If you’re visiting Iceland’s capital of Reykjavik, be prepared to enjoy tasty traditional Icelandic cuisine such as succulent mountain lamb and plenty of fresh seafood. There are also international choices, so if you’re looking for a Cajun-style burger and French fries you won’t be disappointed. Take a look below for the top 10 must-try restaurants in town.
Feel the funky vibes and enjoy a hot chicken sandwich at Forrettabarinn
With lots of funky art works on the walls and a light-filled airy feel, Forrettabarinn has a relaxed bohemian vibe. You can fill up on tasty choices such as hot chicken sandwiches, Cajun style burgers and French fries, tapas selections and warming apple crumbles. They also serve traditional Icelandic cuisine including seafood and they do some seriously good cocktails.
Discover delicious fresh fish choices and tasty desserts at Resto
Owned and run by local chef Johann Johannsson and his wife, Resto is a smart little restaurant with a cosy atmosphere. Serving Scandinavian and European cuisine cooked to delicious perfection, this is a great place for groups of friends and couples. You’ll find tasty options such as salted cod in pastry with tomato salsa and freshly made creamy panna cotta.
Snuggle into the cosy atmosphere at Old Iceland Restaurant
If you’re looking for an intimate restaurant to enjoy a special occasion, Old Iceland Restaurant is the place go. You’ll find tasty Scandinavian and European choices such as the five-course tasting menu with delicious wine pairings. This features Icelandic specialities including cured salmon with dill mayonnaise and desserts such as skyr – a kind of Icelandic soft cheese – with chocolate cookies.
Sample delicious sushi and Scandinavian cuisine at Fish Market
For a really diverse taste experience in super-smart surroundings try Fish Market which offers delicious Japanese, Scandinavian and fusion cuisine, including vegetarian options. You’ll discover tasty dishes such as spring rolls filled with mushrooms, soya beans and aubergine, succulent grilled lamb and a wide range of sushi choices. Try their fantastic tasting menu which is great for sharing with friends.
Have your breakfast in the oldest restaurant in Reykjavik at Kaffivagninn
Situated right on the old harbour front, Kaffivagninn was established in 1935, making it the oldest restaurant in Reykjavik. It serves traditional-style Icelandic and European dishes. You can go here for a hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs, omelettes and pancakes, or stop off for a late lunch of deliciously fresh fish and chips followed by apple cake and whipped cream.
Try hot dogs worthy of presidential praise
Baejarins Beztu Pylsur isn’t strictly a restaurant per se, but it’s certainly worth a visit if you like hot dogs. This little stand in Reyjkavik often has a long queue, with people from all over coming to try the famous hot dogs covered in crunchy onions. So good, in fact, that Bill Clinton, among other famous hot dog-lovers, made a bee-line for this place when touching down in the capital.
Savour tasty seafood from an Icelandic Chef of the Year at Sjavargrillid Seafood Grill
This classy little restaurant is owned and run by a former Icelandic Chef of the Year. Expect fine dining with interesting little touches, but there’s nothing pretentious here so you can relax and enjoy. You can expect delicious dishes featuring fresh lobster, cod, ocean perch and tiger prawns, making the most of the wide range of fresh fish and seafood locally available.
Enjoy relaxed dining and succulent lamb with hazelnuts at Ostabudin
Ostabudin is a small casual restaurant with a light and airy feel where you can pop in for a tasty lunch during the day or a relaxed evening dinner. You could try one of their hearty fish soups, or their lamb with hazelnuts and red wine sauce and finish off with their amazing French chocolate cake with strawberries and cream.
Try out traditional Icelandic cuisine with a fun twist at Matur Og Drykkur
Located in an atmospheric old building, Matur Og Drykkur is the place to go for traditional Icelandic cuisine with a fun twist. Choose from the Game Menu, Seafood Menu or Vegetarian Menu for tasty options such as such as Halibut soup with mussels, apples and dried fruits. They also serve delicious cocktails and Icelandic beers such as Viking Stout.
Sit back and unwind with a tasty cocktail and chocolate cake at Kol Kitchen Bar
A haven of muted colours and polished wood, Kol Kitchen Bar is an elegantly stylish little restaurant where you can enjoy a tranquil atmosphere and excellent food. Head here for tasty choices including vegan nut steak, duck salad, chunky lamb casserole and their juicy chocolate cake with strawberry sorbet and caramel sauce. They also do a brilliant selection of creative cocktails.
If you know of a top notch must-try restaurant you’ve found during your travels to Iceland we’d love to hear from you. Tell us all about it in the comments below.
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