North Iceland Food Guide
Best Restaurants in Akureyri
Akureyri's top dining spots — fresh seafood, rooftop views over Eyjafjörður, and cosy local bars.
Where to Eat in Akureyri
Akureyri is Iceland's second city and has a surprisingly vibrant food scene. Perched at the end of the deep Eyjafjörður fjord in North Iceland, the town offers fresh local seafood, creative sushi, and hearty Icelandic comfort food year-round.
Whether you're passing through on the Ring Road or basing yourself here for whale watching and skiing, Akureyri has excellent restaurants for every budget.
Top Restaurants

Ak-inn
Ak-inn is a well-known quick-service restaurant located in Akureyri, North Iceland. The restaurant offers a variety of fast and affordable meals including burgers, sandwiches, fries, and soft drinks, making it a convenient stop for both locals and travellers exploring the region. Its location near the main road through Akureyri makes it especially popular for visitors continuing along the Ring Road or heading toward nearby attractions in Eyjafjörður. Ak-inn is valued for its quick service, casual atmosphere, and reliable menu options, making it an easy choice for families, road-trip travellers, and anyone looking for a fast meal stop in North Iceland.

Akureyri backpackers
Akureyri backpackers is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Axelsbakarí
Axelsbakarí is a traditional Reykjavík bakery located near Hallgrímskirkja in the city centre. Known for freshly baked bread, sandwiches, pastries, and Icelandic-style breakfast options, it is a popular morning stop for both locals and visitors exploring downtown Reykjavík. Its convenient location makes it an easy and reliable choice for a quick coffee break or takeaway before continuing along nearby walking routes.

Bakaríið við Brúna
Bakaríið við Brúna is a well-known artisan bakery located near the Glerá river and Glerártorg shopping area in Akureyri. The bakery offers a wide selection of freshly baked bread, Icelandic pastries, cakes, sandwiches, soups, and light meals prepared daily on site. It has been a favourite stop for locals and travellers for many years thanks to its convenient location along one of the town’s main access routes and its reputation for quality baked goods. Visitors often stop here for breakfast, takeaway coffee, or a relaxed lunch before continuing their journey around North Iceland.

Bautinn
Bautinn Restaurant is a well-known dining spot located in the centre of Akureyri on Hafnarstræti. Established in 1992, it has become a popular choice for both locals and visitors seeking a relaxed meal in North Iceland’s largest town. The restaurant offers a varied menu featuring Icelandic fish dishes, lamb, burgers, soups, and vegetarian options, making it suitable for families and travellers alike. With its convenient downtown location near shops, the harbour area, and key attractions, Bautinn is a practical and welcoming stop while exploring Akureyri. 🍽️nd seafood dishes.

Berlin
Berlin is a café in North Iceland, Iceland. Iceland's café culture is warm and welcoming, offering a respite from the weather with excellent coffee, home-baked goods, and a cosy atmosphere. This is the kind of place where locals linger over coffee and visitors feel immediately at home.

Bláa Kannan
Bláa Kannan is a cozy café located on Hafnarstræti in the centre of Akureyri. Housed in the historic blue “Paris House” building from 1913, the café is known for its homemade cakes, coffee, soups, and light lunches, and is one of the most iconic café stops in North Iceland.

Brauðgerðarhús
Brauðgerðarhús is a bakery in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic bakeries are beloved community institutions, known for their freshly baked bread, kleina (twisted doughnuts), snúðar (cinnamon rolls), and strong coffee. The smell of fresh baking is one of Iceland's most comforting experiences.

Brynja
Brynja is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Café Cow
Café Cow is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Centrum Kitchen & Bar
Centrum Kitchen & Bar is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland serving American. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Dæli
Dæli is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland serving regional. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

dj grill
dj grill is a quick-service restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland serving Burgers. Whether you need a quick meal between sightseeing or a late-night bite, this is a practical stop for travellers.

Engimýri
Engimýri is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Eyja
Eyja is a café in North Iceland, Iceland. Iceland's café culture is warm and welcoming, offering a respite from the weather with excellent coffee, home-baked goods, and a cosy atmosphere. This is the kind of place where locals linger over coffee and visitors feel immediately at home.

Greifinn
Greifinn is a classic Akureyri steakhouse and pizzeria popular with families and visitors for its generous portions.

Iðunn Mathöll
Iðunn Mathöll is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Ísbúðin Akureyri
Ísbúðin Akureyri is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Ísgerðin Akureyri
Ísgerðin Akureyri is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland serving ice_cream. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Kaffi Hælið
Kaffi Hælið is a café in North Iceland, Iceland serving Coffee. Iceland's café culture is warm and welcoming, offering a respite from the weather with excellent coffee, home-baked goods, and a cosy atmosphere. This is the kind of place where locals linger over coffee and visitors feel immediately at home.

Kaffi Hornið
Akureyri's oldest café, a beloved gathering place serving comfort food and excellent coffee since 1978.

Kaffi Ilmur
Kaffi Ilmur is a café in North Iceland, Iceland. Iceland's café culture is warm and welcoming, offering a respite from the weather with excellent coffee, home-baked goods, and a cosy atmosphere. This is the kind of place where locals linger over coffee and visitors feel immediately at home.

Kaffi LYST
Kaffi LYST is a café in North Iceland, Iceland serving Coffee. Iceland's café culture is warm and welcoming, offering a respite from the weather with excellent coffee, home-baked goods, and a cosy atmosphere. This is the kind of place where locals linger over coffee and visitors feel immediately at home.

