Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are recommended, especially during summer tourist season and weekends. Many restaurants accept online bookings.

What are the typical prices?

Dining in Iceland is generally expensive by international standards. Expect main courses to cost 3,000-6,000 ISK at most restaurants.

Do they have vegetarian options?

Most Icelandic restaurants offer vegetarian and often vegan options. Iceland's food scene has become increasingly diverse in recent years.

Iceland/east-iceland

Humarhöfnin (Langoustine Haven)

Humarhöfnin (The Lobster Harbour) in Höfn is the best place in Iceland to eat fresh Icelandic langoustine — the town's celebrated speciality. Höfn's annual Huma…

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At a Glance

Visit time

1-2 hours

Best season

May–September

Access

Located in towns and along main roads.

GPS

64.5167, -14.4833

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About

About Humarhöfnin (Langoustine Haven)

Humarhöfnin (The Lobster Harbour) in Höfn is the best place in Iceland to eat fresh Icelandic langoustine — the town's celebrated speciality. Höfn's annual Humarhátíð (Lobster Festival) each summer draws visitors from across the country.

East Iceland's langoustine capital — fresh Norway lobster caught in Höfn harbor, served expertly in harbor restaurant.

Background

History & Background

This site in East Iceland is part of Iceland's evolving culinary scene. Traditional Icelandic cuisine was shaped by isolation and harsh conditions — preservation methods like smoking, fermenting, and drying were essential for survival through long winters. Dishes like hákarl (fermented shark), harðfiskur (dried fish), and hangikjöt (smoked lamb) reflect this heritage. The modern Icelandic restaurant scene has flourished since the late 20th century, blending traditional ingredients with international techniques. Today, Icelandic chefs celebrate local ingredients — Arctic char, lamb, skyr, and wild herbs — creating a distinctive New Nordic cuisine that honors the past while embracing innovation.

Humarhöfnin is located in Höfn harbor, East Iceland. Menu: - Langoustine soup (signature) - Grilled langoustine tails - Pan-fried langoustine - Langoustine pizza - Langoustine platters - Also: lamb, fish, vegetarian options Price: Langoustine mains ~8,000-12,000 ISK Atmosphere: Harbor building, ocean views Reservations: Recommended (especially summer) Access: - Höfn harbor - Route 1 (Ring Road) - 5 hours from Reykjavík Nearby: Vatnajökull glacier, Jökulsárlón

Folklore

Story & Folklore

Höfn is Iceland's langoustine capital — the town's fishing fleet brings in tons of fresh Norway lobster (langoustine) from the deep waters off East Iceland. Humarhöfnin has served langoustine for decades, perfecting preparations. The menu offers langoustine soup (creamy, rich), grilled langoustine tails, pan-fried langoustine, langoustine pizza, and full langoustine feasts. It's pricey (~8,000-12,000 ISK mains) but the quality is exceptional — langoustine caught hours earlier. The restaurant occupies a harborside building with ocean views. Reservations recommended in summer.

Local Legend

The Elves of the Eastern Fjords

The steep mountains and narrow fjords of East Iceland are considered one of the most enchanted regions of the country. Local tradition holds that entire communities of elves (álfar) live inside the mountains, with their own towns, churches, and social structures mirroring human society. Fishermen in eastern fjord villages have long reported seeing lights in the mountainsides on dark winter nights — the windows of elf houses, they say. Some families maintain that their ancestors had regular contact with the elf-folk, trading goods and sharing knowledge. The belief is so persistent that construction projects in the region still sometimes account for known elf dwellings.

Experiences