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$$ | Miðbær |
This Icelandic food haven is a must-stop for many people around the world—just take a look at their guest book. Do yourself a favor and visit after taking in the views from the iconic Hallgrímskirkja; you'll feel like you're in the center of a Nordic movie set.
Lokastígur 28, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 101, Iceland
Known For
- Location across from Hallgrímskirkja
- Delicious homemade dishes
- Friendly service
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$$ | Laugardalur |
This bistro has a truly unique location inside the botanic gardens of Reykjavík. Of course, much of what you'll find on the menu is grown in the gardens, and you can learn all about the sustainable practices of the kitchen.
Grasagarðinum Laugarda, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 104, Iceland
Known For
- Organic ingredients
- Truly unique atmosphere
- Beautiful dish presentation
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$$ | Miðbær |
This plain and simple breakfast spot has won the hearts of many politicians who work nearby—as well as Björk—and it tends to get quite busy. If you feel like taking on a huge meal, give "the Truck" (pancakes, eggs, bacon, fried potatoes, tomatoes, and toast) a go. All of the books on the shelves surrounding the tables are free for perusal while you wait for your food.
Hverfisgata 16a, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 101, Iceland
Known For
- Signature "the Truck" breakfast
- Frequented by local celebrities
- Lots of books to read while you wait
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends. No dinner
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$$ | Miðbær |
Icelandic art covers the walls of this restaurant in the Hótel Holt, within walking distance of downtown; the cocktail lounge and bar showcase drawings by Jóhannes Kjarval. It has long been at the forefront of Icelandic dining, with impeccable service and mouthwatering wild-game and seafood dishes—favorites include gravlax and reindeer. The bar's whiskey selection is as diverse as any in Europe.
Bergstaðastræti 37, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 101, Iceland
Known For
- Impressive reserve wine list
- Welcoming vibe
- Diverse whiskey selection
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$$ | Miðbær |
This welcoming bistro is light and airy, with lots of natural wood, potted plants, and cast-iron bistro tables. The emphasis is on pizza and pasta, but there's also a selection of meat and fish dishes. Try the seafood soup, a favorite for lunch. Their delicious cakes can be enjoyed with the obligatory espresso at any time of day.
Hafnarstræti 15, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 101, Iceland
Known For
- Large pizza menu
- Cozy interior
- Excellent seafood soup
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$ | Miðbær |
From traditional fish pie and meat soup to a spectacular waffle fry, Íslenski Barinn covers a lot of ground on its menu, but the focus is local at this restaurant and bar. You'll also find only beers and spirits made in Iceland—so don't come here looking for imports.
Ingólfsstræti 1a, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 101, Iceland
Known For
- Delicious fish pie
- Hyperlocal beer and spirit options
- Perfect place to mix with the locals
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$$ | Miðbær |
This Nordic-Italian restaurant does the classics very well, but the owner, Guðjón Hauksson, sought out an Italian cheese-maker for the mozzarella; it's best with pickled tomatoes and basil in MAT BAR's take on the traditional Caprese salad. There's an emphasis on seasonal produce, so there's a good chance the menu will be different every time you visit.
Hverfisgata 26, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 101, Iceland
Known For
- Next-level mozzarella
- Great cocktail menu
- Food that's meant to be shared
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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$$ | Miðbær |
This small restaurant in the heart of the city is famous for its fish pans: the sizzling catch of the day accompanied by butter-fried potatoes and seasonal vegetables. It's a basic dish, but it really can't be beaten.
Lækjargata 6, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 101, Iceland
Known For
- Iconic fish pans
- Generous portions
- Sharable dishes
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$$ | Vesturbær |
This bright and sophisticated eatery caters to guests and locals alike. Owned by the Farmers Association of Iceland, the restaurant works with local fishermen and farmers to bring the freshest ingredients to the table.
Hagatorg, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 107, Iceland
Known For
- Unforgettable Farmers Trip tasting menu
- Impeccable service
- Central location close to the university
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$$ | Miðbær |
This rotating restaurant, atop Reykjavík's geothermal water distribution tanks on Öskjuhlíð Hill, has spectacular panoramic views (one revolution takes about two hours). The international menu emphasizes quick, fresh dishes like salted cod, fish and chips, pizza, and lamb soup.
