What to Eat in Reykjavík: Top Restaurants and Traditional Icelandic Dishes (2025 Edition)

Reykjavík's culinary offerings are remarkably diverse for a city of its size. Visitors can experience a morning enjoying geothermal-baked rye bread, a lunchtime serving of sizzling cod, a classic lamb hot dog as a snack, and conclude the day at a Michelin-starred establishment.

This guide outlines Reykjavík’s essential dining experiences and locations—encompassing fine dining, contemporary bistros, casual eateries, bakeries, food halls, notable vegan options, and classic street food—to help you craft an authentic and enjoyable Icelandic culinary itinerary.

The Flavors of Iceland—A Quick Primer

Icelandic cuisine is deeply influenced by necessity and its connection to nature, featuring pristine seafood, free-roaming lamb, robust dairy traditions, and innovative preservation methods that date back long before refrigeration.

Modern chefs honor these traditions by emphasizing clean flavors, refined techniques, and an unwavering commitment to freshness.

Key ingredients include cod, haddock, Arctic char, langoustine, lamb, skyr, rye bread, and wild herbs such as Arctic thyme, all prepared with simplicity and presented with care.

Traditional Icelandic Dishes You Should Try (And Where to Find Them)

Discover the best traditional Icelandic dishes to sample during your visit, along with the top spots to enjoy them:

1) Plokkfiskur (Fish Stew)

This comforting dish combines flaky white fish (like cod or haddock) with potatoes, onions, and creamy white sauce, served with warm rye bread and butter.

It’s a classic Icelandic home-cooked meal in a bowl. Look for plokkfiskur on menus at traditional cafés and seafood-focused restaurants—it’s a simple, hearty dish with plenty of warmth.

2) Kjötsúpa (Lamb Soup)

A nourishing broth made with bone-in lamb shoulder and root vegetables, this rustic soup is a go-to for cold days—and many Icelanders swear by it as a cold remedy. Lightly seasoned and deeply satisfying, kjötsúpa is commonly featured in traditional cafés and winter menus.

3) Rúgbrauð / Hverabrauð (Rye Bread, Geothermal-Baked)

This dark, sweet, dense rye bread is traditionally steamed underground near hot springs. At Laugarvatn Fontana on the Golden Circle, you can watch fresh bread being unearthed from the black sand and enjoy it warm with local butter. It’s a unique culinary experience tied closely to Icelandic tradition. Tours are available year-round, with extra times in summer.

4) Icelandic Lamb

Icelandic lamb is renowned for its exceptional flavor, thanks to free-grazing sheep that feed on grass, herbs, and berries. Protected by EU designation (PDO), this tender, clean-tasting meat is a highlight of Icelandic cuisine. Many restaurants in Reykjavík feature it in dishes ranging from charcoal-grilled chops to slow-roasted legs.

5) Skyr

Technically a fresh cheese, skyr is thick, tangy, and high in protein. It’s enjoyed plain, with cream and sugar, or as a key ingredient in desserts and sauces. You’ll find skyr everywhere—from breakfast buffets to fine dining menus.

6) Harðfiskur, Hangikjöt, Hákarl, and Svið (For the Adventurous)

Dried fish (harðfiskur) with butter is a common snack, while smoked lamb (hangikjöt) is a holiday favorite. For a truly adventurous taste, try fermented shark (hákarl) or sheep’s head (svið)—both steeped in Icelandic folklore. Traditional cafés often serve tasting plates where you can sample these alongside other local specialties.

7) The Icelandic Hot Dog (Pylsa)

A beloved favorite, Icelandic hot dogs are made with lamb and served “with everything”—raw and crispy fried onions, sweet brown mustard, ketchup, and remoulade.

Head to the famous harbor-area stand in Reykjavík and experience why these hot dogs have earned international acclaim.

