Restaurants in Iceland

Sæta Svínið is a casual Icelandic restaurant in central Reykjavik known for its hearty comfort food and friendly atmosphere. The menu focuses on local ingredients and traditional dishes, with lamb and seafood features, though the place isn't fussy about it—you'll find burgers and sandwiches too. It's the kind of spot where locals eat, especially popular for lunch, and it has a warm, unpretentious vibe that makes it easy to linger.

Bæjarins Beztu is a beloved hot dog stand that's been operating from the same spot in Reykjavik's harbor area since 1937, serving simple but perfectly executed Icelandic pylsur with crispy fried onions and creamy sauces. Locals and visitors alike queue up for the casual, no-frills experience and reasonably priced dogs, making it a genuine taste of Icelandic food culture rather than a tourist trap. It's worth visiting if you want an authentic snack that captures why Icelanders are passionate about their pylsur tradition.

Pylsuvagninn is a beloved hot dog stand in Reykjavik that's been serving Icelandic pylsur since 1937, making it one of the oldest food establishments in the city. The stand is famous for its quality sausages and the friendly atmosphere — locals and visitors alike queue up for their char-grilled hot dogs topped with crispy onions, jalapeños, or the traditional Icelandic condiments. It's a casual, authentic spot to grab a quick bite and experience a piece of Reykjavik's food culture without pretense.

Friðheimar is a family-run tomato farm near Reykholt where you eat lunch inside the greenhouse itself, at tables set between rows of vines under grow lights, while the crop ripens around you. The signature dish is the tomato soup, served with an all-you-can-eat basket of fresh-baked bread, and nearly everything else on the short menu — pasta, tomato Bloody Marys, even the ice cream — starts with what's growing a few meters away. Iceland's volcanic ground heats the whole operation, so what you're really tasting is how Icelanders turned geothermal energy into year-round farming. Book ahead; it's on the Golden Circle and fills up fast at midday. Certified under Vakinn, Iceland's official tourism quality and environmental system.

A Viking-themed hotel in Hafnarfjörður, a harbour town in the Reykjavík capital area. The setting is coastal and close to the town's harbour. Hotel Viking (Fjörukráin) offers themed accommodation and is known for its Viking-style restaurant and dining hall. Its location in Hafnarfjörður makes it a base for exploring the capital region.

Indian Food Box - Restaurant is a family-run Indian restaurant and bar at Hamraborg 11, 200 Kópavogur. Indian chefs prepare homestyle dishes using family recipes and Indian spices, including butter chicken, paneer curries, dal and vegetarian or vegan choices. The dining room seats up to 30 guests. Dine-in, takeaway, catering and private group bookings are available. Phone: +354 888 8882. Email: info@indianfoodbox.is. Open Mon–Fri 11:30–21:00, Sat–Sun 17:00–21:00. Website: https://indianfoodbox.is/english/ Online ordering: https://indianfoodbox.is/order-online/

Old Iceland is a traditional Icelandic restaurant in central Reykjavik serving classic dishes like lamb stews, fresh fish, and rye bread baked in hot springs geothermal heat. The intimate atmosphere and rustic décor give it a cozy, historic feel that appeals to travelers wanting to taste genuine local cuisine without pretense. It's a reliable spot for experiencing how Icelanders have eaten for generations, with hearty portions and straightforward cooking.

Le Kock is a French bistro in central Reykjavik known for classic French cuisine prepared with Icelandic ingredients. The restaurant has a warm, intimate atmosphere with traditional bistro styling, and the menu focuses on well-executed dishes like duck confit, fresh seafood, and rich sauces. It's a solid choice if you want European fine dining without the pretension, and it tends to draw both locals and visitors looking for something beyond the typical Icelandic restaurant experience.

Hornið is a casual Icelandic restaurant in central Reykjavik known for serving traditional comfort food and seafood at reasonable prices. The place has a relaxed neighborhood vibe and draws both locals and travelers looking for honest, straightforward cooking without the formality or markup of fancier establishments. It's a good spot if you want to eat well without spending a lot or dealing with tourist crowds.

Mama Reykjavik is a casual dining spot in the heart of the city known for hearty comfort food and a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant serves Icelandic and international dishes with an emphasis on quality ingredients and generous portions, drawing both locals and visitors looking for a no-fuss meal. It's a straightforward choice if you want to eat well without the formality of fancier establishments.

