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The dining scene in Reykjavík has diversified a great deal in the past few years: traditional Icelandic restaurants now face competition from restaurants serving Asian, Italian, Mexican, Indian, and vegetarian fare. A recent trend has seen the emergence of several upscale establishments emphasizing locally grown ingredients and new Nordic cuisine.
In a parking lot facing the harbor, this tiny yet famous fast-food hut is known for serving the original Icelandic hot dog—and a single person serves about a thousand of them a day from the window. Ask for eina með öllu (pronounced "ayn-ah med utl-lou"), or "one with everything," which gets you mustard, tomato sauce, rémoulade (mayonnaise with finely chopped pickles), and chopped raw and fried onions.
A collaborative project by well-known culinary innovators Hrefna Rós Sætran (founder and owner of the Fish Market) and Guðlaugur P. Frímannsson, Grillmarkaðurinn serves seasonal, organic, and locally grown ingredients in a beautifully designed interior that's heavy on natural materials such as wood and stone. The menu is equally "earthy," featuring lots of smoked, grilled, and barbecued meat dishes. For something classic, try the grilled chicken wings or grilled pork ribs; for something more unique, order the minke whale steak.
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.
This restaurant is clearly inspired by American cuisine, from chicken wings to burgers. The potato options are downright creative, especially the Greek potatoes with feta spread, ranch dressing, red grapes, peanuts, and spring onions.
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.
Led by Michelin-starred chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason, this cozy restaurant nestled inside the Reykjavik EDITION Hotel is a fantastic spot for a celebration dinner. There is a set menu available, but the friendly staff will also help you choose from the many à la carte seafood dishes, cocktails, and wines on offer.
The menu at Apotek is much the same as those at other upscale spots in Reykjavík—tons of fish, some sort of take on a tasting menu of traditional dishes (often with whale and puffin), and a few turf additions here and there—but the care and attention to detail is obvious here. It's a great splurge for those looking to get in one last memorable meal before heading home.
Seafood is the spotlight at this restaurant inside the Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel. Do yourself a favor and sign over all control to your server when it comes to the wine—the recommendations are spot on.
Located inside of Harpa Concert Hall, Hnoss is the newest endeavor from Fanney Dóra, the chef behind local favorite Skál! Naturally this is a great spot for a pre-show meal, but the focus on local ingredients and freshly caught seafood make it worth a trip to Harpa on its own.
Fire-baked sourdough pizzas are the thing to get at Hressó, where the atmosphere is casual and the toppings are truly local. If you've ever wanted to try a pizza with shrimp on top, this is the place to do it.
Reminiscent of an American-style diner, Laundromat Café makes two promises: a meal and a place to wash your clothes—and it delivers. The latter can be found in the basement, but you'll find no frills meals, lots of books, and neverending coffee refills in the restaurant.
If you're short on time and you need a snack—or some quick fuel for your next museum visit—Mandi has you covered. The Middle-Eastern dishes span kebab and hummus to shawarma and falafel, but there are a few outliers as well, like burgers and fries.
The atmosphere is the real crowd-pleaser here—especially if you're looking for a romantic restaurant with low lighting for date night or a hip dinner with perfectly fine food. As the name suggests, the surroundings skew toward stone and offer the cozy kind of vibes only a cellar can provide.
If your ideal dinner consists of eating on a patio with a good beer in hand, you won't be disappointed by this lively pub. You can even mingle with the locals for a rousing game of bingo on Sunday night. Keep an eye out for the burger of the month—they can get pretty inventive.
If you're interested in trying some of the more traditional dishes of Iceland (think puffin or whale), pay Tapas Barinn a visit. Here you can pass small plates among your group or opt for the more substantial Icelandic Gourmet Feast, which includes smoked puffin, minke whale, and a shot of Brennivín.
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