Favorite Places to eat in Reykjavik
We love our culinary experiences across our journeys. If you ever traveled with us before, you would know the familiar random stops at every corner supermarket, hot dog kiosk and street market, almost as if the world would end, before venturing into the wilderness.
Our journeys to Reykjavik in Iceland allowed us to explore more new restaurants, and some, familiar ones that we cannot miss on our visit to Reykjavik. Sometimes, more often, we continue to be loyal to some our favorite places and eateries in the city.
Here is a list of TJD Favorite places to eat in Reykjavik.
1. Messinn
Messinn is a small seafood restaurant, situated in the heart of Reykjavík, Iceland. Their speciality is fresh fish served for lunch and dinner every day of the week. We recommend trying one of their famous arctic char pans, where they serve sizzlingly fresh fish straight from the kitchen, along with butter fried potatoes and mouth watering vegetables. It’s perfect for sharing in a warm and cozy environment. Book your table beforehand or swing by when you hit town. Either way — You will thank us later.
W: Messinn
2. Emilie and The Cool Kids
You ain’t cool enough if you miss out on this! At Emilie and the Cool Kids in Reykjavik everything is homemade…. but really homemade.
All the products offered are prepared every day in our kitchens with our little hands and with all our love. 150 original sweet recipes inspired by American pastries and original seasonal product launches each quarter. Emilie’s is also the perfect place for lunch, with a menu of bagels and varied salads, vegetarian and vegan variations, and generous preparations! Get ready for mouth watering experiences!
3. Ramen Mono
A very, very, very small place in Reykjavik but very much worth it if you are a ramen fan! Established by ramen chef and founder Kunsang Tsering and his wife Erna Pétursdóttir in 2014 with the opening of Ramen Momo (2014) and Ramen Lab Reykjavík (2017). Ramen Momo is the only ramen station in Iceland and the first noodle bar to produce organic fresh noodles. The aim of the restaurant is to support the local market therefore most of the ingredients used at the restaurant are made in Iceland. Ramen Momo also aims to be sustainable and responsible with the environment, offering to our customers a discount if bringing their own container. Highly recommended with the friendliest staff.
W: Ramen Mono
4. Primo Italian
A rustic and real Italian restaurant in the heart of Reykjavik. Here, in an old house by Bankastræti in Reykjavík, you can experience Italian cuisine with superb fresh ingredients. No regrets!
W: Primo
5. Valdis
Ice-cream is food and the way to our hearts no matter the season (or time of day) Mouth watering… let’s just say you would not want to miss this in Reykjavik! They have countless of flavors and portions are big! Thank us later!
W: Valdis
6. The GreenHouse
A boutique store and food hall under one roof!
7. Coocoos Nest
The Coocoo’s Nest is a family-run company founded in 2013. The couple Íris Ann & Lucas Keller, owners, have gained experience around the world. Lucas is a passionate chef from California who trained and worked in cooking in Italy. Over the years, the nest has become a unique community with loyal regular customers.
8. MAT bar
A small chef driven restaurant in the heart of Reykjavik, serving seasonal and sustainable Icelandic ingredients
W: Mat Bar
9. Mama Reykjavik
Mama is a delicious plant-based restaurant/wellness space in the center of Reykjavík. Here we will focus on creating a healthy and vibrant environment for YOU to rejuvenate mind body and soul. Something we all need.
10. Brauð & Co (Bread & Co)
One of our all time favorite bakery, probably ever! Try the cinnamon rolls and thank us later!
11. Kaffi O
This coffee shop has some of the best coffee and vibes. Located right in the heart of the city in the same building as Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel
W: Kaffi O
12. Kaktus Espressobar
The Kaktus Espressobar is a lovely new café in Reykjavík coffee house flora. Run by two Icelandic friends serving you with high quality Italian coffee in a cozy setting. In addition to coffee, they offer soup of the day (for under 1,000 ISK), tasty sandwiches and delicious cakes.
13. Austur Indíafélagið (East India Company)
Austur Indiafélagið has been open since 1994 and still stands strong. It’s an easy place to find due to its central location on Hverfisgata, the street parallel to the main street of Laugarvegur. Their tasty Tandoor dishes, paired with rice and naan of your choice, will impress you from the first bite.
W: Website