The Capital Region (Höfuðborgarsvæðið) of Iceland is the country's most populous and vibrant area, centered around Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital city. It encompasses seven municipalities including Reykjavik, Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður, Garðabær, Mosfellsbær, Seltjarnarnes, and Kjósarhreppur, together forming Iceland's cultural, political, and economic heart. The region blends dramatic volcanic landscapes, steaming geothermal pools, world-class museums, and a legendary nightlife scene unlike anywhere else on earth.
Reykjavik's food scene has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from simple fish and lamb dishes to one of Europe's most exciting culinary destinations. The city's cuisine is rooted in pristine Icelandic ingredients — wild-caught Arctic fish, free-range lamb that grazes on Icelandic herbs, sustainably harvested langoustine, locally grown root vegetables, and dairy products (especially skyr) that have sustained Icelanders for centuries. Modern Reykjavik restaurants celebrate these ingredients with Nordic minimalism and occasional global influence, while traditional eateries and street food stalls preserve the honest flavors of Iceland's fishing and farming heritage.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Capital Region.
Hot dog (pylsa)
Made with lamb and pork, served with crispy onion, raw onion, ketchup, mustard, and sweet remoulade
Where to try: Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, Tryggvagata
Price: $5
Lobster soup (humarsúpa)
Rich, creamy bisque made with Icelandic langoustine and served with rye bread
Where to try: Sægreifinn (Sea Baron), Old Harbour
Price: $18
Skyr
Traditional Icelandic dairy product similar to thick yogurt, naturally high in protein and low in fat
Where to try: Supermarkets, Café Loki, most breakfast spots
Price: $4-8
Langoustine (humar)
Iceland's prized small lobster, best eaten simply grilled with garlic butter
Where to try: Messinn, Kopar, Fiskmarkaðurinn
Price: $30-45
Plokkfiskur
Traditional Icelandic fish stew of poached fish and potatoes mashed together — humble and wonderful
Where to try: Icelandic Street Food, Café Loki, Kaffivagninn
Price: $12-18
Rye bread (rúgbrauð)
Dense, sweet geothermally baked dark bread — buy a loaf at Sandholt or Bónus supermarket
Where to try: Sandholt Bakery, Café Loki
Price: $3-4
Hákarl (fermented shark)
Ammonia-cured Greenlandic shark — an acquired taste but a cultural rite of passage
Where to try: Café Loki, Kolaportið market
Price: $8-12
Skyr ice cream (skyrís)
Ice cream made with skyr — lighter and tangier than regular ice cream with unique Icelandic berry flavors
Where to try: Valdís Ice Cream, Hlemmur Mathöll
Price: $6
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Dill
Iceland's only Michelin-starred restaurant offers an extraordinary 7-course tasting menu that celebrates Icelandic ingredients at their finest. Chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason's menu changes with the seasons, featuring foraged herbs, wild game, sustainably caught fish, and skyr in unexpected forms.
Known for: Michelin-starred New Nordic cuisine with exclusively Icelandic ingredients
Hverfisgata 12, 101 Reykjavik
Nostra
An acclaimed fine dining restaurant with a strong focus on local and sustainable Icelandic produce, Nostra serves a rotating menu that highlights seasonal ingredients with modern Nordic technique. The wine list is exceptional and the warm, minimalist dining room creates an intimate atmosphere.
Known for: Seasonal Nordic fine dining with local Icelandic produce
Laugavegur 59, 101 Reykjavik
Grillmarkaðurinn (The Grill Market)
Market-to-table Icelandic cooking at its finest, where prime cuts of Icelandic lamb, local beef, and the freshest seafood are grilled over volcanic stones. The dramatic basement dining room with its exposed lava walls creates an unforgettable atmosphere that matches the bold, beautiful food.
Known for: Premium Icelandic meats and seafood grilled on volcanic stone
Lækjargata 2a, 101 Reykjavik
Fiskmarkaðurinn (The Fish Market)
A creative and vibrant restaurant that fuses Icelandic seafood with Asian cooking techniques and flavors. The omakase sushi bar and fresh catch specials are outstanding, and the lively basement atmosphere under the Old Harbour makes it one of Reykjavik's most enjoyable dining experiences.
Known for: Icelandic seafood with Asian fusion techniques
Aðalstræti 12, 101 Reykjavik
Matur og Drykkur
Drawing inspiration from an old Icelandic cookbook, this celebrated restaurant transforms traditional Icelandic dishes into elegant modern interpretations. Dishes like cod heads in brown butter, fermented skate, and sheep's head soup are presented with artistry, honoring Iceland's culinary heritage.