Farmers Bistro is a casual dining spot in South Iceland that focuses on local ingredients and traditional Icelandic fare with a modern touch. The menu typically features lamb, fish, and seasonal vegetables sourced from nearby farms and waters, making it a reliable choice for travelers wanting to taste the region's agricultural heritage. It's the kind of place where locals eat, offering straightforward comfort food in a relaxed atmosphere without the tourist markup of larger towns.

Kopar is a seafood-focused restaurant in central Reykjavik that specializes in Nordic cuisine with an emphasis on fresh Icelandic fish and local ingredients. The kitchen works with what's available from the daily catch, so the menu changes regularly and reflects the seasons and the ocean's offerings. It's a popular spot for travelers and locals alike who want straightforward, well-prepared seafood without unnecessary fuss.

Black Crust Pizzeria is a casual pizzeria in South Iceland, known for wood-fired pizzas made with quality ingredients and a focus on traditional Italian-style preparation. The spot draws both locals and travelers looking for a break from Icelandic classics, offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere in what can be a remote region. It's a reliable choice if you're road-tripping the south coast and want properly made pizza rather than chain alternatives. They deliver the pizzas lighting fast usually less than 10 minutes after you order. They do have some tasty starters too like crunchy shrimp. Once you enter the restaurant you’ll see a big black car inside it.

Dímon 11 is a casual dining spot in central Reykjavik known for generous portions of Icelandic comfort food and seafood at reasonable prices. The restaurant draws both locals and travelers looking for hearty meals without the formality or expense of fine dining establishments. You'll find it's a straightforward place where the food is the focus—think fresh fish, lamb dishes, and traditional preparations done well.

Staðarskáli is a countryside restaurant in West Iceland serving traditional Icelandic fare in a rural setting, often featuring local ingredients and home-style cooking. It's a good stop if you're traveling through the region and want an authentic meal away from the main tourist routes, with views of the surrounding landscape typical of Iceland's interior valleys.

Indian Food Box - Takeaway is a family-run Indian kitchen at Langirimi 21, 112 Reykjavík. Indian chefs prepare homestyle food using family recipes and Indian spices, including butter chicken, paneer curries, dal and vegetarian or vegan choices. Takeaway, pickup, delivery and catering are available, with a small seating area for around 10 guests. Phone: +354 786 4555. Email: info@indianfoodbox.is. Open Tue–Thu 17:00–23:00, Fri–Sat 17:00–23:45, Sun 17:00–23:00. Closed Mondays. Website: https://indianfoodbox.is/english/ Online ordering: https://indianfoodbox.is/order-online/

Hvönn is a family-run restaurant in South Iceland known for serving traditional Icelandic cuisine with a focus on local ingredients and fish. Located in a charming setting, it offers a genuine taste of regional home cooking rather than tourist-oriented fare, making it a good stop if you're traveling the ring road and want to eat where locals do. The prices are reasonable and portions are substantial, typical of country restaurants in Iceland's rural areas.

Gamla fjósið is a casual spot in South Iceland housed in a converted barn, serving comfort food and drinks in a relaxed, rustic setting. The menu features Icelandic classics alongside lighter fare, and it's a decent place to warm up over coffee or a meal while exploring the region. The old building itself adds character, making it a natural stop for travelers passing through rather than a destination in its own right.

Crepes.is is a casual creperie in South Iceland serving both sweet and savory crepes made fresh to order. The menu features classic French-style crepes alongside Icelandic ingredients, making it a convenient spot for a quick lunch or light dinner while traveling through the region. It's the kind of place locals and visitors alike stop at for a satisfying, reasonably priced meal without pretense.

Vínstofa is a cosy wine bar and restaurant in the South that specialises in Icelandic cuisine paired with carefully selected wines. The intimate setting and thoughtful menu make it a natural choice for travellers wanting to experience local flavours without the tourist crowds. It's the kind of place where locals eat, so you'll get honest food and knowledgeable recommendations on what pairs well with Icelandic fish and lamb.

Mia's Country Van is a casual eatery in South Iceland serving hearty homemade food from a converted van setup. Known for generous portions and traditional Icelandic dishes made with local ingredients, it's a reliable stop for travelers exploring the southern coast who want authentic, no-fuss meals without the tourist markup. The informal atmosphere and friendly service make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike who appreciate straightforward food done well.

