4 Best Restaurants in Reykjanes Peninsula and the South Coast (with the Golden Circle), Iceland

Lava Restaurant

$$$$ Fodor's choice

Eating world-class food at a restaurant built into a lava cliff with views of the milky Blue Lagoon is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you will never forget. The set menu offers a gourmet meal for pescatarians, vegetarians, and carnivores at a reasonable price (by Icelandic standards).

Norðurljosavegur 9, Grindavík, Southern Peninsula, 241, Iceland
354-420–8800
Known For
  • combines fine dining with the wild spirit of Icelandic nature
  • the perfect dine-in-your-robe post-spa meal
  • stunning lava rock wall

Slippurinn

$$$$ Fodor's choice

For those looking to try authentic Icelandic food, look no further than this beloved family-run eatery. Specializing in fresh fish, their ethos is all about sustainability and slow food. And clearly it's worked, as many Icelanders make the long trip to Vestmannaeyjar purely for a dinner here. So don't be surprised if even a quick lunch at Slippurinn ends up being the meal you rave about for months after.

Strandvegur 76, South, 900, Iceland
481–1515
Known For
  • pan-fried fish that you'll later dream about
  • seven-course set menu that covers the best of Icelandic cuisine
  • bright and welcoming interior
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.–Tues. and late Sept.-May

Fjörukráin

$$$$

Located in the second oldest building in Hafnarfjörður and shaped like a Norwegian Stave church, you will travel in time and land in a dark, wooden scene filled with Viking-inspired art. Fjörukráin serves traditional Icelandic meals on Viking-style trays carried by waiters dressed in Viking clothes. They often have live music too, and if you're lucky singing Vikings will show up and join you. If you are sick of the Scandinavian chic that you will find in most restaurants in Iceland, Fjörukráin is the place for you. 

Strandgata 55, Hafnarfjörður, Capital Region, 220, Iceland
354-565–1213
Known For
  • Viking-themed entertainment bordering on the kitschy
  • live music
  • fun history lesson
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: No lunch

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Röstin Restaurant—The Old Lighthouse Café

$$$

Even if you're not hungry, a stop by Röstin Restaurant is worth it for the sea views alone. Located on the second floor of the Heritage and Maritime Museum of Garðskagi, the eatery offers classic Icelandic meals with a twist. During summer you can sit outside and enjoy the breeze, and if you're lucky, you just might spot some whales in the distance.