The best restaurants Reykjavik & Area

Why not eat Thai food in Iceland? As incongruous as the idea may be, the Krua Thai restaurant has been pleasing locals and tourists alike for years. This small Thai restaurant is located not far from the harbour and right next to the bus station. Seen from the outside, it doesn't look like much, and yet! The portions are copious, to be eaten on the spot or to be taken away and the prices are very soft. As friendly as flexible, the service is unanimous as well as the quality-price ratio of the dishes as good as generous. A delight for the taste buds!

The speciality of this establishment, located in the port area, in the middle of the warehouses, is very logically the fish (and everything that lives under the water in general!). In a simple and fresh setting, you will taste the plokkfiskur (local haddock) for 900 Kr, fish cakes, day taking with fries, excellent seafood soup or saliverez in front of a large buffet of specialities from the sea (on or off). Democratic rates allow everyone to find their happiness.

This is a small café in a typical Reykjavík neighbourhood, ideal for a break with friends in a friendly atmosphere. A few tables, a simple counter, and a clientele that comes in at all hours to have a drink or to taste what makes the reputation of the place: the delicious homemade hamburgers. We strongly recommend the blue cheese burger. When you taste one of the varieties offered, you understand why the Mac Do in the city centre had to close down! The quality-price ratio is excellent, with reasonable prices for Iceland.

If you're in the mood for a delicious burger in the capital, you can't miss this little building worthy of 1930s Italy. The clock on the little tower doesn't work, but that won't stop you from sitting down in the small circular room where they serve up "real" homemade burgers that are rightly renowned throughout the city. With 11 burgers including a veggie burger, there's plenty of choice. Forget your calorie calculator and imitate the regulars by accompanying them with creamy shakes!

At Kaffi Solon, you are in a hybrid place with two faces, depending on whether you come by day or night. The artists' café becomes a bar at night. Its corner location and glass windows make it a perfect place to watch the crowds wandering around Bankastraeti. On two floors, the combination of café and art gallery is a success. And every week there are concerts. On the plates, you'll find hearty pasta and rice dishes, tapas, imaginative salads and excellent desserts.

The specialities of this establishment, which proudly displays the Danish crown, are the famous smørrebrød, so common in Copenhagen. Today, Jómfrúin prides itself on offering the best smørrebrød to locals and tourists alike. You will discover here these excellent varied breads covered with meats, delicatessen, smoked fishes and cheeses in all kinds, Danish or Icelandic. You will have a nice overview on the menu with pictures. To complete the picture, there are also hearty brasserie dishes and appetizing desserts.

If you're spending a few hours on the island of Viðey and you're feeling a little hungry, this café will be more than welcome! It's easy to spot, as it's one of only two buildings on the island. It's located just a few minutes from the boat dock, perfect for a break before setting off again. Inside, you can enjoy a bite to eat or a hot drink to keep your strength up, with a lovely terrace to take advantage of on sunny days. Please note that opening times can vary, so be sure to bring something to eat if you need to.

In the capital, you'll find both excellent fish restaurants and succulent addresses for meat lovers. For the latter, The Steak House is sure to please! This restaurant is dedicated to meat, with a variety of high-quality Icelandic recipes and made-to-measure service, all in an intimate setting near Reykjavik harbor. Some dishes include fish, for those who prefer it.

Reykjavik Kitchen is a restaurant whose name perfectly illustrates its promise: to offer you typical dishes, in an atmosphere as friendly as that which can reign in a kitchen! In a room with a sober, modern and neat decoration, you will be able to taste local dishes based on fish, meat or vegetarian. The service is very pleasant. Special mention to the desserts, with an excellent crème brûlée with Skyr or the Eyjafjallajökull cup: home-made vanilla ice cream, raspberry sauce and chocolate ashes!

As you walk along the paths of the Old Port, you may be struck by the large blue façade of the Höfnin restaurant. With a direct view on the quays, this restaurant is a very good place to eat local dishes, either fish or meat, in a warm room. The welcome and the service are irreproachable, which is far from being the case everywhere. Don't hesitate to try the seafood soup as a starter, a real treat ideal before an activity at sea for example

From the moment you enter, you feel transported to another world. Subdued lighting, background music, the journey continues into the large dining room, decorated with plants and a (fake) cherry tree right in the middle of the room. On the menu, a myriad of small and large dishes to savor: cauliflower or langoustine fritters, beef or salmon tartare, burger-style tacos... You can feel the creative sensibility of the chefs, and the desire for a cuisine that combines inspirations. For a normal appetite, a taco won't be enough, so opt for a dessert as well.

If you like big pancakes, you'll love Grái Kötturinn or "the gray cat"! This cosy, atypically charming establishment welcomes you every day until early afternoon. Here, you can enjoy homemade bread, XL pancakes and delicious bagels. Open since 1997, this establishment stands out for its cheeky touches, timeless interior and tasty, gourmet brunch plates. Be warned, the place is small and service can take a while, so don't come in a hurry!

Located in the city centre, this gourmet restaurant will seduce you if you are looking for a good table in the capital. Here, carefully prepared dishes are served, in beautiful proportions and inspired by Italian cuisine, but not only! Try the tagliatelle with truffles (a delight), one of the most popular dishes in the house, and it is easy to see why. You can also choose from pizzas (including a vegan pizza), salads, gourmet desserts and cocktails with or without alcohol.

Ideal if you're feeling peckish after a trip to Lake Tjörnin, Café IÐNÓ boasts a lovely terrace in fine weather, with a view of the lake and its feathered inhabitants (or from its windows in winter)! In this historic building, you'll appreciate the cosy atmosphere, ideal for a drink to warm up, a slice of homemade cake or a soup at lunchtime. In addition to its high-quality, reasonably-priced cuisine and great location, IÐNÓ also has a pleasantly atmospheric room for regular concerts.

Looking for a gourmet break? Eldur Og Is is here to treat you with homemade pancakes and tasty ice creams! Located in the city centre, this pancake and ice cream parlour offers you many savoury and sweet options to treat yourself all week long. We appreciate the large choice of sweet toppings (Skyr, cinnamon, Toblerone, Oréo, whipped cream...) and the location, although the small room fills up quickly. Please note: the basic price of a plain pancake is quite high (5 euros), the bill can quickly rise if you are not careful.

The Viking village has two restaurants. The best-known of these is undoubtedly Fjörugarðurinn, which can accommodate up to 350 guests. The restaurant is a sort of large, cheerful tavern in a reconstructed Viking setting, complete with folk music. The waiters are dressed as barbarian warriors with armor. Brennivin (local schnapps) is served in sheep's horns. It's an unusual experience, but may seem too touristy for some, so it's up to you!