Varmahlíð 1, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 101, Iceland
Known For
- Incredible 360-degree views of the city
- Unique revolving format
- Varied menu
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$$ | Vesturbær |
A port in all weather (especially for local professionals and tourists), this hotel bistro-bar—which also hosts the Reykjavík Bar Summit—has played a key role in reviving the heart of the Old Harbor. It’s especially popular on weekends when it pumps out a contagious flow of good vibes to go with its filling brunch, legendary cocktails, and highly addictive licorice-flavored popcorn. The menu features top-notch dishes at fair prices: don't hesitate to order the sensational seafood platter or the superlative Omnom chocolate cake. The bar, managed by cocktail wizard Ásgeir Björnsson, is stacked to the hilt with glass jars containing experimental infusions with labels like Cherry Blossom Bourbon and Duck-Washed Cognac, and waiters serve drinks from chemistry-set beakers that reinforce the scientific approach here.
Geirsgata 8, Reykjavík, Capital Region, IS-101, Iceland
Known For
- Omnom chocolate cake for dessert
- Sensational seafood platter
- Inventive cocktails
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$$ | Miðbær |
Always bustling, this popular bistro bar is famous for its weekend brunch and attracts a lively group of locals, whose musical inflections mingle nicely with the chatter of out-of-towners. Standouts on the French-inspired menu are many, but you can't go wrong with the fish of the day or the beef tenderloin. Tables are arranged around an elevated open kitchen and central bar. One side of the bistro features large windows with dangling vines, and vintage Icelandic newspapers engage diners on the other. Service is swift, informative, and delivered with a genuine smile. If you have room for dessert, the crème brûlée is pure velvety vanilla heaven.
Þórsgata 1, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 101, Iceland
Known For
- A full gin and tonic menu
- Delicious fish of the day specials
- Fresh oysters
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$$ | Vesturbær |
The old fish barrels used as seating in this humble harborside fishing shack are kept warm by an increasing number of tourists and the odd celebrity. The trademark lobster soup is just as good as its well-traveled reputation. Thankfully, a section at the back can now accommodate the influx of wayfarers, some of whom dine on the shamelessly advertised "Moby Dick on a Stick" minke whale kebab.
Geirsgata 8, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 101, Iceland
Known For
- Famous lobster soup
- The aptly named Moby Dick on a Stick (a minke whale kebab)
- Fresh seafood right on the harbor
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$$ | Vesturbær |
For an affordable treat, environmentally conscious locals flock to this excellent eatery in the Grandi Harbor area to indulge in good, hearty food made with mostly organic ingredients. Apart from its weekend brunch (the perfect hangover cure), the Coocoo's Nest is also famous for exceptional sourdough pizza. The interior design is a clever assemblage of salvaged wood and exudes a cozy, lived-in appeal, making you feel right at home.
Grandagardur 23, Reykjavík, Capital Region, IS-101, Iceland
Known For
- Delicious sourdough pizza
- Cozy and trendy interiors
- Fresh, refreshing juices
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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From the classic cornerstore Sjoppu burger to the BBQ and bacon burger, the menu is far from one-sided at this lunchtime favorite. Plus, there are plenty of vegan options. Don't forget to ask about the burger of the month.
Hverfisgata 44, Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
Known For
- Unique burger combos
- Instagram-worthy interiors
- Quick service
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If a smash burger is what you're after, head to this casual spot from Hjalti Vignisson and Robert Aron Magnússon. You'll also find a bar with a set of dart boards for some casual fun.
Laugavegur 105, Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
Known For
- Fantastic burgers
- Lots of vegan options
- Quick service
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$$ | Miðbær |
When you find yourself tired of Icelandic dishes, check out Ban Thai. Here you'll find traditional Thai dishes with a bit more kick than you might find elsewhere in the city. They also have seafood and lamb dishes.
Laugavegur 130, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 101, Iceland
Known For
- Massive menu
- Generous portions
- Quick service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
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This cafe from Icelandic baker Jóhannes Felixson is a local favorite. You'll often find it packed full of Icelanders catching up over Italian favorites, from pesto chicken to spaghetti bolognese. Oh, and never, ever forget dessert here.
Engjateigur 19, Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
Known For
- Great pizza
- Must-try desserts including tiramisu
- Cozy design
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$$ | Vesturbær |
Located by the harbor, Forettabarinn serves up dishes from around the world along with local beers from the breweries that dot Iceland's coast. The small plates make it a great place to start the night, but the set menus also offer welcoming options for a full meal. The flavors bounce around the globe, from beef carpaccio and a Cajun-style burger to Caprese salads and pumpkin soup.
Nýlendugata 14, Reykjavík, Capital Region, 107, Iceland
Known For
- Beautiful harbor views
- Good-value prix-fixe meals
- Diverse menu items from around the globe
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Fans of sushi will find a welcoming seat near the harbor at Gaia. The menu ranges from small plates—great for little tastes and sharing with a loved one—to a full six-course tasting menu.
Ægisgarður 2, Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
Known For
- Gorgeous harbor views
- Inventive cocktails
- Tasting plates
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed. Sun. and Mon.