Top 25 Best Restaurants in Reykjavik

Top 5 Fusion Cuisine Restaurants in Reykjavik

In recent years, boundaries between culinary traditions have faded and creative chefs have learned that good food is good food, no matter where it originates from. In Reykjavik, that's no exception, where you can find many wonderful restaurants that serve food inspired by different cuisines around the world. These are our favorite restaurants in Reykjavik for the adventurous eater.

5. Forréttabarinn

The concept of Forréttabarinn lies in its name, which translates to "The Appetizer Bar." Simply put, this restaurant only serves appetizers, or horse d'oeuvre if you want to get fancy. That doesn't mean you won't get satiated. It just means you have the chance to try out many different flavourful dishes throughout the night.

Anything from a classic Icelandic langoustine soup to a crispy duck wrap, from a chicken quesadilla to a quinoa mushroom burger, you are sure to find the starter that's just right for you. On top of that, this is also a great bar to get cocktails or beer on draft.

Located by the Reykjavik harbor in an old factory building, it gives a rustic charm and, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, it's a great way to start your night in the town of Reykjavik.

Book your table at Forréttabarinn right now!

4. Hnoss

One of the premier destinations to visit while staying in Reykjavik is the famous Harpa Concert Hall, known for its nightly light show and the mesmerizing patterns of its multiple-shaped glass panels. So, if you're planning to visit the lovely Harpa, why not enjoy a delicious meal while there?

Hnoss is a great restaurant located on the ground floor of Harpa, meaning there's no other restaurant in Iceland with a higher ceiling! Surrounded by this architectural wonder, you can dine on their seasonal-dependent menu using fresh Icelandic ingredients, with vegetarian options. It has an average Google review rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

The service is good, the cocktails are great (try the espresso martini), and ask your waiter about their ever-changing two-course offer of the day.

Book a table at Hnoss Restaurant today!

3. Apotek Kitchen + Bar

For over a decade, Apotek Kitchen + Bar has been a premiere destination for locals and visitors alike looking for delicious food and great drinks. Located in the historic building of the city's first apothecary (i.e. pharmacy), from which the restaurant draws its name. It's right in the heart of the city center of Reykjavik, making it a perfect way to get acquainted with the atmosphere of the downtown area.

The food at Apotek is quite varied, you can try a crispy duck on a Belgian waffle, a Danish crown ribeye or go for a hearty rump steak burger! There are also plenty of vegetarian options, so everybody is sure to find something to their liking.

Being an "apothecary," you can, of course, get delicious alcoholic concoctions from the talented mixologists behind the bar. Cocktails on the menu range from "stimulants" to "stress relievers," and if you're not in the mood for alcohol, you can go for a virgin cocktail, or "placebo" as they call it.

Apotek Kitchen + Bar is also a great stop for brunch and they offer a mouth-watering afternoon tea menu as well, with a selection of sweet and savory treats and special blend teas made specifically for Apotek.

It has an average Google rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. All customers of Guide to Iceland have access to the VIP Club, which will give you a 20% discount on the food menu at Apotek from Sundays to Thursdays!

Book your spot at Apotek Kitchen + Bar now!

2. Fiskfélagið (The Fish Company)

The Fish Company is an eclectic restaurant in downtown Reykjavik. The menu draws inspiration not only from Icelandic cuisine but also from French, Irish, Argentinian, and Japanese cuisine, among many others. You could even get a proper Faroese-style sizzled skate and scallops if you're feeling frisky!

It's also possible to order a five-course meal that takes you on a gastronomical journey around the world, so to speak. If you're looking to try something Icelandic, there's also a four-course meal exploring staples of Icelandic cuisine.

They have an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, and the menu is inventive, fun, and extremely varied. The chefs will make small changes to your dish when they feel like it, so you never really know what to expect. Waiters are casual, laid back, and fun, and you'll feel at ease at once.

Reserve your table at the Fish Company today!

1. Monkeys

One of the trendiest restaurants in town, Monkeys has everything you need for a memorable dining experience. It has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. The first thing that catches your attention is the eye-popping detail-oriented chic décor that characterizes this restaurant. Fringed lampshades, colorful chairs, wooden panels, and their signature aquatic monkey statues set the tone for this special place.

