The South
Those looking for a hearty feed should head inside the LAVA Centre, where a large modern dining area serves a decent buffet. Fill up on soup, bread, salad…
Must-see restaurants in Iceland
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
Sidle up to the bar to order your short-order burger with some of the best hand-cut fries you'll find. This is a tile-and-formica kind of joint, with…
Akureyri
The short blackboard at this bustling, casual place highlights piscatorial pleasures: fish and chips is the bestseller, or there's oven-baked salmon,…
The Golden Circle
Serving the best burgers for miles, this simple joint has only four types of flavoursome beef patties. Choose them small, medium or large (like really…
The South
The town pizzeria, one street back from the main road, is a busy, no-frills place with vinyl booths and 20 different pies to try, from mixed seafood or…
Mývatn Region
The cheerfully busy ‘Old Farm’ tavern beside Hótel Reynihlíð serves up good-quality pub-style meals all day, ranging from lamb soup, burgers and grilled…
Reykjavík
For a budget taste of old Iceland, squeeze into this tiny canteen that just loves showcasing home-cooked food. Owner Unnar has drafted in his grandmother…
Inland
We understand the appeal of this cool cafe-bistro, which offers one of the most diverse menus in regional Iceland. Service can be slow but the food is…
The South
Inside Vík's Brydebúð museum, this lively, timber-lined all-rounder is very popular in high season for its crowd-pleasing menu ranging from burgers and…
Southeast Iceland
A new incarnation for the oldest house in Höfn (dating from 1897) has turned it into an elegant space high on Nordic style. The small menu spotlights…
Inland
A little slice of Americana in the East, this gas-station restaurant had a fun makeover in 2018 and now has a retro 1950s feel, complete with leather…
Reykjavík
From Toblerone cupcakes and vegan pastries to four-layer chocolate cake – the daily selection here includes something for every sweet tooth. The name '17…
Southeast Iceland
At a large dairy farm, this new cafeteria-style restaurant is a decent daytime refuelling stop halfway between Jökulsárlón and Höfn – and it's where a few…
Reykjanes Peninsula
In the 1950s, thanks to American-introduced rock and roll, Keflavík was the coolest place in Iceland. This US-style diner transports locals back to the…
Akureyri
Prime people-watching is on offer at this much-loved cafe (the Blue Teapot, in the dark-blue Cafe Paris building) on the main drag. The interior is timber…
Ísafjörður
Although the minimalist decor at Hótel Ísafjörður's restaurant lacks pizzazz, the food more than makes up for it. The strong selection of local cuisine,…
Reykjavík
Burgers, super-fresh salads, energy shots, nutritious smoothies and cold-pressed juices make this the venue of choice for the neighbourhoods health…
Reykjavík
Look for the life-sized fibreglass bull, painted in Spanish yellow and red, then settle down to sample some of the 50 tapas-style nibbles. To olives and…
The South
Located inside the Hótel Örk, this modern dining room serves Icelandic produce in mains like slow-cooked lamb fillet with potato terrine or glazed chicken…
Akureyri
This sleek, seafood-showcasing restaurant has a decidedly Japanese flavour, but also promotes its use of 'rubs' or marinades (along the lines of sweet…
The South
Black volcanic cubes, meant to mimic the nearby black-sand beach Reynisfjara with its famous basalt columns, house this contemporary cafe that serves…
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
Expect to eat lavishly at high-end Holt, where a combination of Icelandic ingredients and largely European flourishes transforms stalwarts such as rhubarb…
The Golden Circle
The restaurant at the Ion Adventure Hotel serves modern Icelandic fare with a slow-food twist, featuring locally sourced ingredients. Try slow-cooked…
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
Blink and you'll miss this tiny six-table cafe (a favourite of Björk’s). It looks like a cross between an eccentric bookshop and an underground art…
Reykjavík
Icelanders swear the city's best hot dogs are found at this truck near the harbour (patronised by Bill Clinton and late-night bar-hoppers). Use the vital…
North Iceland
Doing exactly what it says on the label, this small window-front on the harbour doles out good-value fish (usually cod) and chips, with a few picnic…
Borgarbyggð
Casual and friendly, with a wonderful waterfront deck, Englendingavík serves good homemade dishes, from cakes to full meals of roast lamb or fresh fish…
The Westfjords
Malarkaffi, the cafe at Malarhorn guesthouse, serves a super array of Icelandic lamb and just-caught fish on its 2nd-storey verandah overlooking the fjord.
Reykjanes Peninsula
At the Northern Light Inn, Max's Restaurant boasts a smattering of Nordic fare from lamb fillets to fish and traditional Icelandic meat soup. The dining…
Greater Reykjavík
This little cafe-bar is the most cheerful place to eat in town – ladies lunch, kids play chess and half of Hafnarfjörður gathers to gossip about the other…
Reykjanes Peninsula
Small and popular place serving pasta, pizzas, burgers and lunch options like grilled chicken skewers in pita and grilled salmon teriyaki. Spice fanatics…
North Iceland
With a sun-trap terrace overlooking the waterfront, this friendly cafe – owned by North Sailing – has a big cabinet full of baguettes, wraps, muffins and…
The Westfjords
Head to this cool cafe-bar for cakes and punchy espresso or locally landed seafood in the form of fish cakes and lobster soup – best washed down with one…
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
The aromas wafting from the northernmost Indian restaurant in the world draw you inside to find a refined, upmarket experience, with a choice of sublime…
The Westfjords
On sunny days head straight for the sheltered deck of this cheery little grill, look down onto the harbour and tuck into burgers, garlic-laced prawn…
Reykjanes Peninsula
Located above the Garðskagi Museum, this simple space has large glass windows and awesome views out to sea, plus a nice deck for the summer months. Menu…
The Westfjords
The menu changes daily at this friendly restaurant: look for fish fresh from the fjord, crispy pizzas and rhubarb with cream for dessert. Great outdoor…
Southeast Iceland
A fabulous relic, this tiny old-school diner has a cheap-and-cheerful vibe, big breakfasts, a menu of fast-food favourites (hot dogs, burgers, toasted…
The South
Sleek American-style joint with hardwood floors, stripped-back minimalist decor and designer-cool chipboard walls. It serves up various burgers (like blue…
Tröllaskagi
Handmade artisanal chocolate in a local artist's gallery – what's not to like? Look for the unique facade on the main street in the northern part of town…
