Must-see restaurants in Reykjavík

  • Café Flóra

    Café Flóra

    Reykjavík

    Sun-dappled tables fill a greenhouse in the Botanic Gardens and spill onto a flower-lined terrace at this lovely cafe specialising in wholesome local…

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    Fiskmarkaðurinn

    Reykjavík

    Dramatic presentations of elaborate dishes fill the tables of this intimate, artistically lit restaurant, where chefs excel at infusing Icelandic seafood…

  • Messinn

    Reykjavík

    Make a beeline to Messinn for the best seafood that Reykjavík has to offer. The speciality here is the amazing pan-fried dishes: your pick of fish is…

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    Sægreifinn

    Reykjavík

    Sidle into this green harbourside shack for the most famous lobster soup in the capital, or choose from a fridge full of fresh fish skewers to be grilled…

  • Matur og Drykkur

    Reykjavík

    One of Reykjavík's top high-concept restaurants, Matur og Drykkur means 'Food and Drink', and you'll surely be plied with the best of both. The brainchild…

  • Grillmarkaðurinn

    Reykjavík

    Top-notch dining is the order of the day here, from the moment you enter the glass atrium with its golden-globe lights to your first snazzy cocktail, and…

  • Grandi Mathöll

    Reykjavík

    There's no neater encapsulation of Grandi's rejuvenation than the transformation of this old fish factory into a pioneering street-food hall. Long trestle…

  • Frú Lauga

    Reykjavík

    Reykjavík's trailblazing farmers market sources its ingredients from all over the countryside, featuring treats such as skyr (Icelandic yoghurt) from…

  • Fiskfélagið

    Reykjavík

    The ‘Fish Company’ takes Icelandic seafood recipes and spins them through a variety of far-flung inspirations, from Fiji coconut to Spanish chorizo. Dine…

  • Flatey Pizza

    Reykjavík

    Flatey raises pizza making to something akin to an art form. Its sourdough circles are made from organic wheat and are baked for just one minute at 500°C…

  • Apotek

    Reykjavík

    This beautiful restaurant and bar with shining glass fixtures and a cool ambience is equally known for its delicious menu of small plates that are perfect…

  • Le Kock

    Le Kock

    Reykjavík

    The three founding chefs at this charismatic joint have impressive restaurant pedigrees, Icelandic and otherwise. Their skills shine through in reinvented…

  • Messinn Granda

    Reykjavík

    Sample the catch of the day at this buffet-style harbour restaurant, serving its freshly caught selection on steaming skillets with root vegetables and…

  • Matarkjallarinn

    Matarkjallarinn

    Reykjavík

    Elegance is everywhere at Matarkjallarinn (the 'Food Cellar'). Brasserie-style dishes, Icelandic ingredients, magical decor and oh-so-skillful cocktails…

  • Kumiko tea house and cake shop.

    Kumiko

    Reykjavík

    Theme cafe Kumiko is a Japanese tea house and cake shop that revels in a bright, cartoon-like decor. The vibe extends to their creations: Princess Cakes,…

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    Stofan Kaffihús

    Reykjavík

    In this historic brick building you'll find a warmly welcoming cafe with worn wooden floors, plump couches and a spacious main room. Settle in for coffee,…

  • Coocoo's Nest restaurant

    Coocoo's Nest

    Reykjavík

    Pop into this cool eatery for delicious brunches (11am to 4pm Friday to Sunday) and decadent cocktails. It's casual, small and groovy, with mosaic plywood…

  • Kaffihús Vesturbæjar

    Kaffihús Vesturbæjar

    Reykjavík

    This popular hang-out in the Vesturbær neighbourhood is a real hipster stronghold, with thrifty, mismatched decor. Delightful dishes range from soups and…

  • Valdi's offers ice cream

    Valdís

    Reykjavík

    Throughout summer happy families flock here, take a number and join the crush waiting for a scoop chosen from the huge array of homemade ice creams…

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    Salt

    Reykjavík

    Cod, ling, lobster soup? Salt is an excellent Old Harbour option for fruits of the sea and is among the many 'whale-friendly' restaurants in Reykjavík.