Once you're seated, you have a choice of various delicious courses inspired by so-called Nikkei cuisine, which combines Japanese cooking techniques with the diverse flavors of Peru, while utilizing the freshest ingredients from Iceland, creating something totally unique. There's also an expansive wine selection from all over the world, so don't hesitate to ask your waiter what wine pairs best with the dish of your choice.

After enjoying the exotic and delicious food at Monkeys, you might want a refreshing cocktail to top off the evening. Within Monkeys, you will find its very own cocktail bar with a separate entrance called Kokteilbarinn. You can then enjoy your cocktail while sitting in a full-sized old-timey railroad car located inside the restaurant, which gives off fun Hogwarts Express vibes. Anything from a classic mojito, to the advanced aji pepper margarita. This restaurant has anything you'd want for an unforgettable night in Reykjavik.

All members of the VIP Club of Guide to Iceland can enjoy a 20% discount off the food menu every day of the week, and a whopping 40% discount off set menus on Mondays and Thursdays. So, if you're a customer of Guide to Iceland, don't hesitate to secure your spot!

Make sure to book a table at Monkeys Restaurant today!

Top 5 International Cuisine Restaurants in Reykjavik

For thousands of years, food has brought people together, and no matter where you are in the world, you can find authentic and delicious cuisine from different countries, even in remote northern islands like Iceland. These are just some of our favorite restaurants in Reykjavik that excel at their national cuisine.

• See also: Top 9 Italian Restaurants in Reykjavik

5. Austur-Indíafjelagið 🇮🇳

Opening in 1994, Austur-Indíafjelagið (named after the historic East India Company) has been providing first-rate authentic Indian food with fresh Icelandic ingredients for nearly three decades.

When the restaurant was first opened, it provided simple Indian food for takeaway. Over the years, it has blossomed into a high-class restaurant with beautiful décor of Indian origin, while the takeaway food has been relegated to their subsidiary Hraðlestin, which has four locations in the capital region.

This family-owned restaurant imports all its spices from India, which gives it that authentic Indian flavor you're looking for. You wouldn't expect such genuine Indian food in the northernmost capital of the world, far away from the tropical climate of its home, but Austur-Indíafjelagið simply hits the mark.

Austur-Indíafjelagið has an average Google review rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. You can find it on Hverfisgata Street, parallel to the bustling shopping street of Laugavegur, in an unassuming house with a beautiful interior, where it has remained since it was first opened.

Book a table at Austur-Indíafjelagið!

4. Jómfrúin 🇩🇰

For centuries, Iceland was ruled by the Danish crown until declaring independence in 1944. While relations between the two nations were strained at times, today, it's all water under the bridge, and Icelanders can enjoy delicious Danish cuisine at Jómfrúin in downtown Reykjavik.

Established in 1996, Jómfrúin is the premiere destination in Iceland for authentic Danish smørrebrød, an open-faced rye bread sandwich featuring various combinations of seafood, meat, vegetables, and condiments on top.

In addition to the wide variety of different smørrebrød available, the restaurant also offers a great selection of Scandinavian main courses. It has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Jómfrúin is open from 11 AM to 10 PM every day and also makes for a great place for brunch. On a sunny day, it's a good place to sit outside and enjoy a nice meal or a beverage at the seating area behind the restaurant. Every Sunday during the summer, there's an intimate live jazz concert outside the restaurant between 3 and 5 PM.

Reserve your table at Jómfrúin today!

3. Sümac 🇱🇧

Sümac is a fantastic restaurant that takes the best of Icelandic ingredients, such as lamb and fish, and turns them into a Middle Eastern-style feast for your taste buds. The range of flavors found on the menu is a true delight, including yogurt sauces, pomegranate, coriander, fennel, lentils, almonds, dates, and, of course, sümac, which is a dried reddish fruit with a tangy flavor.