Reykjavík’s Must-Try Restaurants (By Style & Budget)

Michelin & Fine Dining

• DILL (★)
  The pioneer of New Nordic in Iceland, DILL earned and maintains a Michelin star for cerebral tasting menus that forage and celebrate local terroir—think clean flavors, stunning plating, and a sense of place. Book far ahead.
• ÓX (★)
  A hidden, intimate 17-seat chef’s counter behind a secret door. Expect a four-hour culinary “journey” with storytelling, cocktails, and meticulously crafted bites using modern techniques and Icelandic ingredients. Reservations open 90 days out and go fast.
• Matur og Drykkur
  A seasonal tasting focused on traditional dishes reimagined—classic recipes meet modern technique in a stylish harbor-side space. Their current format offers a fixed multi-course dinner.

Tip: If you’re doing one splurge meal in the city—choose DILL for the landmark New Nordic experience, ÓX for the immersive counter, or Matur og Drykkur for a heritage-meets-modern narrative.

Modern Icelandic Bistros & Seafood Specialists

• Grillmarkaðurinn (The Grill Market)
  Big-feel room, moody interiors, and a local-first ethos—lamb, fish, and seasonal produce cooked over fierce heat; shareable plates and a solid bar program.
• Fiskmarkaðurinn (The Fish Market)
  Modern Icelandic with an Asian twist—sushi, robata, and pristine seafood handled with flair; a longtime city favorite with “Best of the Best” nods from diners.
• Fiskfélagið (The Fish Company)
  A cozy stone-walled space with a creative “Around Iceland” set menu that riffs on local waters and seasonal catches.
• Messinn
  Beloved for its signature “fish pans”—sizzling cast-iron pans loaded with buttery potatoes, vegetables, and the fish of the day. Simple, fresh, and perfect for sharing.
• KOL
  A lively spot with a charcoal oven, great cocktails, and plates that hop between Icelandic comfort and international flavors—think grilled lamb, langoustine soup, and seasonal catches.
• Apotek Kitchen + Bar
  Smart, central, and social; Icelandic and European flavors meet an Argentine grill and a serious cocktail bar—great for groups who want variety and a buzzy vibe.
• Lóa Restaurant
  A bright, relaxed downtown favorite where sustainability meets Icelandic comfort. Lóa focuses on locally sourced fish, lamb, and vibrant vegetarian options, served in a warm, Nordic-style space overlooking Austurvöllur Square. It’s ideal for brunch, a light lunch, or a slow evening meal with Icelandic wines and craft cocktails. Visit Lóa Restaurant →

Classics, Cafés & “Like a Local” Spots

• Café/Kaffi Loki
  Opposite Hallgrímskirkja, this is where to try plokkfiskur, lamb soup, rye bread—and their cult rye bread ice cream—on a traditional, unfussy menu.
• Sægreifinn (The Sea Baron)
  Rustic harbor hangout famous for lobster soup (try it with a skewer of fresh fish). Perfect post-whale-watching warm-up.
• Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
  The little hot-dog stand with a global reputation. Order “eina með öllu” (one with everything) and eat it standing at the counter like everyone else.

Food Halls (Great for Groups & Grazers)

• Hlemmur Mathöll
  Reykjavík’s first food hall opened in a converted bus terminal in 2017, jump-starting the city’s market-hall trend. Find multiple vendors, from tacos to pizza, plus Icelandic bites; open daily and good for mixed cravings. (Fun fact: acclaimed spot SKÁL! first rose to fame here.)
• Grandi Mathöll
  A harbor-side hall in a former fish factory with a compact mix of street-food stalls—ideal to pair with a stroll by the water or a visit to nearby attractions.

Bonus: SKÁL!, now in a new standalone location, still embodies playful, produce-driven Icelandic cooking and previously earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand—worth seeking out.

Coffee, Bakeries & Sweet Stops

• Brauð & Co.
  Sourdough bakery loved for cinnamon rolls and open-kitchen vibes; multiple branches across the capital. Grab a roll, then walk to Hallgrímskirkja.
• Sandholt
  A fourth-generation, family bakery on Laugavegur (founded in 1920) with standout sourdough, pastries, and sit-down breakfasts. Old-world tradition meets modern craft.
• Reykjavík Roasters
  Third-wave coffee with several cozy locations—great beans, careful roasting, and a faithful local following.
• Valdís
  Gelato by the harbor with playful flavors; an easy detour after exploring Grandi.

