16 Best Restaurants in Old Harbor and Vesturbær, Reykjavík

This spot serves up Neapolitan-style pies with slow-rising sourdough made on-site. Most of the menu stays relatively traditional when it comes to toppings, but the Pizza of the Week tends to be a bit more creative.

This beautifully designed food hall may not be that big, housing just seven food stations, but it brings together some of the most exciting spots to eat in the city. Come here to check out Garlic, the Gastro Truck, Kore Grandi, Grandi's Pasta Shop, Annapurna Asian Spices, The Sheepfold, The Cold Store, and Fjárhúsið.

Way back before the Grandi area was cool, this value restaurant with exceptional harbor views served up good, old-fashioned, hearty Icelandic food for a league of local fishermen. Although it’s still mainly patronized by marine-industry natives, an increasing number of tourists now venture through its humble doors to enjoy the quality fish balls and other tasty dishes.

Nestled on the first floor of the art-centric Marshall House, La Primavera's impressive interiors give you a taste of what's to come on the upper floors. If you never thought you'd find Italian dishes in Iceland to rival those you'd find in Italy, think again.

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.

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.

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.

Toss out any expectations of bar food at this microbrewery hot spot—the menu here will surprise you. From the Lobster Feast to the Beer Piri-Piri Chicken, there's more to Bryggjan Brugghús than its taps. If you can't stay for lunch or dinner, at least take advantage of the expansive patio with a beer in hand.

The owners of this food cart trained intensively in the United Kingdom to perfect British-style fish-and-chips before importing their skills to Iceland. With the excellent quality of fresh Icelandic fish thrown into a hearty mix of mushy peas and chips, which you can drown in malt vinegar, this street food option has become very popular with locals, who still get a kick out of the knowledge that Iceland won "the cod war."

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.

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.

This coffeehouse delivers on the hygge theme, right down to the handmade dishware. It's the sister café to Héðinn restaurant and offers the best in baked goods: croissants, cookies, and scones (and don't forget about the coffee).

You'll find a line full of locals winding out the door of this ice-cream shop during the summertime. They offer two kinds of ice cream: "old" and "new," both of which describe the recipes used to make the soft serve (the older recipe is creamier). Choosing which toppings to get will be your hardest decision of the day.

With a name that means "copper" in Icelandic, Kopar is known for its harborside location and intriguing cocktail menu that brings locals and travelers alike to its bar and tables. Try the Stand by Me if you're looking for a delicious cocktail made with Iceland's favorite schnapps (Brennivin).

It's hard to tell what stands out more at Matur og Drykkur: the accommodating staff or the A+ dishes. Located in an old salt fish factory, the views of the harbor overlook the perfect scene for a post-dinner walk. Vegetarians, take note: they have separate tasting menus just for you.

Head to Reykjavík Röst to enjoy a harborside coffee. If caffeine isn't your thing, opt for the well-loved hot chocolate.