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World Travel Guide > Guides > Europe > Iceland > Reykjavik

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Restaurants in Reykjavik

There are plenty of excellent restaurants in Reykjavik, many of which specialise in fish or pared down Scandinavian fare. Reservations are recommended wherever possible and in the case of upscale and popular restaurants, they are essential. Bear in mind that alcohol is prohibitively expensive in Iceland, so an easy way to cut down on the cost of eating out is to avoid it altogether, and stick to water and soft drinks.

The Reykjavik restaurants below have been grouped in three pricing categories:
Expensive (over ISK6,000)
Moderate (ISK2,000 to ISK6,000)
Cheap (under ISK2,000)

These prices are for an average three-course meal for one; they do not include tax or tip or drinks.

Expensive

Fiskmarkaðurinn

Cuisine: Asian fusion

A quirky mash-up of Icelandic and Asian influences, Fiskmarkaðurinn serves up unusual combinations such as Icelandic sushi or spotted catfish with wasabi. East meets west in the décor too (think black basalt brightened up with bamboo), and in true Japanese style there is a walk-in sushi bar and a robata grill.

Address: Miðborg, Aðalstræti 12, Reykjavik, 101
Telephone: +354 5 788 877.
Website: http://www.fiskmarkadurinn.is

Grillmarkaðurinn

Cuisine: Icelandic

Not many restaurants include fish skin in the décor rather than on the menu but Grillmarkaðurinn certainly isn't your average eatery. Run by chef Hrefna Rósa Sætran, it focuses on local fare and ingredients sourced from the nearby countryside. The fish is excellent, but be warned: whale is also on the menu.

Address: Miðborg, Lækjargata 2A, Reykjavik, 101
Telephone: +354 5 717 777.
Website: http://www.grillmarkadurinn.is

Laekjarbrekka

Cuisine: Icelandic

'Lobster and puffin feasts' aren't something you come across every day but that is exactly what Laekjarbrekka promises. Housed in an old wooden building that was once home to a Danish merchant, it has a cosy atmosphere and family-type décor, though the homely ambience is definitely not reflected in the prices.

Address: Miðborg, Bankastræti 2, Reykjavik, 101
Telephone: +354 5 514 430.
Website: http://www.laekjarbrekka.is

Moderate

Austur Indíafélagið

Cuisine: Indian

The most northerly Indian restaurant in the world, Austur Indíafélagið certainly doesn't let the side down and is regularly voted one of the best in Europe. Unlike the majority of Indian restaurants, which tend to focus on a specific cuisine, Austur Indíafélagið does everything from Mughal to Tandoori – and very tasty it is too.

Address: Miðborg, Hverfisgata 56, Reykjavik, 101
Telephone: +354 5 521 630.
Website: http://www.austurindia.is

Café Paris

Cuisine: International

A good place to go for a quick lunch, Café Paris offers a range of sandwiches, cakes, soups, salads and pasta dishes, as well as a grill menu and a breakfast selection. Set in Austurvollur Square opposite the Parliament building, it comes into its own in the summer when chequered-tablecloth tables are placed on the pavement outside.

Address: Miðborg, Austurstræti 14, Reykjavik, 101
Telephone: +354 5 511 020.
Website: http://www.cafeparis.is

Fiskfélagið

Cuisine: Icelandic

Despite the name, Fiskfélagið (Fish Company) serves up both seafood and meat dishes from a charming wood-panelled setting in the historic 19th century Zimsen building. Although all the fish is sourced in Icelandic or Scandinavian waters, most dishes have an international touch, whether Tahitian vanilla or kaffir lime from New Zealand.

Address: Miðborg, Vesturgötu 2a, Reykjavik, 101
Telephone: +354 5 525 300.
Website: http://www.fiskfelagid.is

Forrettabarinn

Cuisine: Icelandic

A popular tapas restaurant, specialising in starters, with gluten free and vegetarian options, you will often find it filled with locals. Located close to the Old Harbor, it is definitely worth a visit, with both good food and good value.

Address: Mýrargata, Nýlendugata 14, Reykjavik , 101
Telephone: +354 517 1800
Website: https://www.forrettabarinn.is/

Ostabúðin

Cuisine: Icelandic

A cheese shop located in central Reykjavik, Ostabúðin is also famous for its seriously good soups, which are served up alongside some of its many deli treats come lunchtime. Satisfying and relatively inexpensive by Icelandic standards, it is hugely popular with locals in search of a cheap lunch so expect to queue for a table.

Address: Miðborg, Skólavörðustígur 8, Reykjavik, 101
Telephone: +354 5 622 772.
Website: http://www.ostabudin.is

Cheap

Baejarins Beztu

Cuisine: Icelandic

As in other Scandinavian countries, hot dogs (pylsur) are a big deal in Iceland and Baejarins Beztu does some of the best. Facing the harbour, this tiny kiosk is famous throughout the city for serving the original quintessential Icelandic hot dog - over a thousand a day are sold from its unassuming window. It might not be glamorous, but it tastes delicious.

Address: Miðborg, Tryggvagata and Pósthússtræti, Reykjavik, 101
Telephone: +354 5 111 566.
Website: http://www.bbp.is

Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar

Cuisine: International

Owner Tommi Tómasson is the man credited with bringing the burger to Iceland, so it's no surprise that his small chain (which now has branches in London and Copenhagen) does some of the best. Expect satisfyingly large portions served up in retro diner-style surroundings.

Address: Miðborg, Bankastraeti, Reykjavik, 101
Telephone: +354 5 111 886.
Website: http://www.bullan.is
A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Hotel Borg

A Reykjavik institution, the grand Hotel Borg overlooks Austurvöllur and the Parliament building on the other side. Inside, rooms are comfortable and well appointed, while the split-level Tower Suite has proved a hit with visiting VIPs. Downstairs, it boasts its own gourmet restaurant, Silfur, which serves top-notch French fare.

Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel

One of the newer hotels in Reykjavik, the Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel is housed in the former offices of an old Icelandic shipping line. It has been meticulously refurbished with urbane minimalist chic, so sleek dark wood furnishings cut a fashionable jib against the tastefully off-white décor. Outside it's officious, inside it's delicious.

Hilton Reykjavik Nordica

Good for anyone in search of a quieter stay, the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica sits 10 minutes from the city centre, close to the botanic gardens. Decked out in white and grey, the 284-room hotel is huge but boasts a soothing Scandinavian ambience. Along with the Vox restaurant, it also has an onsite spa.

Hotel Reykjavik Natura

Located a 20-minute walk from the city centre, close to the domestic airport, Hotel Reykjavik Naturais is run by national carrier Icelandair. A short stroll from the Perlan complex, it is good for nature fans with biking, running and walking paths and a nearby geothermal beach. Inside, rooms are comfortable and there’s an onsite spa.

Hotel Cabin

It might not have much in the way of frills, but what Hotel Cabin lacks in decorative flourishes, it more than makes up in convenience and charm. That’s not to say that the rooms are unappealing. Most are comfortable and well-appointed, with huge beds and single Scandinavian-style pillows.

Hotel Fron

With its bright blue facade, you can't miss Hotel Fron. When the runtur (pub crawl) gets underway at the weekend, a couple of rooms at the front might get a bit noisy, but most of the rooms are remarkably quiet. It's an excellent choice for leisure travellers wanting a central location at a reasonable price.