Headed by the Michelin-starred chef Thrainn Freyr Vigfusson, who also runs the restaurant ÓX mentioned above, located in the same building. Sümac is working towards its very own star and already has a Michelin review in its favor. It has an average Google review rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, and if you want a deeper dive into what makes this restaurant a great place to dine, you can read our review of Sümac.

The interior of Sümac takes its inspiration from Beirut, Lebanon, which has sometimes been called the Paris of the East, giving it a rustic Mediterranean feel. The restaurant also has a cocktail bar with a great selection of drinks, with emphasis on not only taste but color!

Make sure to book your table at Sümac in advance!

2. Tres Locos 🇲🇽

In a charming red building with roller blinds covered windows by Ingolfstorg square in downtown Reykjavik, you would never expect the Mexican fantasy wonderland that lies within. As you step in the door, you hear the enticing sounds of Mesoamerican music and see the walls covered in Day of the Dead masks, Calavera skulls, and mariachi hats, surrounded by cactuses!

On the upper floor, you will see a huge mural of a Mexican luchador wrestler in all its glory. Even in the bathrooms, the paper towel dispenser is not some typical plastic container but a repurposed wooden wine box. The number of details in the décor of Tres Locos is what stands out right away before you even sit down to eat.

When it's time to eat, the playfulness of the restaurant's design is reflected in the vibrant Mexican cuisine it serves, full of flavor and color. You can go for a selection of tacos, quesadillas, or tostadas, which all have their own distinct character. The sweet plantain (banana) crackers dipped in spicy salsa is to die for!

It has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. The service is excellent, the presentation of the food is fantastic and the cocktails are worth a try as well. Depending on the cocktail, it might be served in a skull glass or a sombrero, there's only one way to find out!

Book your table today at Tres Locos!

1. Tapas Barinn 🇪🇸

Tapas Barinn is a staple in the Icelandic restaurant scene, having been around since 2000 and always remaining popular. The restaurant is located in an intimate cellar with its signature uneven white "stucco" walls, which makes you feel like you're dining at a hidden restaurant somewhere in Andalusía. To set the mood even further, only Spanish flamenco and pop music are played throughout the night, and we wouldn't want it any other way.

What the restaurant excels at is using the finest Icelandic ingredients and serving them in a Spanish tapas style. These are small, bite-sized dishes that delight the palate. As soon as you've finished one dish, the next one is not far behind, and on and on, they keep coming until you're completely stuffed and satisfied at the end of the night.

You can order a la carte or go for a set menu. The most popular for visitors is the "Icelandic Gourmet Feast," which includes puffin, arctic char, and skyr, giving you a taste of Icelandic food classics with a Spanish twist. For those who are truly brave, you can try the "Journey into the Unknown," which is a combination of seafood, meat, and vegetables specially selected by the chef for that evening.

Tapas Barinn has an average Google review rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. All customers of Guide to Iceland can claim a 20% discount off the food menu from Sundays to Thursdays by using the VIP Club!

Reserve your table at Tapas Barinn right now!

Top 5 Cheap Restaurants in Reykjavik

Reykjavik has a fantastic restaurant scene with plenty of options, from fine dining to delicious fast food. These are the more affordable options for a great cheap meal in Iceland's capital.

• Learn more: Where to Eat in Reykjavik: 12 Spots for Dining on a Budget

5. Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

No list of cheap food in Reykjavik could be complete without a mention of the Icelandic hot dog!

While not actually a restaurant, you can always head to Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, the legendary hot dog stand in Reykjavik, for an affordable meal. This small stand has been serving hot dogs since 1937 and, over the years, has become a must-visit spot for both locals and tourists alike.

Icelandic hot dogs are famous for their unique flavor, thanks to a mix of lamb, beef, and pork in the sausage. But the real magic lies in the toppings. When you order “eina með öllu” (one with everything), you’ll get a delicious combination of ketchup, sweet brown mustard, mayonnaise-based remoulade, raw onions, and crispy fried onions. It’s a flavor-packed experience that you won’t forget!

While you can technically find Icelandic hot dogs almost anywhere in the country, at gas stations, corner shops, the airport, and even IKEA, this specific stand in Reykjavik is truly iconic. It has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, and with its long history, central location, and status as a cultural landmark, it's a standout choice for trying this local specialty.

