Iceland Food Guide 2026
Best Restaurants in Reykjavík
Top picks for every budget — from Michelin star dining to the best fish and chips in Iceland.
Editor's Picks
Dill Restaurant is Iceland's first and only Michelin-star restaurant. Chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason pioneered New Nordic cuisine in Iceland using hyper-local Icelandic ingredients.
Messinn serves traditional Icelandic fish platters in cast iron pans — a beloved institution for visitors who want to experience authentic Icelandic cooking.
Brauð & Co is the city's most popular bakery. Arrive early — their cinnamon rolls and sourdough loaves sell out before noon.
All Top Restaurants

Apotek Kitchen & Bar
Apotek Kitchen & Bar is a stylish restaurant and cocktail bar in downtown Reykjavik located in a historic building near Austurvöllur square. It is known for modern Icelandic cuisine and creative cocktails.
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Dill Restaurant
Dill Restaurant is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Reykjavik known for modern Nordic cuisine made with local Icelandic ingredients and seasonal tasting menus.
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Fiskmarkaðurinn
The Fish Market is a celebrated Reykjavík restaurant blending Icelandic seafood with Asian cooking techniques.
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Fjallakötturinn
Fjallakötturinn is a traditional Icelandic restaurant in downtown Reykjavik known for classic Icelandic dishes such as lamb, fish, and homemade desserts served in a cozy historic setting.
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Fjallkonan Restaurant
Fjallkonan Restaurant is a modern Icelandic restaurant in downtown Reykjavik located at Ingólfstorg square. It offers traditional Icelandic dishes with a contemporary twist in a lively setting.
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Grillmarkadurinn
Grillmarkaðurinn is a popular Icelandic restaurant in downtown Reykjavik known for its creative dishes made with local ingredients such as lamb, seafood, and wild game.
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Hafnartorg Food Hall
Hafnartorg Food Hall is a modern food hall located in downtown Reykjavik near the harbor. It offers a wide variety of restaurants and street food options, making it a popular dining spot for locals and visitors.
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Kaffi Brennslan
Kaffi Brennslan is a popular café, restaurant, and bar located on Laugavegur, the main shopping and nightlife street in downtown Reykjavík. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and long opening hours, Brennslan is a favorite spot for both locals and travelers throughout the day. During the daytime, visitors can enjoy breakfast, brunch, and quality coffee in a cozy café environment. The menu includes classic brunch dishes, sandwiches, burgers, and Icelandic favorites, making it a great place to start the day while exploring Reykjavík. As the evening approaches, Kaffi Brennslan gradually transforms into a lively bar where guests can enjoy cocktails, wine, and beer in a relaxed and social atmosphere. Its central location makes it a popular meeting point before heading out to explore Reykjavík’s nightlife. Because it is open from morning until late night, Kaffi Brennslan is one of the most versatile spots in downtown Reykjavík — perfect for coffee, brunch, dinner, or late-night drinks.
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Kaffivagninn
Kaffivagninn is one of the oldest restaurants in Reykjavik located at the Old Harbour. Known for its traditional Icelandic dishes and historic atmosphere, it has been a favorite dining spot for locals and visitors for decades.
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Kol Restaurant
KOL Restaurant is a stylish restaurant in downtown Reykjavik known for modern Icelandic cuisine made with fresh local ingredients and a vibrant dining atmosphere.
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Messinn
Messinn is a popular seafood restaurant in Reykjavik known for traditional Icelandic fish dishes served in hot pans with potatoes, vegetables, and fresh local ingredients.
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Old Iceland Restaurant
Old Iceland Restaurant is a cozy restaurant in downtown Reykjavik known for serving traditional Icelandic dishes with a modern twist using fresh local ingredients.
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Prikið
Prikið Kaffihús is one of the oldest and most iconic cafés and bars in Reykjavik, located on Laugavegur. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, brunch, burgers, and nightlife, it is a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
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Pósthús Food Hall
Pósthús Food Hall is a popular food hall located in the historic former post office building in downtown Reykjavik. The venue brings together a variety of restaurants offering both Icelandic and international cuisine.
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ROK Restaurant
ROK Restaurant is a popular Icelandic restaurant located near Hallgrímskirkja in downtown Reykjavik. Known for its modern Nordic cuisine and stylish interior, it offers a variety of small plates inspired by traditional Icelandic ingredients.
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Reykjavík Kitchen
Reykjavík Kitchen is a cozy restaurant in downtown Reykjavik known for modern Icelandic cuisine made with fresh local ingredients and seasonal dishes.
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Saeta Svínid Gastropub
Sæta Svínið Gastropub is a cozy restaurant and bar in downtown Reykjavik known for modern Icelandic comfort food, craft beer, and a relaxed gastropub atmosphere.
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The Public House
The Public House is a popular gastropub in downtown Reykjavik known for creative small plates, craft cocktails, and a lively atmosphere.
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Tipsy Restaurant & Bar
Tipsy Restaurant & Bar is a trendy restaurant and cocktail bar in downtown Reykjavik known for creative dishes, craft cocktails, and a vibrant nightlife atmosphere.
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Turf House Iceland
Turf House Iceland is a small street-food style restaurant in Reykjavik known for serving traditional Icelandic comfort food such as lamb burgers, fish soup, and meat soup made with local ingredients.
Read More →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best restaurant in Reykjavík?
Dill Restaurant is widely considered the best restaurant in Reykjavík and is the only Michelin-star restaurant in Iceland. For more casual dining, Messinn and Fiskmarkaðurinn are consistently ranked among the top picks.
Is food expensive in Reykjavík?
Dining out in Reykjavík is expensive compared to most European cities. Expect to pay ISK 3,000–6,000 (€20–40) per main course at a mid-range restaurant. Lunch specials (dagsmatur) offer much better value — typically ISK 2,000–3,000 for a full meal.
What traditional Icelandic food should I try?
Must-try Icelandic dishes include lamb soup (kjötsúpa), pan-fried Arctic char, skyr desserts, fresh langoustine, and pylsur (Icelandic hot dogs). Avoid the hákarl (fermented shark) unless you're feeling adventurous.
Are there vegetarian restaurants in Reykjavík?
Yes — Reykjavík has a growing number of vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants. Most mainstream restaurants also offer good vegetarian options.
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