Known for: Modern interpretation of traditional Icelandic recipes from the 1858 cookbook
Grandagarður 2, 101 Reykjavik
Messinn
Famous for its fresh Icelandic fish served piping hot in cast-iron skillets, Messinn is consistently rated among Reykjavik's best restaurants. The simple, honest cooking lets outstanding locally caught fish — cod, haddock, and salmon — shine with seasonal vegetables and house-made sauces.
Known for: Fresh Icelandic fish in cast iron skillets
Lækjargata 6b, 101 Reykjavik
Sægreifinn (The Sea Baron)
A Reykjavik institution since 1994, this quirky harborside shack serves the most famous lobster soup in Iceland along with skewers of whale, langoustine, and fresh fish grilled to order. Simple, delicious, and utterly authentic, it's an unmissable experience in the Old Harbour.
Known for: Famous lobster soup and grilled seafood skewers
Geirsgata 8, 101 Reykjavik
Snaps Bistro
A warm and convivial bistro with a French-influenced menu using Icelandic produce, Snaps is one of Reykjavik's most beloved neighborhood restaurants. The lively atmosphere, excellent wine list, and approachable prices make it a local favorite for weekday lunches and romantic dinners.
Known for: French bistro classics with Icelandic twist
Þórsgata 1, 101 Reykjavik
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Icelandic
Bergsson Mathús
Reykjavik's most popular breakfast and brunch destination, Bergsson's cozy wood-paneled space fills up fast on weekends. The menu features beautifully presented açaí bowls, avocado toast, skyr-based dishes, eggs Benedict, and excellent coffee — a perfect start to any Reykjavik day.
Known for: Reykjavik's most popular brunch spot
Templarasund 3, 101 Reykjavik
Geysir Bistro & Bar
A well-run casual restaurant in the shopping district near Harpa Concert Hall, Geysir Bistro serves reliable Icelandic and international dishes at mid-range prices. The three-course lunch specials are excellent value and popular with business diners and tourists taking a break from Harpa.
Known for: Good-value Icelandic lunch specials near Harpa
Skógarhlíð 8, 101 Reykjavik
Matarkjallarinn (The Food Cellar)
Hidden in a historic cellar in the oldest part of Reykjavik, Matarkjallarinn offers an intimate fine dining experience focused on Icelandic ingredients. The vaulted stone ceilings and candlelit ambience complement a menu of beautifully executed dishes featuring wild game, foraged mushrooms, and coastal seafood.
Known for: Intimate Icelandic fine dining in a historic stone cellar
Aðalstræti 2, 101 Reykjavik
Café
Stofan Café
A wonderfully cozy living-room café in Reykjavik's artistic quarter, Stofan (meaning 'the living room') fills old sofas and mismatched furniture with students and travelers nursing excellent coffee and homemade soups. The unhurried atmosphere, book-lined shelves, and free wifi make it a perfect daytime retreat.
Known for: Living-room café atmosphere with excellent coffee and wifi
Aðalstræti 2, 101 Reykjavik
Kaffihús Vesturbæjar
A cherished neighborhood café in the residential Vesturbær district, beloved by locals for its cozy atmosphere, excellent coffee, and generous home-baked goods. The kind of genuine neighborhood café that doesn't cater to tourists, making it the most authentic Reykjavik café experience.
Known for: The most genuinely local neighborhood café in Reykjavik — tourists rarely find it
Melhagi 20, 107 Reykjavik
Coffee
Café Haiti
Reykjavik's longest-running specialty coffee shop, run by a Haitian family since 1993, is a multicultural gem in the Old Harbour area. The cozy space serves excellent espresso, tea, and light food in a warm, unpretentious atmosphere beloved by locals for working, reading, and conversation.
Known for: Reykjavik's oldest specialty coffee shop with African coffee traditions
Geirsgata 7b, 101 Reykjavik
Mokka Kaffi
Reykjavik's oldest café has been welcoming writers, artists, and intellectuals since 1958. The unchanged black-and-white décor, vintage coffee machines, and atmosphere of quiet contemplation make Mokka a window into Reykjavik's bohemian past. The waffles with cream and jam are legendary.
Known for: Reykjavik's oldest café serving waffles since 1958
Skólavörðustígur 3a, 101 Reykjavik
European
Ostabúðin
Reykjavik's beloved neighborhood deli and restaurant in the residential Skólavörðustígur area, Ostabúðin (The Cheese Shop) offers an outstanding cheese counter, artisan charcuterie, and a full bistro menu for lunch and dinner. Perfect for assembling picnic supplies or sitting down to a leisurely meal.
