The best restaurants in Iceland showcase fresh, local ingredients that you’ll absolutely love!
With wild-caught seafood straight from the surrounding waters, locally raised free-roaming lamb, and even bread baked using natural geothermal heat (yes, it’s actually a thing!), Icelandic cuisine is truly something special.
While traditional Icelandic dishes like fermented shark and sheep’s head might raise a few eyebrows, don’t worry – the food scene here has evolved to include something for everyone.
Since importing food is expensive, chefs have gotten SUPER creative with what’s available locally, and the results are absolutely delicious. 🤤
Over the years, I’ve tracked down some of the best Ring Road restaurants (and beyond!), and am happy to report that I’ve found some absolute gems! 🙌
I’ve put together a list of the top restaurants in Iceland, neatly organized by region just for you!
So, if the idea of sipping rich soup, trying freshly caught fish, and digging into amazing local dishes sounds like music to your ears, you’ll be eating like a king in Iceland.
Feeling hungry?
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents:
- Best Restaurants in South Iceland
- Iceland Restaurants in East Iceland
- Best Restaurants in Iceland: North Iceland
- Top Restaurants in West Iceland
- Best Restaurants in Reykjavík: Capital Region
- Iceland Guidebooks + Maps with the Best Restaurants in Iceland
Best Restaurants in South Iceland
With waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches as some major attractions, South Iceland is very popular with visitors!
You’ll find anything from a quick bite from a food truck in Jökulsárlón to something more formal at the hotels and restaurants in the area.
Best Restaurants in Vík, Iceland:
Vík may be a small town, but you’ll find some fantastic dining options. Let’s check out a few local favorites in this charming seaside village.
Suður-Vík (Sudor Vík)
A lot of people traveling through Iceland head toward the black sand beaches near Vík, making this restaurant a perfect place to stop.
As if the little town of Vík weren’t perfect enough, there’s an old aluminum house perched on a hill with a packed parking lot. That’s Suður-Vík – an amazing place to enjoy a meal after a full day of exploring!
They recently expanded, adding more seating upstairs with fantastic views of Reynisfjara Beach!
Location: Suðurvíkurvegur 1 870 Vík, Iceland
Hours: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Sudurvik
Reservations: +354 487 1515, gets VERY busy in peak season.
Pro tip: I love their Thai dishes and pizzas!
Ströndin Pub, Vík
This pub in Vík offers stunning views of the black sand beach and serves fresh fish daily.
The menu features a tempting selection of burgers, stews, plates of pasta, loaded fries, Arctic Char, and tender Icelandic lamb. Just a few of the delicious options you’ll find!
With locally sourced ingredients and a cozy, welcoming vibe, it’s the perfect spot for great food and drinks.
Location: Austurvegur 18, 870 Vík, Iceland
Hours: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM daily.
Website: https://www.strondin.is/
Reservations: +354 790 1442
Systrakaffi
The food selection around Kirkjubæjarklaustur is a little slim, but Systrakaffi saves the day!
Their menu covers the basics, like burgers and pizzas, along with a few vegan options to choose from.
If you’ve never tried date pizza, now’s your chance! They also offer dessert, coffee, and a fully stocked bar.
There are a lot of options to choose from at Systrakaffi, no matter what you’re in the mood for.
Location: Klausturvegi 13, Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Hours: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM daily.
Website: http://www.systrakaffi.is
Reservations: +354 487 4848
Pro tip: You have to try an Icelandic favorite – cheese pizza with jam. It will change your life!
The Old Cowhouse
If you’re visiting Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, The Old Cowhouse on Hvassafell farm, Hvolsvöllur is a great spot for a casual meal.
This amazing little family restaurant serves 100% free-range and unprocessed meat, and the salads are made with fresh veggies straight from their garden.
Enjoy soup, bread, burgers, steak, and seafood. Plus, they bake their own bread every day.
It’s the kind of place where you can tell they really care about the quality of the food. For me, it’s one of the points that earns them a spot on the best restaurants in Iceland list!
Location: Hvassafell farm, Hvolsvöllur 861 Iceland
Hours: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Website: https://gamlafjosid.is/
Reservations: +354 4877788
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Iceland Restaurants in East Iceland
Known for its wild reindeer, fresh seafood, and locally grown produce, East Iceland’s food scene is all about fresh, regional flavors served in friendly, off-the-beaten-path eateries that are often overlooked.
