Why is there such a robust collection of high-quality restaurants in Reykjavik? One resident explains that it comes down to word of mouth. If a restaurateur or chef lets his or her standards slip, everyone soon hears about it and traffic in the dining room can come to a halt almost immediately. In order from breakfast through lunch and dinner, here are ten dining options in the capital of Iceland that have either stood the test of time, offer unique dining options, or would raise the culinary bar in any world class city.
CAFÉ LOKI
One of the best breakfast spots in the city offers views of the famous Hallgrimskirkja church and a selection of traditional Icelandic eats to start a busy day of sightseeing. The menu features rye bread with egg and herring, pancakes filled with skyr yogurt and topped with caramel, and the unique rye bread ice cream. While many hotels (Parliament and Midgardur by Center Hotels especially) offer an amazing in-house breakfast, it is worth getting to Café Loki if not only for a change of scenery, but to experience this bustling café.
Lokastígur 28, 101 Reykjavík
ÍSEY SKYR BAR
Skyr—Icelandic yogurt—is as much a way of life as it is a food. Rooted deep in Icelandic culture, this thick and creamy version of yogurt can be found as ingredients at top restaurants or as grab-and-go snacks at local gas stations. Ísey Skyr Bar in Reykjavík provides visitors with a varied representation of the protein-rich, fat-free dairy product. The menu features skyr-based bowls, smoothies, and juices, including lactose-free options, making this a popular spot for health-conscious locals and visitors.
Hringbraut 12, 101 Reykjavík
BæJARINS BEZTU PYLSUR
This City Centre landmark became semi-famous stateside when former President Bill Clinton stopped for a hot dog in 2004 while attending the UNICEF conference. While POTUS’ order became a namesake menu item (just mustard) the best way to enjoy a pylsa is with everything—ketchup, a sweet brown mustard called Pylsusinnep, fried and raw white onions, and remoulade with sweet relish. But the real secret is lamb. Modern pylsur are a mix of uniquely seasoned lamb, pork, and beef.
Tryggvagata 1, 101 Reykjavík
KAFFIVAGNINN
Iceland’s oldest restaurant is Kaffivagninn. Opened in 1935 to provide coffee (another national point of pride) to dockworkers, this place has turned into a soul-warming lunch spot on the waterfront. Still local enough to have a real vibe of regulars, Kaffivagninn offers traditional Icelandic dishes like fish stew, smørrebrød, and rye bread with herring. The fish stew is amazing, and a portion comes with a refill and plenty of good bread.
Grandagarður 10, 101 Reykjavík
ICELANDIC STREET FOOD
Speaking of soup, one Icelandic tourist hotspot specializes in soup and has become a must-visit eatery to not only get a fix of heritage-inspired bowls but also save a few krona during a visit to a city where money can disappear quickly. Here, the refills are unlimited and diners rave about the traditional lamb soup with root vegetables and the rich shellfish soup made from langoustine broth. Save room for some sweets, especially the Happy Marriage Cake or rolled oat pancakes with brown sugar and homemade jam.
Lækjargata 8, 101 Reykjavík
KOL
Steeped in global culinary influences, Kol offers ultra-modern dining infused with Icelandic ingredients. Cozy and stylish, this City Centre establishment features a contemporary Icelandic design paired with a menu of charcoal-grilled steaks, fresh seafood, and inventive vegan dishes. The Kol Royal tasting menu features items like foie gras mousse and reindeer fillet (without the overhype found at “touristy” spots). Kol is also home to one of the city’s hottest cocktail bars.
Skólavörðustígur 40, 101 Reykjavík
MAT BAR
One of Reykjavik’s first restaurants to be heralded for its opulent flavor profiles, Mat Bar has proven itself to be at the pinnacle of refined-rustic eating. After living in Italy, proprietor Guðjón Hauksson collaborates with local culinary talents to create a truly unique dining experience in Reykjavik. The menu blends Italian and Nordic traditions to present small plates like cauliflower dip with hazelnuts, celeriac kebabs, and homemade ricotta to emphasize seasonal Icelandic ingredients.
Hverfisgata 26, 101 Reykjavík
FROKEN REYKJAVIK
An Art Deco touch lightens the dining mood at Froken Reykjavík Kitchen & Bar (located in the Hotel Reykjavík Saga). Crafted by head chef Ómar Stefánsson, the menu emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, like lamb tartare with mustard seeds, and butter-seared cod with thyme and leeks. The restaurant features one of Iceland’s most impressive wine collections set off by a stunning indoor winter garden. Froken Reykjavik has taken advantage of the hotel rooftop for special events—it is an amazing view.
Lækjargata 12, 101 Reykjavík
SKAL!
Part chip on the shoulder, and part creativity to back it up, Skal! stylizes its name with an exclamation point. Drawing on their humble beginning in the food hall of the Reykjavik bus stop, the three friends who started this “best goddamn restaurant” in Reykjavik (by Reykjavik Grapevine) just know what they are doing. Skal! is one of the hottest tables in Reykjavik. The restaurant offers a 5- and 8-course tasting menu as well as an a la carte menu. The cod wings are highly recommended for US travelers.
Njálsgata 1, 101 Reykjavík
MATUR OG DRYKKUR
And our top recommendation for culinarians visiting the land of fire and ice literally translates to “food and drinks.” Nestled into a corner of the Saga Museum on the edge of the Old Harbour, Matur og Drykkur is the city spot to get the best feel for Icelandic culinary tradition. Blending old world customs and ingredients into a nouvelle cuisine experience, Matur og Drykkur presents a 10-course prix fixe based on seasonal ingredients. Do not miss a chance to add on a flame-basted cod head.
Grandagarður 2, 101 Reykjavík