Known for: Artisan cheese, charcuterie, and European bistro dining
Skólavörðustígur 8, 101 Reykjavik
Ostabúðin Cheese & Wine Bar
The upstairs wine bar at Ostabúðin deli serves an exceptional selection of Icelandic and European cheeses with natural wines and small artisanal plates. One of Reykjavik's most intimate and sophisticated evening destinations for food and wine enthusiasts.
Known for: Best cheese and natural wine experience in Reykjavik
Skólavörðustígur 8, 101 Reykjavik
Icelandic Traditional
Icelandic Street Food
A casual counter-service restaurant in the Old Harbour serving traditional Icelandic dishes at street food prices. The tender lamb soup served from a bread bowl, plokkfiskur (fish stew), and meat soup are hearty, warming, and authentically Icelandic — perfect for budget travelers wanting real food.
Known for: Traditional Icelandic dishes at street food prices
Hafnarstræti 19, 101 Reykjavik
Gamla Hafnarkráin (Old Harbor Tavern)
A cozy harbor tavern in Hafnarfjörður serving traditional Icelandic fishing town food in an atmospheric setting. The location beside the volcanic rock harbour, combined with fresh fish dishes and local lamb, makes this a worthwhile excursion from Reykjavik for travelers wanting to experience life beyond the capital.
Known for: Traditional Icelandic harbour town food in atmospheric Hafnarfjörður setting
Vesturgata 4, 220 Hafnarfjörður
Seafood
Kopar Restaurant
Perched right on the Old Harbour waterfront, Kopar (Copper) serves beautifully prepared Icelandic seafood dishes in a stylish maritime setting. The langoustine bisque and catch-of-the-day preparations are outstanding, and the harbor views make every table memorable.
Known for: Icelandic seafood with harbor views
Geirsgata 3, 101 Reykjavik
Reykjavik Fish Restaurant
A welcoming mid-range seafood restaurant near the Old Harbour serving fresh Icelandic fish in straightforward, well-executed preparations. Popular with local families and business lunches for its generous portions, reliable quality, and fish soup served in a bread bowl.
Known for: Reliable, fresh Icelandic fish at honest prices near the Old Harbour
Tryggvagata 8, 101 Reykjavik
Thai
Noodle Station
A beloved budget-friendly institution in Reykjavik serving authentic Thai noodle soups in a simple cafeteria setting. With three noodle soup options in beef, chicken, or vegetarian versions, it's one of the best value-for-money restaurants in the city and perennially popular with locals and travelers alike.
Known for: Best value noodle soups in Reykjavik — three choices, all excellent
Laugavegur 86, 101 Reykjavik
Thai Koon
A popular Thai restaurant in Reykjavik's 101 district serving authentic Thai curries, stir-fries, and soups at prices that are genuinely affordable by Icelandic standards. The pad Thai, green curry, and tom kha soup are particularly well executed and attract a loyal following.
Known for: Authentic Thai food at some of Reykjavik's most affordable prices
Hverfisgata 26, 101 Reykjavik
Traditional Icelandic
Café Loki
Directly across the street from Hallgrímskirkja church, Café Loki specializes in traditional Icelandic dishes served in a cozy, homey setting. Must-tries include the rye bread with smoked lamb, skyr with crowberries, and the legendary hákarl (fermented Greenlandic shark) for the brave.
Known for: Traditional Icelandic dishes including fermented shark
Lokastígur 28, 101 Reykjavik
Gamla Bærinn (Old Farm)
A long-established restaurant in Hafnarfjörður serving hearty traditional Icelandic cooking in a warm, rustic setting. The slow-cooked lamb, skyr-based desserts, and traditional Icelandic fish dishes represent home cooking at its best, and the location in Hafnarfjörður lava town adds authentic atmosphere.
Known for: Traditional Icelandic home cooking in Hafnarfjörður lava town
Strandgata 50, 220 Hafnarfjörður
Artisan Bakery
Brauð & Co
A beloved Reykjavik bakery famous for its extraordinary cinnamon rolls and creative pastries. The lines stretch outside on weekend mornings, which tells you everything you need to know. Simple counter service with a rotating selection of beautiful baked goods made fresh daily.