With its rich history and celebrity fans like Bill Clinton and Gordon Ramsay, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur has become an Icelandic institution. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a taste of local culture, a visit to this legendary spot is a must!

• Check out the Ultimate Guide to the Famous Icelandic Hot Dog

4. 101 Reykjavik Street Food

If you're in need of some tasty, easy, and cheap comfort food, then 101 Reykjavik Street Food is here to deliver. They serve a taste of traditional Icelandic comfort dishes and it's perfect for warming up on a cold day with hearty and delicious meals. It's located on Skolavordustigur street, within a 10-minute walk from the Hallgrimskirkja church.

The menu features Icelandic classics like "kjötsúpa" meat soup with tender lamb, potatoes, and carrots, as well as plokkfiskur fish stew and rich langoustine soup. If you prefer something familiar, you can also enjoy fish and chips or a satisfying noodle soup with chicken, beef, or a vegan vegetable option.

Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional Icelandic meal or just a quick, comforting bite, 101 Reykjavik Street Food is an affordable and satisfying choice. It has a Google review rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

3. Svarta Kaffið

Photo taken from Svarta Kaffið.

For more than 20 years, Svarta Kaffið has been a beloved spot on Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping street, and it has become a local landmark in its own right. Known for its cozy atmosphere and no-fuss approach to food, this café has earned fans from all over the world with its signature dish: hearty soup served in a bread bowl.

The menu at Svarta Kaffið is refreshingly simple. They offer just two soups each day, typically one meat-based and one vegetarian. Both are rich, flavorful, and perfect for warming up after a day of exploring Reykjavik. The bread bowl is both the vessel and an essential part of the meal, as tearing off pieces of freshly baked bread to enjoy with the soup is part of the experience.

They don’t take reservations, so you can stop by whenever it suits you, and the friendly staff will do their best to find you a spot. It has an average Google rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, and whether you need a quick and satisfying lunch or a cozy dinner, this café is a fantastic choice.

2. Icelandic Street Food

Photo taken from Icelandic Street Food

Icelandic Street Food brought a new concept to Reykjavik, making it easy to try the traditional home-style Icelandic cuisine for a cheap price. It's located along Laekjargata Street, right in the heart of Reykjavik, and serves a classic plokkfiskur fish stew served with Icelandic rye bread and butter, a traditional kjötsúpa lamb soup, and a tasty shellfish soup. These classic dishes make for the perfect comfort dish!

For dessert, enjoy classic Icelandic happy marriage cake or go for the pancakes served rolled up with sugar, exactly as you'd find them served in Icelandic homes. It has an excellent average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, and they don't take reservations, so make sure to stop by if you're craving an affordable and delicious taste of Iceland.

1. Litli Barinn

Litli Barinn is a neighborhood bar that opened in early 2024 but has quickly become popular for its delicious quality food at good prices. It's a 5-minute walk from Ingolfstorg square and is by the entrance of the Local 101 Hotel, hidden away along a quiet side street. It has an incredible average Google rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Litli Barinn’s menu is packed with delicious options. You can go for small dishes like soft-boiled eggs over skyr with hollandaise and roe, or melted brie with honey and pistachio, or go for a larger main like the lamb sausages, all made with healthy, local ingredients. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices, and the prices are surprisingly affordable.

Litli Barinn also has some of Reykjavik’s best margaritas, a great wine selection, and a daily happy hour from 3 PM to 6 PM. The Icelandic music and cozy mood make it perfect for a casual night out or a romantic date.

Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend booking ahead to ensure a seat. Guide to Iceland customers can even enjoy a 20% discount off the menu or a complimentary small dish with any wine bottle order, making Litli Barinn a must-visit spot for an affordable dinner in Reykjavik.

You can book your table at Litli Barinn here

• Also, check out our Review of Litli Barinn: A Neighborhood Gem

What is your favorite restaurant in Reykjavik? Which restaurant are you most excited about trying out? Are there any restaurants we missed? Please let us know in the comments below!