If you are coming to visit the island, the odds of you spending some time in the capital city are good. And you cannot possibly visit the capital without sampling the local cuisine at some of the best restaurants in Reykjavík.
So, are you keen to explore Iceland's capital city whilst stuffing your face with food that will make your toes curl in delight? We’ve got some of the top Reykjavík restaurants that you need to try in 2023!
We also tell you exactly where they’re located and what you can expect price-wise (from $ - extremely affordable, $$ - affordable, to $$$ - expensive). So, without further ado, let’s jump right in!
Apotek Restaurant
Location: Austurstræti 16, 101 Reykjavík
Price Range: $$-$$$
The Apotek Restaurant offers diners a smart-casual dining experience. They serve the most delicious dishes that range from brunch and afternoon tea to dinner. Dishes consist of both local as well as more traditional food.
And if you just want to grab a quick drink in a sleek setting, you’re also welcome to do that at the bar. This is also one of the restaurants conveniently located in Reykjavík’s city center.
Fiskfelagid aka the Fish Company
Location: Vesturgata 2a, Grofartorg, 101 Reykjavík
Price Range: $$-$$$
As the name suggests, this restaurant’s claim to fame is fish dishes, although you will still find a few other traditional dishes on the menu. What makes dining at Fiskfelagid, so special is not just the culinary experience but the way the food is plated and presented.
Please just take note that good things come to those who wait. Even though this is one of the best seafood restaurants in Reykjavík, it’s only open a few days a week for a limited number of hours. Booking in advance comes highly recommended.
Reykjavík Kitchen
Location: Raudararstigur 8, 105 Reykjavík
Price Range: $$-$$$
This family-owned restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Reykjavík. Here you can enjoy Icelandic food in a warm and welcoming environment. Reykjavík Kitchen focuses on local fish and meat dishes, and you can choose items from the a la carte menu or their three-course menu. And pair your meal with something off the drinks menu.
Old Iceland Restaurant
Location: Laugavegur 72, 101 Reykjavík
Price Range: $$-$$$
Once again, the name gives it away. Old Iceland Restaurant is one of the top restaurants in Reykjavík when it comes to serving up local cuisine. The setting is small and intimate, and the dishes are absolutely exquisite.
Matarkjallarinn aka the Foodcellar
Location: Adalstraeti 2, 101 Reykjavík
Price Range: $$-$$$
Matarkjallarinn is situated in a beautiful historic building in the center of the city. Here you will find delicious dishes created with many local ingredients. They are also served with their own signature cocktails. Although this is not considered to be one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Reykjavík, they do cater to vegetarian needs. You'll find they offer a few vegetarian dishes in their menu.
Mama Reykjavík
Location: Laugavegur 2, 101 Reykjavík
Price Range: $-$$
If you thought you won’t find a nice spot that serves amazing Indian cuisine here in Iceland, you were dead wrong. Mama Reykjavík is a taste sensation. And as dishes are fully vegan, it can be considered one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Reykjavík.
Primo Ristorante
Location: Thingholtsstraeti 1, 101 Reykjavík
Price Range: $$-$$$
If you love authentic Italian food, this is definitely the place to go in Iceland. And it definitely delivers some of the best pizza in Reykjavík. At Primo Ristorante you can sit back and relax with a slice of pizza or a fork full of pasta in one hand and a nice glass of wine in the other. Delicious!
Icelandic Street Food
Location: Lækjargata 8, 101 Reykjavík
Price Range: $-$$
Icelandic Street Food is an incredibly special place. It specializes in homestyle local cuisine. Most of the recipes also come straight from the owner, Unnar Helgi’s grandmother’s recipe book. You can’t get a more authentically Icelandic dining experience in Reykjavík than this.
Sæta Svinid aka the Sweet Pig
Location: Hafnarstræti 1-3, 101 Reykjavík
Price Range: $$-$$$
The Sæta Svinid offers visitors a fun dining experience in a casual and relaxed atmosphere and has some of the best food in Reykjavík. Here they serve up a variety of local dishes made from fresh local ingredients, whether lunch, dinner, or drinks. And they even have a big selection of local craft beers!
Snaps Bistro
Location: Porgata 1, 101 Reykjavík
Price Range: $$-$$$
If you’re ever in the mood for some French cuisine in Iceland, Snaps Bistro is the place to go. They also serve a mean cocktail. We once again do advise that you book a table beforehand though as it fills up pretty fast.
Grandi Food Hall aka the Food Hall by the Harbor
Location: Grandagardur 16, 101 Reykjavík
Price Range: $-$$
Okay, so technically Grandi Food Hall isn’t just one restaurant, but rather a collection of street food options. You can find anything from Korean and Indonesian to Icelandic, and many more. Not only is the food delicious, but it’s definitely a collection of the best affordable restaurants in Reykjavík.
Perlan Restaurant & Café
Location: Varmahlid 1, 105 Reykjavík
Price Range: $$-$$$
If you are looking for one of the best restaurants in Reykjavík with a view, you’ll find it at Perlan Restaurant & Café. But this revolving restaurant doesn’t just serve up amazing views, but also delicious dishes and drinks. Some of the favorites are Fish & Chips, Pizza, and Chicken Salad.
Kol Restaurant
Location: Skolavördustigur 40, 101 Reykjavík
Price Range: $$$
Kol Restaurant is for those who want to have a fine dining experience in Iceland. Here you can enjoy delicious local cuisine dishes, sample the tasting menu and pair with renowned wines. Definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Islenski Barinn aka the Icelandic Bar
Location: Ingolfsstræti 1a, 101 Reykjavík
Price Range: $-$$
Islenski Barinn is one of the best places to eat in Reykjavík if you’re looking for an affordable yet authentically Icelandic experience. Here you can grab one of our legendary hot dogs, or if that doesn’t take your fancy, have a hamburger. Wash it down with one of the delicious local craft beers whilst listening to Icelandic music (the only music that plays there). A really fun (and tasty!) experience for all.
Time to Wine and Dine!
Now that you know where to eat in Reykjavík, it’s time to start working your way through our list of the best restaurants in Reykjavík. Please just remember to book a table well in advance since these places do tend to fill up fast – especially during our busy summer season.
And once you’ve completed your culinary journey in the capital city, it might be time to rent a car in Iceland. Hit the road and extend your culinary experience to the rest of the island! I know Akureyri has quite a few good spots…