Reykjavik Foodie Guide: Complete Culinary Experience
Explore the best restaurants, food tours, local cuisine, street food, and culinary experiences in Reykjavik. Your complete guide to dining in Reykjavik.
Welcome to the ultimate foodie guide for Reykjavik! Whether you're a local food enthusiast or a visiting gourmand, this comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best culinary experiences that Reykjavik has to offer. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden street food gems, authentic local specialties to innovative fusion cuisine, we've curated the essential dining experiences that showcase Reykjavik's vibrant food scene. Our carefully selected recommendations include insider tips, must-try dishes, and everything you need to eat your way through Reykjavik like a true food lover.
Key Takeaways
- Reykjavik offers diverse culinary experiences from fine dining to street food
- Local specialties and regional dishes are must-tries for authentic flavors
- Food tours and cooking classes provide immersive culinary experiences
- Reservations recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends
- Markets and food halls offer great variety and local atmosphere
Must-Try Restaurants
From hidden gems to acclaimed establishments, these restaurants showcase the best of local and international cuisine in Reykjavik.
Reykjavík Kitchen
Highly rated Restaurant in Reykjavik with 4.8 stars from 2106 reviews.
📍 Rauðarárstígur 8, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
Sjávargrillið
Highly rated Restaurant in Reykjavik with 4.7 stars from 2033 reviews.
📍 Skólavörðustígur 14, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
Icelandic Street Food
Highly rated Restaurant in Reykjavik with 4.7 stars from 6299 reviews.
📍 Lækjargata 8, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Íslenski Barinn - The Icelandic Bar
Highly rated Bar in Reykjavik with 4.7 stars from 4653 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 43W8+QP5, Ingólfsstræti 1a 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Matarkjallarinn
Highly rated Restaurant in Reykjavik with 4.8 stars from 1164 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 Aðalstræti 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
Grillmarkaðurinn
Highly rated Restaurant in Reykjavik with 4.6 stars from 2688 reviews.
📍 Lækjargata 2a, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
Old Iceland
Highly rated Restaurant in Reykjavik with 4.8 stars from 2759 reviews.
📍 Laugavegur 72, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
Höfnin Restaurant
Highly rated Restaurant in Reykjavik with 4.7 stars from 1311 reviews.
📍 Geirsgata 7, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
Messinn
Highly rated Seafood in Reykjavik with 4.6 stars from 3358 reviews.
📍 Lækjargata 6, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Seafood cuisine
Skál!
Highly rated Restaurant in Reykjavik with 4.7 stars from 1062 reviews.
📍 Njálsgata 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
ÓX
Highly rated Restaurant in Reykjavik with 4.8 stars from 182 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 Laugavegur 55 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Kopar
Highly rated Restaurant in Reykjavik with 4.6 stars from 1317 reviews.
📍 Geirsgata 3, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
Street Food & Food Markets
Authentic street food vendors, bustling food markets, and local favorites where you'll find the most flavorful and affordable bites in Reykjavik.
Hlemmur Mathöll
Highly rated International in Reykjavik with 4.5 stars from 544 reviews.
📍 Laugavegur 107, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Pósthús Food Hall & Bar
Highly rated Restaurant in Reykjavik with 4.6 stars from 769 reviews.
📍 Pósthússtræti 5 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Icelandic Street Food
Highly rated Restaurant in Reykjavik with 4.7 stars from 6299 reviews.
📍 Lækjargata 8, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Grandi Mathöll
Highly rated Restaurant in Reykjavik with 4.5 stars from 813 reviews.
📍 Grandagarður 16 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Kolaportið Market
Highly rated Restaurant in Reykjavik with 3.9 stars from 2256 reviews.
📍 Tryggvagötu, Old Harbour, Grófin 19, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Welcoming atmosphere
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
101 Reykjavik Street Food
Highly rated Restaurant in Reykjavik with 4.5 stars from 3349 reviews.
📍 Skólavörðustígur 8, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
Corner Market
Highly rated International in Reykjavik with 4.1 stars from 76 reviews.
📍 Laugavegur 20b, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Welcoming atmosphere
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Town market
Highly rated International in Reykjavik with 5 stars from 5 reviews.
📍 Veltusund, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Welcoming atmosphere
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Food Tours & Culinary Experiences
Guided food tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, and immersive culinary experiences led by local experts in Reykjavik.
The Reykjavik Food Walk
Highly rated International in Reykjavik with 5 stars from 4045 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Cafes & Bakeries
Artisanal coffee shops, charming cafes, and bakeries serving fresh pastries, breads, and sweet treats in Reykjavik.
Café Babalú
Highly rated Cafe in Reykjavik with 4.5 stars from 2484 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 Skólavörðustígur 22A, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Kaffibrennslan
Highly rated Cafe in Reykjavik with 4.6 stars from 1067 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 Laugavegur 21, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Café Loki
Highly rated Restaurant in Reykjavik with 4.5 stars from 6328 reviews.
