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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.
Long before Reykjavík could boast of its cosmopolitan culture, this outstanding restaurant was busy with loyal local customers who enjoy authentic Indian cuisine. The gormandizing gets underway in a luxuriously decorated lounge where colorful, golden-brocade cushions, Tanjore painting, and teakwood walls frame a collection of Hindu deities. Here you can sip on a cool Cobra beer or Mysore masala cocktail, nibble on poppadoms (seasoned dough), and browse a menu of popular Indian classics with enough obscure regional dishes to impress any thali aficionado. The seafood dishes are worthy of consideration, too: the tandoori lasooni lobster and hariyali salmon are scrumptious, as are kozhi mappas chicken and achari gosht lamb.
There's only one option at Dill: a tasting menu with a modern spin on traditional Icelandic dishes. In 2017, Dill was the first restaurant in Iceland to be awarded a Michelin star, with chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason at the helm. The spot is known around town for precision, and making a reservation here will win you brownie points with locals.
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.
Kopar means "copper" in Icelandic—an element well represented in this handsome harborside restaurant, where the cocktails like the "Ginger Rabbit" are as refreshing as can be. The restaurant is frequented by both travelers and local businesspeople, who bring clients they wish to impress. The vintage touches and carnival-style string lights create an atmosphere that invites lingering over your meal. The best views are upstairs, where a large picture window surveys the bustling harbor and beyond. A popular experience is the "Kopar Adventure"—a multicourse meal, featuring a superb menagerie of seafood, meat, and delicious desserts.
Be prepared to give up all control when you walk into the intimate space that is the 11-seat, Michelin-starred ÓX. The 12-course tasting menu is a surprise, but just give in to the experience and let the chefs introduce you to the freshest Icelandic ingredients you can experience.
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.
Atop the Saga Hotel near the university campus, this quiet, cozy restaurant has a spectacular view of the capital and surrounding hinterlands. For ISK 11,900 (or less) you can try a four- or seven-course feast of the chef's choosing. Menu highlights include fresh seafood and seasonal mains featuring lamb (fall), beef (summer), and reindeer (Christmas).
Set in one of the oldest houses in Reykjavík (built in 1834), this restaurant serves a wide range of dishes, from salads and soups to meat and fish options. Among the menu's treats are the Icelandic lobster and the mountain lamb. The restaurant's interior features antique furniture and lace curtains.
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.
Housed inside a classic 19th-century building, Torfan—a new restaurant with an old name—invites those with a fat billfold (or anyone up for a splurge) to dine on a luxurious menu of seasonal dishes made from locally sourced Icelandic ingredients like lamb or langoustine. Courses are paired with a well-curated selection of wine and served by knowledgeable staff. They're not the only ones gazing down at you in your comfortable, low-slung chair: look for an audience of painted sea creatures, framed and fixed in the coffered ceiling.
The chic restaurant's award-winning chef creates some unique international-themed dishes, and its wine list is one of the city's most impressive. The main menu features items such as arctic char and lamb fillet, and weekend brunch, while less inventive, is generous—and understandably popular.
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