Contrary to what you may have heard, Iceland’s most popular dish is not the fermented shark. (At one point possibly, but now it’s more of an homage to the country’s ingenious history.) Reykjavik’s food scene is not to be missed, with innovative twists on traditional dishes and some of the freshest fish you’ve ever had.
Whether you’re looking to splurge on a meal that will be among the best of your life or grab a quick bite without sacrificing taste, Reykjavik’s restaurant offerings go way beyond your limits.
These are not just restaurants; they are integral parts of the equation that will make your trip to Iceland one that you will not forget anytime soon. In fact, some of these locations will even mitigate the stress of an unbelievably early arrival time (pro tip: head to Bergsson Mathús for breakfast straight from your flight, its early hours are a lifesaver for red-eye flights).
And don’t forget dessert. Skyr, Iceland’s smoothest yogurt, is an incredible dessert. You won’t find anyone who works better than chefs in Reykjavik.
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Bergsson Mathús
Direction
Templarasund 3, 101 Reykjavík, IcelandGet directions
Telephone
+354 571 1822
Web
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One of the best parts about Bergsson Mathús, aside from the excellent food, is that it is open very early, making it the perfect place to visit after an overnight flight to Keflavik. Daily soups are always a good option, but the Bergsson Brunch is the way to go. Think of it as the best European breakfast, with a variety of hummus, cheese, ham, yogurt, sourdough bread, and more.
If you plan to drive directly from Reykjavik to one of Iceland’s stunning national parks, grab a freshly baked loaf of bread as a snack on a road trip. You will thank yourself all day.
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Year
Direction
Frakkastígur 26a, 101 Reykjavík, IcelandGet directions
Telephone
+354 544 4443
Web
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Nestled in a cozy corner near Hallsgrimkirja, Rok is known for taking traditional ingredients (reindeer, for example) and presenting them on a modern plate. You can also try plokkfiskur, or fish cake, at this restaurant.
And don’t miss out on the cocktail menu – the bartenders are especially adept at incorporating Brennivin, the national brandy, into delicious drinks. Rok also hosts a Champagne Brunch, where bubbly liquorice and melon are combined.
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The barbecue market
Direction
Lækjargata 2a, 101 Reykjavík, IcelandGet directions
Telephone
+354 571 7777
Web
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At Grillmarkaðurinn, you’ll find a menu full of local ingredients, from quail to skyr. Restaurant chefs work with farmers to find the freshest ingredients and plan the menu following the farmers’ guidance.
You can choose from the full menu or opt for the tasting menu or a ‘Country Trip’, consisting of three appetizers followed by a steak with fries and vegetables and a tasting of the restaurant’s desserts.
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Black Coffee
Direction
Laugavegur 54, 101 Reykjavík, IcelandGet directions
Telephone
+354 551 2999
Web
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Soup fans should add this place to the trip itinerary. While the atmosphere is cozy, this is not a place that requires your best attire. You’ll find locals sitting alongside hikers prepared alongside a family of tourists. Half the fun here is meeting someone completely new.
Every day, Svarta Kaffið prepares two fresh soups, usually a kind of meat soup and a vegetarian soup. You have two options: bowl or bread bowl. The restaurant is simple and the menu is short, but it’s the perfect stop for what may be the best bowl of soup you’ve ever had on a day of shopping in central Reykjavik.
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Hverfisgata 12
Direction
Hverfisgata 12, 101 Reykjavík, IcelandGet directions
The charming townhouse of this restaurant is reason enough to come visit, but you will stay for the unique pizzas. Walking through this restaurant really feels like exploring the hallways of a friend’s house.
Hverfisgata 12 is run by the same owners as Mikeller & Friends and Dill, two more places to add to your must-eat list.
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Tapas bar
Direction
Vesturgata 3b, 101 Reykjavík, IcelandGet directions
Telephone
+354 551 2344
Web
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As the name suggests, Tapas barinn serves meals on small, easy-to-share plates. But the reason they made this list is because of the Icelandic gourmet feast that they offer. If you’re interested in trying some of Iceland’s most traditional dishes – minke whales, puffins, Icelandic lamb – this seven-course option won’t disappoint. The best part: you also get a shot of Brennivin to start. The dining room is divided into two rooms and both have the same spirit.
The restaurant is located in the oldest section of the city, so walking to the port after dinner is a must.
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Snaps Bistro
Direction
Rsórsgata 1, 101 Reykjavík, IcelandGet directions
Telephone
+354 511 6677
Web
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You likely have rumors of a fantastic club sandwich in Reykjavik, and Snaps Bistro is the place to get it. The interior itself is French-inspired, but the menu selections are all Scandinavian.
If you like gin and tonics, you will be pleased with a full menu dedicated to the mixed drink.
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Mat Bar
Direction
Hverfisgata 26, 101 Reykjavík, IcelandGet directions
Telephone
+354 788 3900
Web
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Aside from potentially being the most Instagrammable restaurant in Reykjavik, Mat Bar’s Nordic version of Italian food is something you won’t experience anywhere else. According to the local Reykjavik Grapevine news site, owner Guðjón Hauksson sought out a specific Italian cheesemaker to provide the restaurant’s mozzarella.
The fun part about Mat Bar is that you will see the same ingredients all year round, but they always take a new shape depending on the weather or the season.
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Food and Drink
Direction
Grandagarður 2, 101 Reykjavík, IcelandGet directions
Telephone
+354 571 8877
Web
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As with many other chefs in many other restaurants, Matur og Drykkur’s kitchen goes out of its way to source all kinds of Icelandic cookbooks. But they always take recipes one step further, finding new ways to innovate on tried and true favorites.
The restaurant’s website has the slogan “Let tradition surprise you!”, Which is certainly a promise given a quick look at the menu: head of cod cooked in chicken broth, Brussels sprouts fermented in caraway seeds and baked garlic mousse, to name a few. menu items.
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Grai Kotturinn
Direction
Hverfisgata 16a, 101 Reykjavík, IcelandGet directions
Telephone
+354 551 1544
Web
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This small space is located in the quiet Hverfisgata and is in the style of a 1950s cafe. Grai Kotturinn, which translates to “The Gray Cat,” is the best breakfast stop with American breakfast staples like pancakes. , donuts and eggs, but the specials should not be underestimated. If you’re really hungry, the Truck breakfast special has a little of everything.
While the food is excellent, the atmosphere is remarkable too. This cafe is a hot spot for local artists, with few tourists and distanced. The walls are covered in books, in both Icelandic and English, and guests are encouraged to grab one for some pre-meal entertainment.
