Southeast Iceland
The museum at Hali, Þórbergssetur, is home to a quality cafe-restaurant where the speciality is Arctic char. It's 13km east of Jökulsárlón, and gets very…
Must-see restaurants in Iceland
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
Understatedly elegant, Torfan is justly celebrated for its choice of shellfish, langoustine and lobster. Although crustaceans feature strongly, you can…
West Iceland
Despite its location in a completely nondescript commercial block, Galito is undoubtedly top dog if you’re looking to upgrade from petrol-station fare…
North Iceland
This main-street bakery is the heartbeat of the town. Stop in to stock up on supplies for your drive – everything from fresh-baked bread to soup to iced…
Ísafjörður
For breakfast, lunch or a mid-morning sugar fix, Gamla is the best bakery in town and is usually packed for its full range of sweet treats (cookies,…
Reykjavík
Conventional burgers get a fresh new feel at this enterprising eatery. Organic meat or lentil patties are sandwiched between soft, seeded buns and…
The Golden Circle
This popular restaurant serves fresh local food from farm to table in a simple, cheerful dining room. The herby lamb chops with vegetables, salad,…
Reykjavík
Out of the city centre beside Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach, this reliable option for Icelandic faves sits in a delicate glass box with views out to the…
Southeast Iceland
In an elevated position by the harbour, the family-friendly Ice House doles out thin-crust, stone-baked pizzas with crowd-pleasing toppings, from Hawaiian…
Borgarbyggð
Tucked away in the village of Hvanneyri, 12km east of Borgarnes, in a renovated building that dates from 1896, this small cafe has a sunny deck and soups,…
Tröllaskagi
Down at the small harbour, Sólvík is a sweet country-style restaurant with a short, simple menu of local classics (cod, lamb, burgers, fish and chips)…
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
Sushi Social is a perennial capital favourite for nuggets of rice-wrapped raw fish. It puts an Icelandic and South American spin on the delicacy,…
Reykjavík
The Old Harbour’s outpost of burgerdom and Americana proffers savoury patties that are perennial local favourites. Hollywood film stars have been known to…
Tröllaskagi
This sweet cafe in a former post office has info about the area, plus a selection of soups, sandwiches, cakes and wine. There are books and board games to…
Reykjavík
There's nothing fancy here, but the homemade breads and fresh produce mean you'll be eating among locals as they flip through magazines, gossip and devour…
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
This dimly lit steakhouse rightly prides itself on its succulent locally raised beef and fresh grilled fish, with a wine list to match. The bar stays open…
The South
Grab a booth and a burger at the old-school grill inside the N1 petrol station with a view of Reynisdrangur. Daily specials from casserole to traditional…
The Golden Circle
This simple cafeteria in the information centre sells grilled sandwiches, salads, hot dogs and soup of the day with bread. It also has a tiny mini-mart…
Ísafjörður
Voted Iceland’s best fast-food joint by national radio polls, this outpost attracts locals who gossip over Béarnaise burgers and pizza. Sport frequently…
Southeast Iceland
This food truck close to the visitor centre has a small menu of well-executed dishes made from local ingredients: lobster soup, fish and chips, baby back…
The Golden Circle
Above Gullfoss, the small tourist information centre boasts a large souvenir shop and a cafe serving coffee and a good selection of soups, salads,…
The South
Behind the N1 petrol station is this semi-smart wood-panelled option enjoying sea-stack vistas. Go local with lamb soup or fish stew, or global with…
The Westfjords
The town’s welcoming pub and restaurant is set in a historic wooden building with carved magic symbols on the bar. The nutty, sesame-crusted chicken is…
Reykjavík
The Hilton’s five-star restaurant has a contemporary but welcoming vibe and continues to pack 'em in for New Nordic cuisine and a famous weekend brunch …
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
This small but welcoming cafe along the main road serves coffee drinks and a range of snacks, from cake to lamb schnitzel and burgers (including a vegan…
East Iceland
Pause your road trip at this Ring Road pitstop and enjoy a 1600kr dish of the day at lunchtime, and a crowd-pleasing menu of pizza, burgers, lamb, fish…
Reykjavík
The aromas wafting from this bright tiled deli draw you inside for gourmet breakfasts and picnic supplies. It's a handy pit stop in the high-rise hotel…
The South
This fishmongers sells the freshest morsels from the sea, plus one cooked dish only – tasty fish and chips. Pick your battered fish from the catch of the…
Reykjanes Peninsula
If you’re up to your eyeballs in fish and lamb, this restaurant is a great choice with authentic Thai dishes. There’s outdoor seating during warm weather.
Reykjavík
Wayward Danes seek out this no-frills joint specialising in smørrebrød: traditonal Danish open-face sandwiches with any number of Nordic toppings.
East Iceland
Good road-tripping fare: out front of Steinasafn Petru a small kiosk sells takeaway soup, coffee and baked treats.
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
Asian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours infuse ever-changing vegetarian and vegan soups (950kr) and dishes of the day at this friendly eatery.
North Iceland
This restaurant has a welcoming yellow exterior and a crowd-pleasing menu. It’s known for its lobster and shrimp sandwich, burgers, pizza and lamb.
The Golden Circle
Good little cafe with a pleasant outdoor patio and marquee for eating in fine weather. It serves pastries, cakes, hot soups, coffee and sandwiches.
Reykjavík
A cheerful street-food-style restaurant dishing up lamb and falafel flatbread combos with fresh, crunchy veg and zingy skyr-based sauces.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
This friendly pýlsuvagninn (hot-dog wagon) has the best hot dogs in town. Each menu item is named after someone from Stykkishólmur.
Borgarbyggð
This welcoming cafe just back from the waterfalls of the same name has wide decks and a solid menu of basic soup, burgers, salads and snacks.
The Westfjords
The cute, welcoming Ögur Cafe is also the base for hiking and kayaking trips run by Ögur Travel.
Reykjanes Peninsula
Simple, cafeteria-style eating at the Blue Lagoon, with smoothies, sandwiches, baked salmon and rice, vegetable trays and pre-made sushi.
Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur
Serves up tasty Thai curries and noodles with crunchy veg and plump prawns in a small shopfront or the sunny restaurant upstairs.
