Perched right in the North Atlantic, the stunning country of Iceland is an incredible place to visit! Not only for its beautiful places to see and the gorgeous towns to visit but also for the best restaurants in Iceland where I guarantee you’ll gorge.
And that’s the thing that makes Iceland so special if I’m totally honest. You’ll get to see some of the most pristine and beautiful landscapes in the world and then head to one of the yummy and award-winning spots to fill up.
Now, I’m a proper foodie and tend to eat a whole heap when travelling! You know, the kind of person who always has room for pudding… especially on holiday. I mean, it’s a holiday, after all.
Anyway, I’m properly digressing now, but I want to show you some of the best restaurants in Iceland you should visit on your trip. Some are cheap and cheerful, others a little on the splurge side, but I want to make sure you see Iceland’s many options with places to eat.
Take a look below at some of the best restaurants in Iceland to visit.
1.) Messinn, Reykjavik
If you’re looking for freshly-caught seafood in the centre of Reykjavik, then make sure to head to Messinn. It’s a cosy and comfortable restaurant that’s perfect for spending a few days in the city. Plus, their menu is delicious.
We absolutely loved their plokkfiskur. It’s all made fresh to order and totally yummy. Be sure to book a table in advance – spaces fill up fast, especially on weekends.
It’s a totally laid-back spot where the food does the talking. Open for dinner, it’s the perfect place to pop in after a day exploring Reykjavik.
Read more: Best things to do in Reykjavik
2.) Fjoruborodid, Stokkseyri
Perched in Stokkseyri, Fjorubordid is a pretty legendary seafood spot located close to Selfoss and around sixty kilometres from Reykjavik.
Once you are here, make sure to try their piping hot langoustine soup that is so amazing after a chilly morning exploring. If soup is not your thing, try their Langoustine tails smothered in garlic butter – it always tastes (and smells so good).
I’d personally recommend booking a table (on their website) before you visit. The queues can be quite big during peak times.
Read more: Best towns in Iceland to visit
3.) Bryggjan Cafe, Grindavik
The Bryggjan Cafe is only around 10 minutes from the Blue Lagoon.
Nestled right on the harbourfront, Bryggjan Cafe has some of the tastiest lobster broth you can ever imagine. It’s a great place to visit after you’ve visited the Blue Lagoon, especially as you can have one refill of your lobster soup too!
When we stayed at The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon and loved it.
This means, we always tended to pop down to Grindavik to find some lunch. It’s a tiny little place but the Bryggjan Cafe is such a find.
Read more: What is it like at the Blue Lagoon
4.) Islenski Barinn, Reykjavik
Located in Reykjavik, Islenski Barinn is one of the best restaurants in Iceland to visit for a typical Icelandic bar. Best of all, it’s really cosy and is such a respite from the wintery chill outside.
Once here, you can try some of their reindeer meatballs and roasted leg of lamb. Alternatively, if that doesn’t float your boat, try the slensk kjötsúpa, an Icelandic meat soup that’s so tasty.
At Islenski Barinn, they also serve the historic dish of hakarl if that is something you want to try? It consists of fermented shark and dried fish. Now, I can’t say I’ve ever tried the latter but it’s on the menu if you fancy it.
Read more: Best tours to book from Reykjavik
5.) Bæjarins Beztu, Reykjavik
Look, it’s not fancy; it’s really informal, but it’s something of an institution when it comes to late-night food in Reykjavik.
Head over to Bæjarins Beztu, that’s perched right down near the waterfront itself. They serve some of the best hot dogs in all of Iceland, right out of a cabin.
Open until around 4 a.m., it’s the place to go for some midnight munchies after a night of live music in the bars. Oh, and make sure to say ‘eina með öllu’ meaning something like, ‘everything’.
You’ll get a mighty hot dog filled with remolaði, onions, mustard and ketchup.
Mapped: Best places to visit on a first trip to Iceland
6.) Otto Matur & Drykkur, Hofn
Nestled within the tiny fishing village of Hofn, Otto Matur & Drykkur is one of the best restaurants in Iceland to visit.
Being almost six hours from Reykjavik, it’s more of a place to visit when you’re exploring the east coast itself. That being said, you’ll be in for a total treat when you arrive.
After working up an appetite, make sure to try their smoked cod and grilled salmon. It’s so fresh and tastes amazing! It’s an intimate little restaurant that’s a true gem on the East Coast.
Read more: Natural sites to see in Iceland
7.) Salt Cafe, Egilsstaðir
Perched in Egilsstaðir, the Salt Cafe is one of the best restaurants in Iceland to visit when on the eastern fringes of the country. Now, this spot serves up a little bit of everything – their pizzas are really good.
For one of their more traditional and Icelandic meals, make sure to try their cod tongue drizzled with garlic. Alternatively, check out the daily specials that seem to always change on the chalkboard.
Read more: 1-week itinerary for visiting Iceland
8.) Rub 23, Akureyri
Located in Akureyri, Rub 23 feels like a really cool (but totally chilled) restaurant that you could easily find in London.
The menu here has a pretty decent amount of choices, but if I’m honest, you come here for the sushi! Make sure to try their uramaki with Arctic char and their tuna hosomaki.
That being said, the smoke-infused scallops are an absolutely killer appetizer.
Read more: How to go whale watching in Iceland
9.) Sudur Vik, Vik
You’ve gotta have at least one lunch or dinner where you try the Arctic char when on holiday. Sudur Vik is one of the best restaurants in Iceland to give it a go. Perched in Vik, they pan-fried their Arctic char to perfection.
The whole restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere which I always think can make a place! Plus, they do the best brownies for pudding (remember I said I always have room for pudding).
Read more: Best tours to book from Reykjavik
10.) Sjavarborg, Hvammstangi
Situated in Hvammstangi (around 2.5 drive from Reykjavik), Sjavarborg is a tasty and totally surprising restaurant to find in what is quite a quiet little town. It’s a proper gem of a place to fill up at and they conjure up the tastiest dishes ever.
Once you arrive, make sure to try their salmon tartar or lobster soup that’s served piping hot.
11.) Tryggvaskali, Selfoss
Perched in Selfoss, Tryggvaskali is the cutest (and tastiest) place to eat while exploring this area of Iceland. It’s a proper authentic Icelandic restaurant that’s preserved so much of its character.
As soon as you are seated, order the freshly made seafood stew that’s served from a teapot. Oh, and make sure to try their ginger creme brulee.
Read more: Our complete guide to Iceland
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