Where to eat in Reykjavik
Here are some of the best restaurants to eat in Reykjavik
Iceland’s restaurant scene is at an all time high. Delicious Icelandic ingredients are highlighted in a wonderful way, often influenced by our culinary traditions. Diners from far and wide have plenty to choose from. Listed below are our go to favourite restaurants for dinner.
Bon Appetite!
ÓX RESTAURANT | Laugavegur 28
The restaurant arrives like a breath of fresh air, this recently opened gem is one to try if you’re looking for a real treat, for special occasions. This intimate 11 guest restaurant is hidden within another restaurant. While Sumac Restaurant, worthy of this list in its own right touches on Moroccan and Lebanese tones, Óx looks closer to home and takes you on an adventure of Iceland that you’ve never imagined. Aided by free flowing wine, the fourteen bite sized courses becomes the setting for friendship building before long.
The chef is just as much a part of the experience as the food in sharing where each ingredient comes from. Learning the back story of the sole retired farmer who provides the duck, or that the perfectly roasted garlic took 6 weeks to prepare, makes each bite all the better. Dining at Óx is an experience that’ll linger on your palate for days to come and in your memory for years. A truly unique dining experience, unlike any other. Book far in advance as this hidden gem sells out fast.
SNAPS BISTRO | Þórsgata 1
It’s the Reykjavík classic and our most beloved atmospheric bistro, that’s about all that has to be said for this european style restaurant. It’s a true keeper where we visit for birthdays, anniversaries and 8th dates. Their fish of the day continues to amaze as do their steaks. Not to mention their crème brulée, which is absolutely stellar! The atmosphere is conducive to larger groups and the cocktail menu is talked about as much as the food on offer. After your meal you can spend time at the open bar while you plan your next move of the evening in downtown Reykjavik.
COOCOO’S NEST | Grandagarður 23
Coocoo’s Nest is one of those places we find ourselves repeatedly popping into for any occasion; be it a weekend brunch, mid week happy hour, date nights and work lunches. It’s a lovely little family owned restaurant nestled in the old harbour area of Grandi. The restaurant is casual and cozy, and the food is always top notch. The restaurant has a rotating dinner menu depending on the day of the week consisting of Taco Tuesdays, delicious sourdough pizzas and Italian delights.
MAT BAR | Hverfisgata 26
This intimate and delightful ‘Nordic-Italian’ place has fast become trusted restaurant in our circuit for any occasion. Their produce-first approach means that their menu changes seemingly in the blink of an eye taking on the currents of the kitchen. Their dishes are tapas styled and perfect to share with your loved one on a date or with your family. Perfect spot for drinks as well!
MAKAKE RESTAURANT | Grandagarður 101
Voted as Best Newcomer of 2020 by Reykjavík Grapevine, it’s easy to understand how Makake Restaurant has become a beloved neighbour to Hidden Iceland in the up and coming Grandi Harbour Area. Their good, clean and fair philosophy and emphasis on handmade slow food ensures that they have the best and freshest available ingredients, and use at least 40% of their ingredients from local producers, produced within 100 km away. Makake serves different menus depending on what day of the week; Thursday nights are dumpling nights, Sando brunches on Fridays and bottomless brunches on Sundays.
PUBLIC HOUSE GASTROPUB | Laugarvegur 24
This restaurant offers smaller dishes designed to share amongst couples or group of friends. Don’t be mistaken though, there is always plenty to go round. Here, they showcase traditional Icelandic ingredients with a Japanese flair resulting in really delicious, reasonably priced dinner options that we visit over and over again. Do not let the So Not Pizza and JFC Chicken pass you by.
MATARKJALLARINN | Aðalstræti 2
It’s name translates to the food cellar, tucked away in a 160 year old building in the dead centre of downtown Reykjavík, charming their visitors with their delicious brasserie style menu. On late weekend evenings the restaurant transitions into a cocktail lounge where their team of bartenders whisk up the most amazing drinks.
HLEMMUR MATHÖLL | Laugavegur 105
They offer delicious options for breakfast, lunch and dinner and even something with the coffee. Brauð & Co is located in one of the corners with their freshly made cinnamon buns no matter what time of day you visit. In the opposite corner there is Rabbar Barinn with soups and bullet proof lobster and bacon sandwiches. In the midst of it all, there is Skál! a restaurant that definitely one for a nicer lunch or dinner option that recently received the Michelin Bib-gourmand!
Thankfully, there is an abundance of restaurants to choose from in Reykjavík these days. Ranging from casual and cheap take away, to extravagant treat-yourself style dinners. It’s an exciting time to be a foodie in Reykjavík! Another way to get a quick introduction into the classics and the culture around food is to join a Reykjavík Food Walk. Or simply make your way around the amazing restaurants located in the downtown area.