📍 Lokastígur 28, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Reykjavik Roasters
Highly rated Cafe in Reykjavik with 4.6 stars from 1954 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 Kárastígur 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Sandholt
Highly rated Bakery in Reykjavik with 4.6 stars from 4044 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 Laugavegur 36, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
Reykjavík Roasters
Highly rated Cafe in Reykjavik with 4.6 stars from 653 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 Brautarholt 2, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Rúblan bókakaffi
Highly rated Cafe in Reykjavik with 4.8 stars from 192 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 Laugavegur 18, 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Hygge Coffee & Micro Bakery
Highly rated Bakery in Reykjavik with 4.8 stars from 440 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 Seljavegur 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
Local Specialties & Signature Dishes
Regional dishes, local delicacies, and signature foods you absolutely must try during your visit to Reykjavik.
Signature Dish
A must-try Reykjavik specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Local Delicacy
This beloved Reykjavik dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Traditional Recipe
Experience the authentic taste of Reykjavik with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Street Food Favorite
Discover why this Reykjavik specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Regional Specialty
This iconic Reykjavik creation perfectly captures the essence of the local food culture.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Seasonal Treat
A Reykjavik classic that combines traditional techniques with fresh, quality ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Classic Comfort Food
A must-try Reykjavik specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Modern Fusion
This beloved Reykjavik dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Artisanal Product
Experience the authentic taste of Reykjavik with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Heritage Recipe
Discover why this Reykjavik specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Bars & Nightlife
Craft cocktail bars, wine bars, breweries, and unique drinking establishments with character and quality in Reykjavik.
Daisy Cocktail Bar
Highly rated Bar in Reykjavik with 5 stars from 86 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 Ingólfsstræti 8, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Lebowski Bar
Highly rated Bar in Reykjavik with 4.5 stars from 3544 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 Laugavegur 20a, Laugavegur 18B, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Kokteilbarinn
Highly rated Bar in Reykjavik with 4.8 stars from 91 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 Klapparstígur 28, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Jungle Cocktail Bar
Highly rated Bar in Reykjavik with 4.8 stars from 421 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 Austurstræti 9, 101, Austurstræti 9, Austurstræti 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Einstök Bar
Highly rated Bar in Reykjavik with 4.7 stars from 557 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 Laugavegur 10 101, Laugavegur 10, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Lemmy
Highly rated Bar in Reykjavik with 4.7 stars from 677 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 Austurstræti 20 101, Austurstræti 20, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Essential Tips
- 🍽️Make reservations at popular restaurants well in advance
- 🍽️Try local specialties and regional dishes unique to the area
- 🍽️Ask locals and hotel staff for their favorite food spots
- 🍽️Visit food markets early in the morning for the freshest selection
- 🍽️Don't be afraid to try street food from busy, popular vendors
- 🍽️Take a food tour early in your visit to discover hidden gems
- 🍽️Check restaurant hours as they can vary by day and season
- 🍽️Bring cash for street food vendors and small local eateries
- 🍽️Pace yourself - save room to try multiple dishes and restaurants
- 🍽️Document your culinary journey with photos and notes
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Reykjavik's food scene thrives year-round, though each season brings unique culinary experiences. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor dining and food festivals. Summer features fresh seasonal produce and lively food markets. Winter brings comfort food specialties and cozy indoor dining. Check local food festival calendars for special events.
Average Price
Dining costs in Reykjavik vary widely. Street food and casual eateries: $5-15 per person. Mid-range restaurants: $20-50 per person. Fine dining: $75-150+ per person. Food tours typically range from $50-150. Cooking classes: $75-200. Markets offer budget-friendly options for self-catering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reykjavik is known for its diverse culinary offerings. Be sure to try the local specialties and regional dishes that showcase the area's unique flavors and traditions. Ask locals for their recommendations, and don't miss the signature dishes at acclaimed restaurants.
For popular and fine dining restaurants, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Many sought-after spots book up weeks in advance. Casual eateries and street food vendors typically don't require reservations.
Consider taking a food tour early in your visit to get oriented and discover hidden gems. Visit local markets to see fresh ingredients and try samples. Mix fine dining with casual spots and street food for a complete experience. Don't be afraid to venture beyond tourist areas.
Most restaurants in Reykjavik offer vegetarian options, and vegan choices are increasingly common. Many establishments can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Check menus online or call ahead to confirm options that meet your needs.
Tipping customs vary by location. In the US, 15-20% is standard for table service. In Europe, service is often included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated. In Asia, tipping is less common. Check local customs for Reykjavik specifically.
Lunch is typically served 11:30am-2pm, dinner 6pm-10pm, though hours vary by establishment and culture. For popular restaurants, consider dining earlier (before 7pm) or later (after 9pm) to avoid peak crowds. Weekend brunch is popular at many spots.
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