Known for: Reykjavik's most-queued-for cinnamon rolls
Frakkastígur 16, 101 Reykjavik
Burgers
Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar (Tommi's Burger Joint)
An Icelandic institution that predates the international burger revolution, Tommi's has been crafting unpretentious, excellent burgers since 1981. The no-frills Laugavegur location serves thick, juicy burgers made with Icelandic beef and is a beloved late-night destination after the Runtur bar crawl.
Known for: Icelandic beef burgers served since 1981 — open until 5AM on weekends
Laugavegur 22, 101 Reykjavik
Ice Cream
Valdís Ice Cream
An Icelandic love affair with premium ice cream made on-site at this Old Harbour gelateria. Despite Iceland's arctic climate, locals eat ice cream year-round, and Valdís uses Icelandic dairy to create unique flavors like skyr, licorice, and seasonal berry varieties that you won't find anywhere else.
Known for: Premium house-made ice cream with unique Icelandic flavors
Grandagarður 21, 101 Reykjavik
Icelandic Bakery
Sandholt Bakery
Reykjavik's most beloved artisan bakery has been crafting exceptional breads, pastries, and open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød) since 1920. The Laugavegur flagship location is perpetually busy with locals fueling up on perfectly laminated croissants, cinnamon rolls, and traditional rye bread (rúgbrauð).
Known for: Artisan Icelandic bread and pastries since 1920
Laugavegur 36, 101 Reykjavik
Icelandic Contemporary
Petersen Svítan
A rooftop restaurant and bar atop the historic Petersen Húsið building in the city center, offering sweeping views of Reykjavik's rooftops and Hallgrímskirkja. The menu features refined Icelandic small plates and cocktails made with Icelandic spirits, making it one of the city's most atmospheric dining spots.
Known for: Rooftop dining with Hallgrímskirkja views and Icelandic cocktails
Ingólfsstræti 5, 101 Reykjavik
Icelandic Diner
Kaffivagninn
The oldest restaurant in Reykjavik's Old Harbour, Kaffivagninn (The Coffee Wagon) has fed fishermen and dock workers since 1935. The no-frills canteen-style diner serves generous portions of traditional Icelandic fish dishes, lamb soup, and hearty working meals at honest prices.
Known for: Reykjavik's oldest harbor diner serving fishermen since 1935
Grandagarður 10, 101 Reykjavik
Icelandic Street Food
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
The most famous hot dog stand in the world has been feeding Reykjavik since 1937. Generations of Icelanders — and visiting presidents, rock stars, and travelers — have lined up at this iconic red kiosk for the iconic 'einn með öllu' (one with everything): crispy onion, raw onion, ketchup, mustard, and Icelandic remoulade.
Known for: World-famous Icelandic lamb hot dogs
Tryggvagata 1, 101 Reykjavik
International
Laundromat Café
A wonderfully eclectic café-restaurant that combines a working laundromat with a full-service dining room across two floors. Known for its weekend brunch (one of Reykjavik's busiest), burgers, salads, and a basement with board games, Laundromat is a quirky institution for travelers and locals alike.
Known for: Quirky café with laundromat and popular weekend brunch
Austurstræti 9, 101 Reykjavik
Italian
Hornið
Reykjavik's longest-running restaurant, operating since 1979, Hornið combines Italian comfort food with Icelandic ingredients in a cozy stone building. The langoustine pizza and seafood pasta dishes are the highlights, and the warm, cave-like atmosphere makes it enduringly popular.
Known for: Italian-Icelandic fusion in Reykjavik's oldest restaurant space
Hafnarstræti 15, 101 Reykjavik
Mexican
Pablo Discobar
A colorful and lively taqueria and cocktail bar in the heart of Reykjavik's nightlife district, Pablo Discobar serves creative tacos with Icelandic proteins — slow-cooked lamb, langoustine, and arctic char — in Mexican-inspired wraps. The mezcal cocktail list is the best in Iceland.
Known for: Icelandic proteins in Mexican tacos with excellent mezcal cocktails
Veltusund 1, 101 Reykjavik
Middle Eastern
Kebabinn
The most popular late-night food destination in Reykjavik, Kebabinn has been serving enormous lamb kebabs and loaded falafel wraps to hungry Reykjavikurs since 1994. Open until 4AM on weekends, it's the essential last stop of the Runtur bar crawl and a beloved budget institution.