  • Icelandic Street Food

    Reykjavík

    For a budget taste of old Iceland, squeeze into this tiny canteen that just loves showcasing home-cooked food. Owner Unnar has drafted in his grandmother…

  • 17 Sortir

    Reykjavík

    From Toblerone cupcakes and vegan pastries to four-layer chocolate cake – the daily selection here includes something for every sweet tooth. The name '17…

  • Gló

    Reykjavík

    Burgers, super-fresh salads, energy shots, nutritious smoothies and cold-pressed juices make this the venue of choice for the neighbourhoods health…

  • Tapas Barinn

    Reykjavík

    Look for the life-sized fibreglass bull, painted in Spanish yellow and red, then settle down to sample some of the 50 tapas-style nibbles. To olives and…

  • Bæjarins Beztu

    Reykjavík

    Icelanders swear the city's best hot dogs are found at this truck near the harbour (patronised by Bill Clinton and late-night bar-hoppers). Use the vital…

  • Forréttabarinn

    Reykjavík

    Tapas restaurants are popular in the capital, and this hip joint near the harbour is a favourite for its menu of creative plates like cod and pork belly…

  • Icelandic Fish & Chips

    Reykjavík

    Pick your fish and, voila, spelt-batter fried it becomes. Pair it with local beer, organic salads (990kr) and ‘Skyronnaises’ – skyr-based sauces (eg basil…

  • Café Kaffitár

    Reykjavík

    The ground-floor cafe at the National Museum offers wi-fi and a welcome respite, with wraparound windows looking out on a flowing fountain. It serves a…

  • Hornið

    Reykjavík

    There’s an easygoing air at this bright art deco cafe-restaurant. Pizzas are freshly made before your eyes, the prettily presented pasta meals will set…

  • Lobster Hut

    Reykjavík

    What's it gonna be? Lobster soup? Lobster salad? Lobster sandwich? This little food truck dishes it all out, for fine diners on the run. By day it's…

  • Nora Magasin

    Reykjavík

    Hip and open plan, this buzzy bistro-bar serves up a tasty selection of pub food, from creative small plates to burgers and fresh fish. Coffee and…

  • Bergsson RE

    Reykjavík

    An acclaimed seafood spot with great harbour views and a daily-changing lunch menu featuring the freshest catch. The same family runs Bergsson Mathús in…

  • Bio Borgari

    Reykjavík

    Conventional burgers get a fresh new feel at this enterprising eatery. Organic meat or lentil patties are sandwiched between soft, seeded buns and…

  • Nauthóll

    Reykjavík

    Out of the city centre beside Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach, this reliable option for Icelandic faves sits in a delicate glass box with views out to the…

  • Hamborgara Búllan

    Reykjavík

    The Old Harbour’s outpost of burgerdom and Americana proffers savoury patties that are perennial local favourites. Hollywood film stars have been known to…

  • Bergsson Mathús

    Reykjavík

    There's nothing fancy here, but the homemade breads and fresh produce mean you'll be eating among locals as they flip through magazines, gossip and devour…

  • Vox

    Reykjavík

    The Hilton’s five-star restaurant has a contemporary but welcoming vibe and continues to pack 'em in for New Nordic cuisine and a famous weekend brunch …

  • Johansen Deli

    Reykjavík

    The aromas wafting from this bright tiled deli draw you inside for gourmet breakfasts and picnic supplies. It's a handy pit stop in the high-rise hotel…

  • Jómfrúin

    Reykjavík

    Wayward Danes seek out this no-frills joint specialising in smørrebrød: traditonal Danish open-face sandwiches with any number of Nordic toppings.

  • Lamb

    Reykjavík

    A cheerful street-food-style restaurant dishing up lamb and falafel flatbread combos with fresh, crunchy veg and zingy skyr-based sauces.