbVdf7
Café Loki
This charming Icelandic cafe is just a 2-minute walk from the famous Hallgrimskirkja landmark, making it a great place to have a coffee and a snack before or after visiting the cathedral. Cafe Loki is a relaxed place with a wonderful view and a variety of menu options. Their "Icelandic Plate" menu is ideal for sharing a meal with a couple and trying traditional Icelandic dishes in small portions. Among other things, the Loki cafe serves rotten shark, although it is listed on the menu as fermented shark.
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Address: Lokastígur 28, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
https://goo.gl/maps/mEZNh7c9Z3WHiCrcA
Islenski Barinn
Islenska Barin is just a short walk from the Icelandic Phallological Museum. This is a classic Icelandic restaurant serving authentic local cuisine, including a wide selection of meat dishes unique to the region. The menu features whales, reindeer, sharks and more.
Address: Ingólfsstræti 1a 101, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
https://goo.gl/maps/e2kxRnyYaSnM6gnm7
Svarta Kaffið
Svarta Kaffið is ideal for budget travelers who still want to have a hearty meal during their stay in Reykjavik. This restaurant primarily specializes in making soups, it serves savory soups in an edible bread bowl. They also have a great selection of local beers, which go well with soups after a day of walking around the city.
Address: Laugavegur 54, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
https://goo.gl/maps/tyHXuEj4cgJQpLYX9
Strikið
Strikið is a casual dining establishment in the northern Icelandic town of Akureyri. Travelers traveling along the ring road may want to have a delicious snack here in the middle of the trip, and they will enjoy the cocktails, the terrace, the scenic views and the variety of dishes available here.
Address: Skipagata 14, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
https://goo.gl/maps/JDDx9Qkyphtkp4dQ6
Kol Restaurant
Located just a few minutes' walk from Hallgrimskirkja, Kol Restaurant offers fine dining in the heart of Reykjavik. The restaurant is elegant and the dishes on the menu may be expensive, but the quality of traditional Icelandic dishes is worth it. They also boast an extensive weekend brunch menu.
The spacious establishment occupies two floors and has an open kitchen and a comfortable dining area with leather sofas and warm lighting. It is complemented by furniture designed by the British design firm Tom Dixon, and works of art by the Icelandic artist María Inga Brynjarsdóttir. Chefs Einar Hjaltason and Kari Porsteinsson have more than 20 years of experience working in the best restaurants in Reykjavik.
Address: Skólavörðustígur 40, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
https://goo.gl/maps/nhYPDDMqTEbsUz147
Seabaron
Sea Baron or Sægreifinn is a seafood restaurant in Reykjavik with a warm and homely atmosphere, where you can go during a walk and taste delicious dishes made from the freshest ingredients of excellent quality. It belongs to a retired Icelandic fisherman. It's not even a restaurant, but rather a small tavern right in the port. Inconspicuous from the outside and very cozy inside.
It offers guests a simple but delicious menu in which everything is prepared from seafood with a variety of side dishes. The famous lobster soup and fried fish on a spear are the specialties of the Sea Baron, which everyone should try. Trout, salmon, shrimp, cod, scallops and more are also cooked here (8 different types of fish that come fresh daily)
Customers choose fish at the counter, and it is grilled right on the spot. Grilled potatoes and grilled vegetables are also served here.
Address: Geirsgata 4a, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
https://goo.gl/maps/7To4i9ZvW2xf2WrT9
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The Laundromat Cafe
Laundromat Cafe is ideal for tourists who need to wash their clothes during their stay in Reykjavik. It is located in the city center, not far from the Icelandic Phallological Museum. The cafe opened in Iceland in 2011 (it was originally founded in Copenhagen in 2004) and was based on the premise that travelers can eat while waiting for the laundry to finish. Detergent and tokens (1 token for washing and 1 for drying) can be purchased at the bar. The token costs ~ $9 (1299 CZK). There is also a book bar and plenty of dining tables.
Address: Austurstræti 9, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
https://goo.gl/maps/bWKzyDtjK4neTmyv8
Gamli Baukar
Travelers who find themselves in the small Icelandic town of Husavik should visit Gamli Baukur. The menu is varied and dishes are prepared using local products. There is also a wide selection of beers and wines to choose from, which can be enjoyed while admiring the scenic views.
Address: Hafnarstétt 9, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
https://goo.gl/maps/DBWEMZyGMSkMDwcS7
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
There is no better place in Reykjavik to try the famous Icelandic hot dogs than at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (which means “the best hot dog in the city” in English). These hot dogs are cooked on the basis of mutton, and also contain pork and beef. Available toppings include sweet mustard, ketchup, crispy onions and raw onions. Guests can order anything and get a full-fledged traditional Icelandic hot dog.
This is an ideal place for those who are looking for an inexpensive, quick and delicious lunch to explore the city, the institution has been operating since 1937 and has proven itself well.
Address: Tryggvagata 1, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
https://goo.gl/maps/tLtyBxAzgafs53jd7
Grillmarkadurinn
The Grillmarkadurinn restaurant from the top chef of Khrepna Rosa Saitran is popular. It is located on Laikyatorg Square, in the very center of the city in the Nýja Bíó building. The building was destroyed by fire in 1998, but then restored. The unique two-storey room of the restaurant is creatively decorated with Icelandic moss, dried fish skin and pieces of black lava. The main object of attention is a custom-made ultra-high-temperature grill, thanks to which guests enjoy juicy dishes. We recommend that you try the restaurant's tasting set first. It serves snacks such as adventurous mini burgers made from whale, blowfish and lobster.
Address: Lækjargata 2a, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
https://goo.gl/maps/2CT8DwwYTdAqWA4a6
Fjörukráin
An atmospheric Viking restaurant that you will remember forever. There is live folk music and real Vikings serving groups of guests. Fjörukráin Restaurant, also known as the Viking Village, easily accommodates 350 visitors. The emphasis in the institution is on the Viking age. Enter the hall and you will step into the world of the past. Antique-style decor is everywhere, and here you will be offered a real Viking feast with traditional dishes served on old-fashioned trays. It is never boring during these famous parties. Guests will enjoy various treats and surprises from our singing valkyries and Vikings.
Address: Strandgata 55, Vikingastræti 1-3, Hafnarfjörður, Iceland
https://goo.gl/maps/XS7jFWnuwZ24Ggii6
Forrettabarinn
Foréttabarinn, or “Snack Bar”, offers delicious tapas-style dishes using local ingredients and Icelandic recipes and is the perfect place to spend an evening of innovative cuisine in a lively and relaxed atmosphere. Located in an elegant building next to the harbor, the restaurant has a beautiful wave-shaped mural on the outside. The interior combines wood and modern elements, such as minimalistic white walls and elegant, restrained lighting. Enjoy dishes such as venison terrine with cinnamon apple chutney and pickled red cabbage. For drinks, try a wide range of local Icelandic beers or wines from around the world.
Address: Nýlendugata 14, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