The Essential Reykjavík Food Hit List (2025)

Only have a couple of days in Reykjavík? This curated shortlist captures the city’s entire flavor spectrum — from street food legends to Michelin stars.

• Hot dog “with everything” at Bæjarins Beztu – The city’s most famous bite since 1937. Order eina með öllu for ketchup, mustard, remoulade, crispy onions, and raw onions — the full Icelandic experience.
• Geothermal rye bread tasting at Laugarvatn Fontana – Watch loaves unearthed from hot black sand and taste them warm, best paired with smoked trout from the lake.
• Plokkfiskur at Kaffi Loki – A comforting fish stew served with fresh rye bread and sweeping Hallgrímskirkja views; as traditional as it gets.
• Fish pan for two at Messinn – A sizzling cast-iron pan of buttery fish, potatoes, and vegetables — ideal for sharing after a long day exploring.
• Lamb at Grillmarkaðurinn or KOL – Modern grill-house dining showcasing Icelandic lamb with bold flavors and local flair.
• A Michelin experience – For the ultimate splurge, bookDILL for inventive New Nordic tasting menus or ÓX, Reykjavík’s 11-seat immersive chef’s counter.
• Sweet finish at Sandholt or Valdís – Sandholt bakery for morning pastries and coffee; Valdís for artisan ice cream after dark along the old harbor.

Each stop tells a piece of Iceland’s culinary story — from geothermal ovens to fine dining innovation — making this list your essential Reykjavík food map for 2025.

Street Food & Casual Bites

• Pylsur (hot dogs) from stands and gas stations (yes, really) are a national obsession—lamb-rich, snappy, and dressed with crispy onions and remoulade. The old-harbor stand is the canonical stop.
• Fish & chips stalls and counters show up in food halls and near the harbor—cod or haddock, light batter, and tart sauces.
• Kleinur (twisted doughnuts) pop up in bakeries and grocery stores; they’re lightly sweet, often cardamom-scented, and deeply nostalgic.

Vegetarian & Vegan in Reykjavík

Reykjavík is remarkably easy for plant-forward travelers. Most restaurants offer at least one vegetarian option, and several fully vegan kitchens thrive:

• Mama Reykjavík (all-vegan): warming bowls, stews, juices, and desserts in a cozy space downtown. Check the current menu for dhal and “chilli sin carne” staples.
• Vegan World Peace, Chickpea, Jömm: additional vegan-friendly options and casual bites making the city comfortable even for stricter diets. Local guides regularly point to Reykjavík and Akureyri as the easiest places in Iceland for plant-based travelers.

Note: Some once-famous healthy cafés have closed or changed concepts; always check current hours. (For example, reports in 2024–2025 indicate GLÓ locations closing.) HappyCow+1

How to Eat Like a Local (Practical Tips)

Reykjavík’s dining scene rewards curiosity and timing. To experience it like a local, follow these insider strategies:

• Book smart – Reserve tables early for Michelin-starred spots and popular Saturday night dinners, but know that food halls and cafés usually welcome walk-ins.
• Go early for bakeries – The best cinnamon rolls and sourdough loaves at favorites like Brauð & Co. and Sandholt are often gone by mid-morning.
• Share your meals – At cozy bistros, order fish pans or mixed grills to share. It’s the best way to sample multiple local flavors in one sitting.
• Plan a Golden Circle food stop – Combine sightseeing with a geothermal rye bread tasting at Laugarvatn Fontana. Ideally paired with Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss on the same loop. (More at fontana.is)
• Respect seasonality – Icelandic menus evolve with nature. Langoustine, lamb, and wild greens each have their moment, and the best chefs adapt dishes based on what’s freshly available.

Follow these simple habits, and you’ll not only eat well. You’ll taste Iceland the way locals do, one fresh, seasonal dish at a time.

