Restaurants in Reykjavik

Fiskmarkaðurinn

A quirky mash-up of Icelandic and Asian influences, Fiskmarkaðurinn serves up unusual combinations such as Icelandic sushi or spotted catfish with wasabi. East meets west in the décor too (think black basalt brightened up with bamboo), and in true Japanese style there is a walk-in sushi bar and a robata grill.

Laekjarbrekka

‘Lobster and puffin feasts’ aren’t something you come across every day but that is exactly what Laekjarbrekka promises. Housed in an old wooden building that was once home to a Danish merchant, it has a cosy atmosphere and family-type décor, though the homely ambience is definitely not reflected in the prices.

Grillmarkaðurinn

Not many restaurants include fish skin in the décor rather than on the menu but Grillmarkaðurinn certainly isn’t your average eatery. Run by chef Hrefna Rósa Sætran, it focuses on local fare and ingredients sourced from the nearby countryside. The fish is excellent, but be warned: whale is also on the menu.

Café Paris

A good place to go for a quick lunch, Café Paris offers a range of sandwiches, cakes, soups, salads and pasta dishes, as well as a grill menu and a breakfast selection. Set in Austurvollur Square opposite the Parliament building, it comes into its own in the summer when chequered-tablecloth tables are placed on the pavement outside.

Austur Indíafélagið

The most northerly Indian restaurant in the world, Austur Indíafélagið certainly doesn’t let the side down and is regularly voted one of the best in Europe. Unlike the majority of Indian restaurants, which tend to focus on a specific cuisine, Austur Indíafélagið does everything from Mughal to Tandoori – and very tasty it is too.

Fiskfélagið

Despite the name, Fiskfélagið (Fish Company) serves up both seafood and meat dishes from a charming wood-panelled setting in the historic 19th century Zimsen building. Although all the fish is sourced in Icelandic or Scandinavian waters, most dishes have an international touch, whether Tahitian vanilla or kaffir lime from New Zealand.

Forrettabarinn

A popular tapas restaurant, specialising in starters, with gluten free and vegetarian options, you will often find it filled with locals. Located close to the Old Harbor, it is definitely worth a visit, with both good food and good value.

Ostabúðin

A cheese shop located in central Reykjavik, Ostabúðin is also famous for its seriously good soups, which are served up alongside some of its many deli treats come lunchtime. Satisfying and relatively inexpensive by Icelandic standards, it is hugely popular with locals in search of a cheap lunch so expect to queue for a table.

Baejarins Beztu

As in other Scandinavian countries, hot dogs (pylsur) are a big deal in Iceland and Baejarins Beztu does some of the best. Facing the harbour, this tiny kiosk is famous throughout the city for serving the original quintessential Icelandic hot dog - over a thousand a day are sold from its unassuming window. It might not be glamorous, but it tastes delicious.

Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar

Owner Tommi Tómasson is the man credited with bringing the burger to Iceland, so it’s no surprise that his small chain (which now has branches in London and Copenhagen) does some of the best. Expect satisfyingly large portions served up in retro diner-style surroundings.