Nielsen Restaurant
Nielsen is the oldest house in town, right in the heart of Egilsstaðir, East Iceland.
This is probably one of the cutest places I’ve ever visited!
No trip to East Iceland is complete without trying the Reindeer, I can’t even THINK about the reindeer platter without my mouth watering!
Bonus! There’s a lovely terrace where you can enjoy a meal outside in the summer.
Location: Tjarnarbraut 1, Egilsstaðir
Hours: Tues-Fri 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Website: https://nielsenrestaurant.is/?lang=en
Reservations:+354-471-2001
Pro tip: East Iceland is the only place where reindeer can be found, so it’s best to try it locally. At Nielsen, they cover it in wild blueberry sauce – it’s to die for!
Curious about some of the dishes I highly suggest you try in Iceland? Check out this video.👇
Íshúsið Pizzeria (Ishusid)
If you find yourself in the scenic coastal town of Höfn, make sure to stop by Íshúsið Pizzeria for a delicious pizza and cider.
Set in a beautifully restored old ice house, this cozy spot serves up pizzas with crispy, flavorful crusts and fresh, local toppings.
It’s no surprise Íshúsið won Tripadvisor’s Traveler’s Choice award in 2022!
With views overlooking the harbor, it’s the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring.
Location: Heppuvegur 2a, Höfn 780
Hours: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM daily.
Website: https://ishusidpizzeria.is/home-old/
Reservations: +354 4781 230
Discover more about this seriously underrated part of the country and why you should add it to your Iceland itinerary below.👇
➡️ READ: East Iceland: Your Guide to 7 Unforgettable Sites in This Beautiful Region
Best Restaurants in Iceland: North Iceland
North Iceland is home to some of the best whale watching in Europe.
If you’re exploring this region and wondering where the best places are to get a great meal, I suggest Akureyri, Mývatn and Húsavík.
Best Restaurants in Akureyri: Kaffi Ilmur
Walk up the stone steps to a beautiful yellow house, and you’ll step into Kaffi Ilmur, one of Akureyri’s oldest homes.
It’s the ideal place to enjoy freshly baked Icelandic cakes (made right upstairs!) or a hearty home-cooked meal.
Breakfast is served daily, and there’s a delicious brunch buffet on weekends.
Oh, and if coffee isn’t strong enough, they’ve got beer, wine, and spirits too!
This is easily one of the best restaurants in Akureyri!
Location: Hafnarstræti 107b, Akureyri.
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Sat-Sun 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Website: https://www.kaffiilmur.is/
Reservations:+354 680 5851
Pro tip: Don’t miss their weekend brunch buffet from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Vogafjós
In the North, Vogafjós is a farm-to-table Icelandic restaurant that, for me, defines the perfect dining spot.
Everything they serve is either directly from their farm or locally sourced around the Mývatn area.
Dining at Vogafjós isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience. You can enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Mývatn, or watch the cows being milked (at 7:30 AM and 5:30 PM!)
What about geothermal-baked bread? Yep, they have that too. How awesome is that?
This is definitely worthy of its spot amongst the best restaurants in Iceland.
If you need accommodation in Mývatn, consider staying at the Vogafjós guesthouse.
Location: 660 Mývatn
Hours: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Winter hours may vary.
Website: https://www.vogafjosfarmresort.is/en
Reservations: +354 464 3800
Pro tip: You absolutely have to try the lamb shanks for the main entrée. They’re SO tender and delicious – and, of course, local! For dessert, do not pass up the homemade Geysir bread ice cream.
(Note to self: start planning a trip to Mývatn immediately!)
Bryggjan Northeast Iceland
If you’re looking for a casual meal in a charming location, Bryggjan is the place to be.
Located right on the harbor in a historic building, the atmosphere is cozy and relaxed.
Americans will feel right at home, with ribs, burgers, and pizza on the menu, and 50s rock playing!
The service is fantastic, too.
Stopping by for lunch? There’s a daily pizza buffet at a very reasonable price!
