6 Best Restaurants in North Iceland, Iceland

For a true chocolate high, visit Frida—aka the chocolate temptress of the north—who sells exceptional handmade chocolates in her delightful coffee shop. The decor is stylish, from the cartoon-covered walls of the bathroom to all the featured works of art, but the chocolates are the star attractions here, with some surprising flavors like blue cheese and beer.

There is a glorious jumble of vintage ski wear, old leather saddles, and other knickknacks to engage your curiosity in this small-town café, which is just as charming as the children’s story it’s named after: The Brothers From Bakki. The famous local storybook (about three brothers who build a house with no windows and tried to carry sunshine into the house using their hats) makes for a great read while you wait for your order. Look out for the marvelous wooden sculpture of former President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson by local artist Dagur Óskarsson.

Located within the 1238 Battle of Iceland museum, this restaurant not only serves some delightful fare but also acts as Skagafjörður's premier concert venue, bringing both famous and small-time artists to play in the remote countryside. They also have a small store with gifts and souvenirs. 

Glorious in its haphazardness, this welcoming café is also a bar and gallery exhibiting and selling various paintings, handicrafts, knitwear, and a selection of homemade jams and preserves. It’s a happy blend of old, upcycled, and new, featuring lots of driftwood and an entire wall dedicated to a quirky collection of teapots, pans, and kitchenware.

At Kaffi Klara, you can fill up on hearty traditional Icelandic food with langoustine pizzas and open-face sandwiches. It's owned by avid foragers, so it’s highly likely that a tasty harvest of blueberries and other fruits of the land could be flavoring your food. In case you are tempted to stay in town a little, the owners also offer comfortable and stylish guesthouse accommodation at Kaffi Klara Gistihús and  "the Hero Experience” courses where you can learn how to cook traditional Icelandic meals.

The terrific views of Stakhólstjörn pond and the Skútistðagígur pseudocraters are reason enough to visit this no-frills café, but the homemade fare comes in at a close second. Along with their delightful meat soup and cakes, they also offer a cozy selection of souvenirs and beer brewed onsite.