Kaffistofan
Kaffistofan is a café in North Iceland, Iceland serving Coffee. Iceland's café culture is warm and welcoming, offering a respite from the weather with excellent coffee, home-baked goods, and a cosy atmosphere. This is the kind of place where locals linger over coffee and visitors feel immediately at home.

Karólína
Karólína is a beloved local bistro in Akureyri serving hearty Icelandic comfort food in a warm, rustic atmosphere.

Ketilkaffi
Ketilkaffi is a café in North Iceland, Iceland. Iceland's café culture is warm and welcoming, offering a respite from the weather with excellent coffee, home-baked goods, and a cosy atmosphere. This is the kind of place where locals linger over coffee and visitors feel immediately at home.

Kristjánsbakarí
Kristjánsbakarí is a bakery in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic bakeries are beloved community institutions, known for their freshly baked bread, kleina (twisted doughnuts), snúðar (cinnamon rolls), and strong coffee. The smell of fresh baking is one of Iceland's most comforting experiences.

Krua Siam
Krua Siam is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland serving Thai. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Kung fu express
Kung fu express is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Leirunesti
Leirunesti is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

LYST
LYST is a café in North Iceland, Iceland. Iceland's café culture is warm and welcoming, offering a respite from the weather with excellent coffee, home-baked goods, and a cosy atmosphere. This is the kind of place where locals linger over coffee and visitors feel immediately at home.

Malik
Malik is a quick-service restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland serving Kebab. Whether you need a quick meal between sightseeing or a late-night bite, this is a practical stop for travellers.

Mói Bistro
Mói Bistro is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland serving international. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Múlaberg
Múlaberg is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

North
North is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Oshi
Oshi is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland serving Sushi. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Pizzasmiðjan
Pizzasmiðjan is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland serving Pizza. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Pylsner
Pylsner is a quick-service restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland serving sausage. Whether you need a quick meal between sightseeing or a late-night bite, this is a practical stop for travellers.

Pylsuvagninn á Akureyri
Pylsuvagninn á Akureyri is a quick-service restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland. Whether you need a quick meal between sightseeing or a late-night bite, this is a practical stop for travellers.

Rub23
Rub23 is one of the most celebrated restaurants in Akureyri, renowned for creative sushi rolls and fresh North Iceland seafood.

Sjanghæ
Sjanghæ is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland serving Chinese. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Sprettur-Inn
Sprettur-Inn is a quick-service restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland serving Pizza. Whether you need a quick meal between sightseeing or a late-night bite, this is a practical stop for travellers.

Strikið
Strikið is a popular rooftop restaurant in central Akureyri offering panoramic views over Eyjafjörður. The restaurant serves a varied menu featuring Icelandic ingredients alongside international dishes and is especially known for its outdoor terrace during the summer months. It is a favorite dining spot for both locals and visitors exploring North Iceland.

Sykurverk Café
Sykurverk Café is a café in North Iceland, Iceland. Iceland's café culture is warm and welcoming, offering a respite from the weather with excellent coffee, home-baked goods, and a cosy atmosphere. This is the kind of place where locals linger over coffee and visitors feel immediately at home.

Taste
Taste is a quick-service restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland serving chicken. Whether you need a quick meal between sightseeing or a late-night bite, this is a practical stop for travellers.

Terían
Terían is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Veganesti
Veganesti is a quick-service restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland. Whether you need a quick meal between sightseeing or a late-night bite, this is a practical stop for travellers.

Verksmiðjan
Verksmiðjan is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Wok to Walk
Wok to Walk is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland serving noodle. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.
Bars & Drinks

Beer Lounge
€€Beer Lounge is a pub in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic bars are lively social hubs, especially on weekend nights when the famous Reykjavík pub crawl (rúntur) takes over the city. Good drinks, local beer, and friendly company make Icelandic bar culture a memorable experience.

Bryggjan Brugghús
$$Waterfront brewery and pizzeria with house-made beers and wood-fired pizza.

Götubarinn
€Götubarinn is a lively neighborhood pub located on Hafnarstræti, the main street of Akureyri in North Iceland. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and central location, the bar is a popular meeting place for both locals and visitors exploring the town’s compact downtown area. Götubarinn offers a selection of beers, cocktails, and casual drinks in a friendly setting that reflects Akureyri’s welcoming small-town nightlife culture. Its location within walking distance of the harbor, restaurants, and cultural attractions makes it a convenient stop for an evening out in the heart of the town.

Græni hatturinn
€€Græni hatturinn is a bar in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic bars are lively social hubs, especially on weekend nights when the famous Reykjavík pub crawl (rúntur) takes over the city. Good drinks, local beer, and friendly company make Icelandic bar culture a memorable experience.

GrillStofan Sport Bar
€€GrillStofan Sport Bar is a pub in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic bars are lively social hubs, especially on weekend nights when the famous Reykjavík pub crawl (rúntur) takes over the city. Good drinks, local beer, and friendly company make Icelandic bar culture a memorable experience.

Ölstofa Akureyrar
€€Ölstofa Akureyrar is a pub in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic bars are lively social hubs, especially on weekend nights when the famous Reykjavík pub crawl (rúntur) takes over the city. Good drinks, local beer, and friendly company make Icelandic bar culture a memorable experience.

R5 Micro Bar
€A cozy and welcoming craft beer bar in the heart of Akureyri, with a rotating selection of local and international brews.
Dining Tips for Akureyri
- →Rub23 is the most sought-after table in town — book ahead during summer.
- →Strikið has the best views in Akureyri — go at dusk for golden light over the fjord.
- →Most restaurants in Akureyri are within walking distance of the main street Hafnarstræti.
- →In summer, the midnight sun means you can dine outdoors until very late.
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