Location: Strandgata 49, Akureyri
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM | Fri – Sat 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM
Website: https://www.happycow.net/reviews/bryggjan-akureyri-236614
Reservations: +354 440 6600
Pro tip: Their fish dishes are delicious, I had the trout served on a bed of potatoes and fresh salad.
Find out more about North Iceland here.👇
➡️ READ: Exploring North Iceland: 10 Spectacular Attractions You Can’t-Miss
Top Restaurants in West Iceland
Even though the western part of the Ring Road doesn’t have as many big sites as some of the other regions, don’t let that fool you! There are still incredible places to explore here.
Let’s see what’s cooking on the western side of the country. 😀
Bara Borgarnes
This pub is seriously dedicated to supporting its community. Their ingredients, and even the beer, come from local farms and breweries in the area!
But aside from the delicious food, what really stands out about Bara Borgarnes is the welcoming atmosphere.
If you can remember the show “Cheers,” this is exactly the vibe they’re going for. A place where everybody knows your name.
It has everything you’d want in a great pub: tasty food, generous portions, and a friendly vibe.
Expect to find burgers, fish and chips, lamb chops, and more on the menu.
Location: Brákarbraut 3, Borgarnes, 310
Hours: Tues – Wed 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Thurs 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM | 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Sat 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Sun 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Website: https://imvideo.wixsite.com/my-site
Reservations: +3548398860
Pro Tip: Come hungry because the portions are generous and the food is divine!
Best Restaurants in the Westfjords
The Westfjords are a detour off the Ring Road, but if you have time, they’re absolutely worth adding to your itinerary!
Along with the untouched beauty, you’ll also find a few culinary gems.
Tjöruhúsið in Ísafjörður
Don’t underestimate the smaller towns—some of the best restaurants in Iceland can be found there.
You’ll find a super fresh and delicious selection of fish dishes, and don’t be surprised if your fish was caught that very day!
This rustic restaurant in the charming town of Ísafjörður is renowned for being the best seafood restaurant in Iceland!
So if you love seafood and visiting the Westfjords, you’ve got to make a turn here!
Location: Neðstikaupstaður 1, Isafjordur 400 Iceland
Hours: Tues, Fri – Sun 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Wed 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Tjoruhusid/?locale=is_IS
Reservations: +354 456 4419
Pro Tip: They are mostly closed during wintertime (from early November – Easter). The hours during Spring are also irregular. So call ahead to make sure that they’re open!
The Westfjörds are NOT a region you want to tackle on the fly. Make sure you have a good plan, and a digital map with everything you need marked on it.
Check out my 👉 Westfjords Iceland Self-Drive Map for more info!
Westfjords Iceland Self-Drive Map
$10.00
The Westfjords Iceland Map is your essential guide to one of Iceland’s most secluded and stunning areas. Travel through the majestic Westfjords with my detailed self-drive map, perfect for those ready to get off the beaten path.
Best Restaurants in the Golden Circle
I know this isn’t technically on the Ring Road, but this Golden Circle restaurant is just a one-hour detour—and it’s so impressive, it deserves a mention! 👇
Friðheimar Farm (Fridheimar Restaurant)
This is another fantastic farm-to-table experience on this list, and I absolutely love the concept of this place!
Friðheimar is a massive greenhouse that grows tomatoes and cucumbers using completely sustainable and eco-friendly methods.
Even though it isn’t technically right on the Ring Road, this Golden Circle restaurant absolutely deserves a spot on the’ best restaurants in Iceland’ list!
Their most popular dish is the all-you-can-eat tomato soup served with an assortment of homemade bread.
This isn’t just any tomato soup; it’s without a doubt the most delicious tomato soup I’ve ever tasted!
What can you expect on the dessert menu? Tomato ice cream or cheesecake, anyone?! 😍
Location: Road 35, Reykholt
Hours: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM daily, all year round.
Website: http://fridheimar.is/en
Reservations: +354 486 8894, essential to book ahead!
Pro tip: Try the Healthy Mary, it’s a twist on the bloody mary and made with green tomato and gin. Delicious!
Best Restaurants in Reykjavík: Capital Region
If you’re looking for good places to eat in Reykjavík, there are so 👏 many 👏 options! 👏
Reykjavík’s food scene is buzzing with everything from Michelin-starred dining to trendy street food.
