2 Best Restaurants in Rural Akureyri, Akureyri

Hælið Café

$$ Fodor's choice

In addition to superb coffee and homemade pastries, this excellent vintage hospital–themed café offers a dose of 1940s-style respite—as well as a hint of theater—in a lovely, detailed setting in the countryside. Run by actress Maria Pálsdóttir, the café doubles as an exhibition center dedicated to patients of “the Great White Plague” (tuberculosis).

Eyjafjarðarsveit, Akureyri, Northeast, 601, Iceland
780–1927
Known For
  • Icelandic marriage cake
  • themed decor
  • delicious chocolate cake
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekdays Sept.–May.

Holtsel

$

Just a 20-minute drive south of Akureyri lies this idyllic dairy farm. While you can get some local meat and other wares here, the real draw is their homemade ice cream, which will have you swearing off the grocery store stuff. They, of course, have the basic flavors, but make sure to try their wackier ones—they're a true standout. Grab a scoop and meander around to say hi to the animals. Make sure to stop by their farm store as well.

Finnastaðavegur, Akureyri, Northeast, 605, Iceland
866–1618
Known For
  • ice cream, ice cream and more ice cream
  • charming farm store
  • the ability to pet a cow while eating ice cream