Apotek is a restaurant housed in a historic pharmacy building in Reykjavik's Old Harbour area, combining Nordic cuisine with a charming vintage apothecary aesthetic. The menu focuses on fresh local ingredients prepared with contemporary techniques, and the space itself—with its original wood fixtures and shelves—gives dining here a sense of stepping into Icelandic history. It's a popular choice for both tourists and locals looking for quality food in a distinctive setting near the waterfront.

Skyrgerðin is a small restaurant in South Iceland specializing in traditional Icelandic dairy products and homemade cuisine, particularly featuring skyr — the thick Icelandic yogurt that's been made here for generations. The casual, family-friendly spot serves comfort food made with local ingredients, and it's a straightforward place to experience authentic regional flavors without pretension. If you're driving through the south and want a genuine taste of what Icelanders actually eat, this is worth a stop.

Serrano is a Spanish tapas restaurant in central Reykjavik known for its authentic small plates and vibrant atmosphere. The kitchen focuses on traditional Spanish flavors with quality ingredients, from jamón ibérico to fresh seafood preparations, and the wine list emphasizes Spanish selections. It's a good spot if you want lively dinner with shared dishes and a taste of Iberian cuisine without the formality of fine dining.

Lava is a modern restaurant in central Reykjavik known for its creative take on Icelandic cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients and traditional cooking techniques with contemporary presentation. The intimate setting and thoughtful menu make it a solid choice for dinner if you want something more refined than casual dining without the formality of high-end fine dining. It's the kind of place locals actually recommend rather than just tourists stumbling into.

Efstidalur II is a working farm restaurant in South Iceland known for serving high-quality lamb and other locally sourced ingredients prepared with traditional methods. The restaurant sits on an active dairy and sheep farm, so you're eating food from the very land you're standing on, and they even make their own ice cream from the farm's milk. It's a genuine working operation rather than a tourist trap, making it popular with both locals and travelers seeking authentic Icelandic farm-to-table dining.

Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant sits in South Iceland, offering a dining experience rooted in Viking-age traditions and Icelandic heritage. The restaurant serves historical-inspired dishes that draw from medieval Icelandic cooking methods and ingredients, giving visitors a sense of how early settlers once ate. It's a good stop if you're interested in local food culture and want something more than typical tourist fare.

Krua Thai is a casual Thai restaurant with two locations, one on Skólavörðustígur in downtown Reykjavík and one in Kópavogur. The menu covers around 40 dishes — curries, stir-fries, noodles, soups, and Thai salads — with a choice of chicken, pork, beef, lamb, shrimp, or fish, plus a few tofu and vegetable options. Most mains come with rice, and several dishes can be ordered mild or hot. A children's menu is also available. Note that both locations open at 17:00 on Sundays. Locations & hours: Skólavörðustígur 21a, Reykjavík (551-0833) — weekdays 11:30–21:30, Sat 12:00–21:30, Sun 17:00–21:30 Bæjarlind 14-16, Kópavogur (552-2525) — weekdays 11:30–21:00, Sat 12:00–21:00, Sun 17:00–21:00

Monkeys is a casual dining spot in central Reykjavik known for its laid-back atmosphere and eclectic menu that blends international comfort food with local ingredients. The restaurant draws both locals and visitors looking for good quality meals without the formality or price tag of Reykjavik's fancier establishments. It's a reliable choice if you want somewhere friendly to grab lunch or dinner in the heart of the city.

Sól is a cozy restaurant in central Reykjavik known for its casual Nordic cuisine and relaxed atmosphere. The menu focuses on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients prepared with straightforward technique—think fish, lamb, and seasonal vegetables prepared simply. It's a good spot if you want solid Icelandic food without the formality or high prices of fancier establishments.

Thai matstofan is a casual Thai restaurant in central Reykjavik serving authentic Southeast Asian cuisine at reasonable prices. The menu offers familiar Thai dishes—curries, pad thai, and stir-fries—prepared with genuine flavors and fresh ingredients, making it a dependable choice for quality Thai food without the upscale price tag of fancier establishments in the city. It's popular with locals looking for a satisfying meal outside the typical Icelandic dining scene.

Studlagil Inn is a cosy restaurant located near the Studlagil Canyon in East Iceland, serving home-cooked Icelandic fare in a warm, informal setting. The restaurant draws visitors exploring the dramatic basalt canyon landscape and offers hearty dishes featuring local ingredients—a good spot to refuel after hiking or sightseeing in the area. It's one of the few dining options in this remote part of the country, making it a practical stop for travellers venturing into Iceland's less-visited eastern reaches.