No matter what you’re craving, you’ll find something to love, including a variety of cuisines and plenty of options for gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian diets.
Fiskmarkaðurinn (The Fishmarket)
Sometimes you just want to spoil yourself for a night out in Reykjavík. For me, it means dropping by The Fishmarket in Reykjavík.
Described as a modern Icelandic restaurant with an Asian twist, you can expect incredible steak and seafood dishes.
This is always our go-to spot to celebrate our anniversary dinner. Yes, it’s on the expensive side but it’s totally worth it!
It might just be the best dinner in Reykjavík!
Location:Aðalstræti 12, Reykjavík, Iceland
Hours: Mon – Thur 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Fri – Sat 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM | Sun 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Website: https://www.fiskmarkadurinn.is/the-fishmarket
Reservations: +354 578 8877
Sægreifinn (Saegreifinn Restaurant)
Reykjavík is home to many of the best restaurants in Iceland, blending tradition with modern twists. But, that doesn’t mean it has to cost you an arm and a leg!
Sticking with the seafood theme, Sægreifinn is a great budget-friendly option.
They offer a variety of fish skewers, but the real star of the show? Their famous lobster soup, and trust me, it lives up to the hype!
Seriously, is there anything better than a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day?
Location: Geirsgata 4a, Reykjavík 101 Iceland
Hours: Mon-Sun 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (They close between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM daily.)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/saegreifinn.seabaron
Reservations: +354 553 1500
Traveling Iceland on a budget? One of the best ways to save is by making smart choices when it comes to dining.
Check out this blog post all about the best budget restaurants in Reykjavík.👇
➡️ READ: 10 Best Budget Restaurants in Reykjavík for Mouthwatering Cheap Eats
Snaps
If you’re looking for the best breakfast in Iceland, this French bistro is a great spot to grab a bite.
From eggs benedict to pancakes and a fresh fish of the day served Monday through Friday, the menu has some seriously irresistible dishes.
They also offer a dinner menu, but all in all one of the best restaurants in Iceland.
Location: Þórsgata 1, 101 Reykjavík
Hours: Breakfast: 07:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Brunch: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM | Dinner: 4:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Website: https://www.snaps.is/en
Reservations: +354 511 6677
If you’re in Reykjavik, hungry and have three hours to spare, I highly suggest taking the 👉 Reykjavík Food Walk Tour!
You’ll visit five local eateries, sampling up to eight delicious Icelandic dishes.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, this is the perfect way to experience the city’s vibrant food scene.
Book your foodie adventure using my 👉 VIP CODE: ICEVIEW for a 10% discount!
Dill Restaurant, Reykjavík
I couldn’t possibly compile a best restaurants in Iceland list without including the first Michelin-starred restaurant in the country!
Expect surprising flavor combos on the menu, and if you’re a wine lover, their organic wine list pairs perfectly with the dishes.
They even offer gluten-free options on their menu.
Location: Laugavegur 59, Reykjavík
Hours: Tues – Sat 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Website: https://www.dillrestaurant.is/en/home/
Reservations: +354 552 1522
Pro tip: Make sure to book ahead for this Michelin-star restaurant in Reykjavík!
Check out this post for all the best foodie hot spots in the city!👇
➡️ READ: Reykjavík Food & Drink Guide: The Best Foodie Hot Spots In Iceland’s Capital
Iceland Guidebooks + Maps with the Best Restaurants in Iceland
Planning a trip to Iceland should be exciting, not exhausting!
But I know firsthand how easy it is to get lost in the endless research, unsure about every decision and wondering if you’re missing out on something amazing.
Imagine having the best restaurants in Iceland, hidden gems you won’t find anywhere else, gas stations, restrooms, and top sites pinned on an easy-to-use digital map.
After years of exploring every corner of this country, I’ve put together the resources I wish I had when I was planning my first trip.
That’s why I’ve created my 👉 Iceland Maps + Guidebooks—to make sure you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, searching for accommodation, or mapping out the perfect road trip, my guides are here to make planning simple, and exciting!
And remember, you can indulge in Iceland’s incredible food scene by visiting the best restaurants in Iceland, not just Reykjavík.
Bonappétit and Happy Planning!
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Some meals were complimentary in exchange for being part of this guide. No other compensation was received. As always, all opinions are my own!
