A Local Icelander's Ultimate Reykjavík Food Guide

Fine dining

• Apotek Kitchen: Apotek sits in Reykjavík’s first pharmacy, which already gives it a unique charm. The menu blends Icelandic flavors with European style, and it’s one of those places where the cocktails are just as memorable as the food.

• Grillmarkaðurinn: Grillmarkaðurinn is all about local Icelandic ingredients, cooked over fire, smoke, and coals for big flavor. I love how the design is inspired by Icelandic nature, and it’s one of those spots that always feels like a special night out.

• Jómfrúin: Jómfrúin has been serving Danish smørrebrød in downtown Reykjavík for over 25 years, and it’s become a real local favorite. It’s the spot I’d go for open-faced sandwiches with fresh Icelandic ingredients, always best with a cold beer on the side.

• ÓX: ÓX is Reykjavík’s splurge-worthy fine dining spot, an intimate 17-seat restaurant that serves a creative tasting menu rooted in Icelandic ingredients. It’s 66.000 kr per person (paid when you book), and tables sell out fast, so it’s best to reserve well in advance.

Quick bites

• Noodle Station: Noodle Station is my absolute go-to for a quick, comforting bowl of hot noodles in Reykjavík. I always make mine spicy (the best way, in my opinion), but you can tone it down if you’re not into heat.

• Just Wingin’ It: Hands down the best chicken in Iceland, Just Wingin’ It serves up crispy, juicy wings with a huge variety of sauces to choose from. No matter what flavor you’re craving, this place has it covered.

• Aktu Taktu: Aktu Taktu is Iceland’s own drive-through chain, known for its burgers, fries, shakes, and ice cream. It’s a simple, no-fuss spot that locals hit up for late nights or before road trips.

• Hlöllabátar: Hlöllabátar (A.K.A. Hlölli) has been the go-to late-night bite in downtown Reykjavík since the '80s, famous for its hot subs loaded with meat, veggies, and their signature secret sauce. It’s the spot everyone goes after a fun night out.

• Mandi: Mandi is a downtown favorite for shawarma, falafel, and other Middle Eastern comfort food at great prices. It’s also one of the go-to spots to end a night out, right alongside Hlöllabátar.

• Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar: A Reykjavík classic since the '80s, Tommi’s is all about no-nonsense burgers done right with juicy patties, fresh toppings, and a laid-back vibe. It’s the kind of place you go when you just want a simple, great burger without overthinking it.

• Arabian Taste: Arabian Taste brings the flavors of the Middle East to Reykjavík with generous portions of shawarma, kebabs, and falafel at fair prices. It’s a solid choice when you want something quick, tasty, and filling in the city center.

• Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur: Probably the most famous food stand in Iceland, Bæjarins Beztu has been serving hot dogs in Reykjavík since 1937. Locals and visitors line up for their lamb-based pylsur with all the classic toppings, and no trip to the city feels complete without one. (You cannot go to Iceland without having one.)

• Le KocK: Le KocK has been leveling up Reykjavík’s fast food scene since 2017 with burgers, wings, and fries made from local ingredients. It’s also home to craft cocktails and a laid-back vibe, making it a great spot for both a quick bite and a casual night out.

• Víkinga Pylsur: Víkinga Pylsur is another local favorite for hot dogs, serving the classic Icelandic pylsa with a hearty twist. It’s a great alternative to Bæjarins Beztu if you want the same tradition without the long tourist lines.

• Brixton: Brixton brings a fun slider concept to downtown Reykjavík, serving up small burgers on sweet potato buns with creative toppings and sauces. With plenty of options to mix and match, it’s the kind of place where you’ll want to order a few different ones and share with friends.

• Ice cream (Ísbúð Vesturbæjar, Ísbúð Huppu, or any other ice cream store that sells a “bragðarefur”): Ice cream is serious business in Iceland, and a bragðarefur–a soft serve mixed with candy or fruit—is the must-try treat. Ísbúð Vesturbæjar and Ísbúð Huppu are two local favorites where you’ll find Icelanders lining up year round, no matter the weather or time of year, for their bragðarefur fix.

The traditional (if you have the guts to try)

• Íslenski Barinn: Íslenski Barinn is the place to go if you want to dive into the real traditional side of Icelandic food. Here you can try fermented shark with dried fish and butter, warm up with Icelandic lamb soup, or, if you’re feeling brave, go all in with a sheep’s head.

• Loki: Right across from Hallgrímskirkja, Loki is known for serving traditional Icelandic food with a view. I recommend going for the Icelandic Plate, which lets you taste a little bit of everything: flatbread with smoked lamb, rye bread with mashed fish and smoked trout, dried fish, and even fermented shark. And don’t miss their rye bread ice cream—it’s a true Icelandic classic in dessert form.

The healthy

• Ísey Skyr Bar: Ísey Skyr Bar is all about Iceland’s most famous health food, skyr. Packed with protein and low in fat, their bowls, smoothies, and juices are perfect when you want something quick, fresh, and healthy in Reykjavík.

• Lemon: Lemon is a Reykjavík favorite for fresh smoothies, juices, and healthy sandwiches made from simple, quality ingredients. It’s a go-to spot when you want something light, quick, and energizing without sacrificing flavor.

• Local: Local focuses on fresh, made-to-order salads and bowls with lots of room to customize. It is an easy way to grab a healthy meal in Reykjavík that feels colorful, filling, and satisfying.

• Saffran: Saffran is a casual spot in Reykjavík that takes inspiration from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. The menu ranges from flatbreads and salads to chicken and rice dishes, all made with a focus on fresh ingredients and lighter cooking.

• Serrano: Serrano is an Icelandic chain inspired by Mexican flavors, serving burritos, quesadillas, tacos, and salads made with fresh ingredients. It can be a healthy choice if you load up on veggies, or a more indulgent one if you go all in with cheese and sauces.

Café life

• Deig: Deig is the bakery side of Le KocK and one of the best places in Reykjavík for bagels and doughnuts. Whether you grab a coffee and a fresh bagel in the morning or treat yourself to one of their famous doughnuts, it is always worth a stop.

• Sandholt: Sandholt is one of Reykjavík’s oldest family-run bakeries, known for its sourdough bread, pastries, and beautiful cakes. It is the kind of café where you can sit down with a coffee and enjoy both classic Icelandic recipes and modern creations in a cozy setting on Laugavegur.

• Brauð og Co: Brauð og Co is all about fresh sourdough bread and pastries baked daily with high-quality ingredients. Their cinnamon rolls, croissants, and loaves have made them one of the most popular bakeries in Reykjavík for both locals and visitors.

• Passion Reykjavík: Passion Reykjavík is a cozy bakery and café that has become well loved for its cakes, pastries, and good coffee. It is a nice stop when you want something sweet in a relaxed setting near the city center.