The 7 best Reykjavik restaurants

Why go? You’ll feel like you’re eating a steak in the garden of Eden.

Grillmarkaðurinn means grill market in English, and that’s exactly what you’ll get here. This restaurant is decorated with moss and trees and sources local farm produce before grilling and smoking it to perfection. Vegans look away now: you can order whale, horse, reindeer and puffin here, although you can also play it safe and stick with a classic beef steak. And make sure you have a delicious gin cocktail, too. The Kardashians ate here on a trip to Reykjavik, and if it’s good enough for them… 

Price range: High-end

Why go? It’s a cult classic, world-famous hot dog stand that’s been running since 1937 (Bill Clinton has eaten there).

Situated in central Reykjavik near the harbour, this is the perfect hidden gem if you want a delicious dinner without a hefty price tag. Ask for a loaded lamb or beef hot dog with ‘the works’, which includes fried onion, raw onion, ketchup, and remolaði, a mayonnaise and mustard relish. Make sure to get a beer on the side. There’s nowhere to sit here, but you won’t care when you taste how good these bad boys are. 

Price range: Budget 

Why go? For the tacos on a Tuesday. 

Vegan and family-run, this is another food spot with great vegan options. The restaurant is located in an old fishing shed, but it’s not as fishy as it sounds. It’s lovely and light inside. You’ll find all sorts on the menu, from sourdough pizzas to big leafy salads, and then there’s Taco Tuesdays. You might be in Iceland, but you can’t miss out on the mouthwatering fish ones here – and prices are reasonable, too.

Price: Mid-range

Why go? For a blowout meal with incredible views of Iceland’s jaw-dropping natural wonders. 

New Nordic cuisine isn’t done any better than at Dill, a Michelin-starred restaurant, serving seasonal ingredients and classics like meatballs, fish stew and goat’s cheese, as well as traditional Icelandic dishes like reindeer tartar. It’s known as the best restaurant in Reykjavik for a reason.

Price: Blowout

Why go? It’s cosy, homely and totally un-touristy – with the best brunch in town.

You’ll have to go off the beaten track for this local gem, located in Garðabær, a countryside area just outside the city. And that means it’s that rarity in Reykjavik – affordable. Check the duck leg and the lobster bisque, as well as the chicken sesame noodles, pancakes and mimosas for brunch.

Price range: Mid-range

Why go? For healthy, organic food with decent vegan options in an airy upstairs restaurant. 

You might have noticed a lot of whale and reindeer on the menu in this city - if that’s not your bag, Gló is for you. It is not exclusively vegan and veggie but is all organic, fresh stuff, in a cafeteria-style setup. (Except we doubt you ate this healthily at school!) Try the rainbow Asian salads, falafel and flatbreads, and the Mexican wrap and mix-and-match salads.

Price range: Budget

Why go? You’ll be seeing stars after trying the fish here.

It wouldn’t be a legitimate trip to Iceland without at least trying to see the Northern Lights. Load up on a nine (yes, really) course dinner at Kopar in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. Best are the fish-based dishes like cod tongue, scallops with ceviche and monkfish with pesto and bacon. You’ll then head out on a boat to try and spot the elusive Aurora Borealis with a skipper - and will hopefully return after two and half hours victorious. This place is only open from Saturday to Monday, but it is worth planning a trip around it.

Price range: High-end