Sample 2-Day Food Itinerary

Day 1: A Taste of the City

• Breakfast: Start your day like a local at Sandholt, a beloved bakery. Grab a slice of their famous sourdough toast, a flaky pastry, and a strong coffee to fuel your morning adventures.
• Lunch: Dive into the bustling atmosphere of Hlemmur Mathöll, a modern food hall. Don't commit to just one spot! The best way to experience it is by grazing—grab a few plates from different vendors to share.
• Afternoon Treat: Take a stroll to the old harbor and treat yourself to a scoop (or two) of incredible gelato from Valdís.
• Dinner: For an unforgettable taste of Iceland, head to Messinn for their famous "fish pan." Served sizzling in a pan with potatoes and vegetables, you can choose between tender cod or delicate arctic char.
• Late-Night Bite: No trip to Reykjavík is complete without trying the legendary Icelandic hot dog. Join the line at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur and order one "with everything" for the full experience.

Day 2: Golden Circle Feasts & Fine Dining

• Morning Coffee: Kick off your day with a perfectly crafted cup from Reykjavík Roasters, one of the city's top specialty coffee shops.
• Golden Circle Lunch: While exploring the Golden Circle, make a stop at Laugarvatn Fontana. Here, you can taste unique rye bread that's been slow-baked using geothermal heat from the ground. It's delicious paired with some locally smoked trout.
• Dinner Splurge: Ready to treat yourself? Book a table at DILL or ÓX, two of Iceland's most acclaimed fine-dining restaurants. Be sure to reserve your spot months in advance—it's worth it!
• Nightcap: Reykjavík’s Cocktail Culture
  End your two-day food journey with a creative twist at Terroir Reykjavík Bar, home of the Reykjavík Cocktail Making Experience, hosted in collaboration with The Iceland Tour Co.
  Led by award-winning mixologist Raúl Ferreira, this immersive session teaches guests to craft cocktails inspired by Icelandic nature — using local botanicals, glacier ice, and even foraged herbs.
  It’s a social, hands-on experience that combines storytelling, Icelandic ingredients, and a relaxed bar atmosphere — the perfect finale to your culinary weekend in Reykjavík.
  Book ahead to secure a spot, as group sizes are limited and popular with both travelers and locals.

Beyond Reykjavík: A Few Tasty Detours

If your itinerary stretches beyond the capital, food continues to shine:

• Moss Restaurant (Blue Lagoon area)—a Michelin-awarded experience showcasing geothermal-adjacent ingredients and an extraordinary bread-and-butter service; easy to pair with spa time.
• Hveragerði (south of Reykjavík)—geothermal town where bakeries and restaurants sometimes feature hverabrauð (hot-spring bread) sandwiches; a neat lens on Iceland’s renewable-energy food culture.

FAQs

What traditional Icelandic foods should I try in Reykjavík?

Start with traditional Icelandic lamb soup, Icelandic lobster soup, and the famous Icelandic hot dog. A local favorite made with a soft bun, crispy onions, and sesame seeds. For dessert, enjoy Icelandic ice cream, loved by ice cream lovers and visitors alike. These traditional Icelandic foods give a true taste of Reykjavík, Iceland.

Where can I find the best hot dogs in Reykjavík?

Head to downtown Reykjavík, near the city center, for the best hot dogs at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur—where even Bill Clinton once ate. Many group members on food tours recommend this quick fast food stop before exploring the Reykjavík harbor.

Which restaurants offer an unforgettable dining experience?

Chef Thráinn Freyr Vigfússon’s restaurants and other best restaurants in the capital city serve local ingredients, freshest seafood, and tender lamb in a cozy atmosphere. Expect a lively atmosphere and craft beers for a memorable dining experience.

How can I explore more of Icelandic food culture?

Join a food tour to sample local foods and learn about preserving food traditions. Stop by Bonus grocery stores, the chocolate factory, or breweries for a culinary adventure that will pleasantly surprise your taste buds on your next trip to Visit Iceland.

Conclusion

Reykjavík’s food scene in 2025 is the best it’s ever been: confident, ingredient-driven, and deeply connected to Icelandic nature.

In a single weekend you can taste geothermal-baked rye bread, sip langoustine soup by the harbor. And share a fisherman’s pan, queue for a lamb-rich hot dog, and watch chefs transform skyr, lamb, and wild herbs into Michelin-starred poetry.

Use this guide to mix high and low, classic and modern—and you’ll leave with a palate full of clean flavors and a pocketful of new favorites. Come hungry, book a couple of tables, and let Reykjavík feed your curiosity.