Known for: Late-night kebabs — the essential end to Reykjavik's Runtur
Laugavegur 66, 101 Reykjavik
Multiple
Hlemmur Mathöll (Food Hall)
Reykjavik's vibrant food hall in a converted bus terminal at Hlemmur Square brings together a diverse collection of vendors offering everything from Icelandic langoustine tacos to Japanese ramen, Indian curry, and artisan pizza. The lively communal seating and bar make it the city's best casual dining destination.
Known for: Diverse food hall in a converted bus terminal
Laugavegur 107, 101 Reykjavik
New Icelandic
Skál! Kitchen & Bar
A casual-cool dining room in Hlemmur Mathöll food hall serving creative Icelandic small plates designed for sharing. The rotating menu features locally sourced ingredients prepared with global influences — a great way to explore modern Icelandic cuisine without the formality of a fine-dining establishment.
Known for: Creative Icelandic small plates for sharing
Laugavegur 107 (Hlemmur), 101 Reykjavik
Specialty Coffee
Reykjavik Roasters
Reykjavik's premier specialty coffee roaster with two locations in the city center, serving expertly brewed single-origin coffees alongside home-baked pastries and light breakfast items. The minimalist, light-filled spaces are popular with laptop workers and coffee aficionados.
Known for: Iceland's best specialty coffee with house-roasted beans
Kárastígur 1, 101 Reykjavik
Vegetarian
Gló
Reykjavik's beloved organic health food restaurant and juice bar with a globally-inspired menu of fresh bowls, salads, wraps, and warming soups. Using predominantly organic and locally sourced ingredients, Gló is the best option in the city for plant-based and health-conscious eating.
Known for: Reykjavik's best organic health food and vegetarian/vegan dining
Laugavegur 20b, 101 Reykjavik
Food tours & tastings in Capital Region
Eat your way through Capital Region with a guide.
Browse food experiences in Capital RegionWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Icelandic hot dog (pylsa)
Lamb and pork hot dog with all the toppings from Bæjarins Beztu — Iceland's most iconic food
Find it at: Tryggvagata 1, near Harpa Concert Hall
Lobster soup to go
Cup of rich langoustine bisque from Sægreifinn — perfect for eating while walking the harbor
Find it at: Geirsgata 8, Old Harbour
Skyr soft serve
Creamy skyr-based soft serve ice cream from various kiosks — low fat, high protein, delicious
Find it at: Hlemmur Mathöll and summer kiosks
Lamb sandwich at market
Slow-cooked lamb on rye bread from food market vendors
Find it at: Kolaportið weekend market
Fish and chips (Icelandic style)
Beer-battered fresh cod or haddock with Icelandic remoulade from harbor vendors
Find it at: Old Harbour food trucks
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Kolaportið Flea Market
Weekend flea market with food stalls selling traditional Icelandic items including hákarl, dried fish, and homemade preserves
Hours: Sat-Sun 11AM-5PM
Hlemmur Mathöll Food Hall
Permanent food hall with multiple vendors in a converted bus terminal — the best casual food diversity in Reykjavik
Hours: Mon-Wed 8AM-11PM; Thu-Sat 8AM-1AM; Sun 8AM-11PM
Farmers Market (Bændabúðin)
Seasonal farmers market in Laugardalur with local producers selling fresh vegetables, dairy, and craft food products
Hours: Saturdays 10AM-2PM (May-September)
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Reykjavik is expensive by European standards — budget $15-20 for a basic sit-down meal
Lunch specials at most restaurants offer 2-3 courses for $18-28 — far better value than dinner
Supermarkets (Bónus, Krónan, Nettó) enable self-catering and can cut food costs by 60%
Many restaurants have limited hours — check in advance and book for dinner, especially weekends
Tipping is not mandatory but 10% is appreciated at restaurants for good service
The local Bónus chain is the cheapest supermarket — recognizable by its pink pig logo
Most restaurants are licensed to serve alcohol; Iceland's wine and beer prices are high but bars close at 1AM weeknights, 4AM weekends
- Vegetarian
- Vegetarian options available at most restaurants; vegan options growing but limited at traditional spots
- Halal
- Limited dedicated halal restaurants; kebab shops and some Middle Eastern restaurants serve halal meat
- Gluten free
- Widely catered for; most restaurants can accommodate on request; supermarkets stock gluten-free products
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $12-20 per meal | Hot dogs, noodle soups, food hall vendors, supermarket meals, and budget eateries |
| Mid-range | $30-50 per meal | Casual restaurant main course with one drink; seafood at mid-range venues |
| Upscale | $80-200+ per meal | Fine dining restaurants including Dill, Nostra, Grillmarkaðurinn — tasting menus and wine pairing |