Michelin Star Restaurants in Iceland: Fine Dining Guide

⭐ Dill — Iceland's Michelin Pioneer

The crown jewel of Icelandic dining. Dill was the first Icelandic restaurant to earn a Michelin star, in 2017, and remains one of the country's most celebrated tables. Chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason focuses on New Nordic cuisine using exclusively Icelandic ingredients—many foraged, fermented, or preserved using traditional techniques.

• Location: Hverfisgata 12, 101 Reykjavík
• Price: $$$$ (splurge)—tasting-menu pricing
• Reservations: Essential—book 2-4 weeks ahead minimum
• Dress code: Smart casual
• What to expect: 7-course tasting menu, no à la carte

Pro tip: No outside alcohol, but their natural wine pairings are excellent. The space is intimate—only about 30 seats.

✦ Other Top Fine Dining

ÓX — The Most Exclusive Table

A tiny 11-seat chef's counter hidden inside Sumac restaurant. The most intimate fine dining experience in Iceland. Multi-course tasting menu where you watch every dish being prepared.

• Location: Laugavegur 28 (inside Sumac)
• Price: $$$$ (splurge)
• Reservations: Book weeks ahead on their website
• Seats: Only 11 per seating

Grillið — Fine Dining with a View

Atop the Radisson Blu Saga Hotel with panoramic views of Reykjavík. One of Iceland's longest-running fine dining restaurants. Excellent tasting menus featuring Icelandic lamb, seafood, and seasonal ingredients.

• Location: Hagatorg (8th floor of Radisson Blu)
• Price: $$$$ (splurge)—tasting menus, à la carte available
• Best for: Special occasions, proposals (request window table)

Grillmarkaðurinn (Grill Market)

Stunning lava-rock interior, upscale grill focusing on Icelandic meats and seafood. More accessible than Dill while still being special-occasion worthy.

• Location: Lækjargata 2a
• Price: $$$ (upscale)
• Known for: Lamb, beef, whale (optional)

Fish Market (Fiskmarkaðurinn)

Seafood with Japanese-Icelandic fusion influences. Beautiful presentation, excellent sushi and sashimi alongside traditional Icelandic preparations.

• Location: Aðalstræti 12
• Price: $$$ (upscale)—tasting-menu pricing
• Best for: Seafood lovers, sushi enthusiasts

The Fish Company (Fiskfélagið)

Set in a historic building with beautiful exposed stone walls. Creative seafood tasting menus that change with the seasons.

• Location: Vesturgata 2a
• Price: $$$ (upscale)—tasting-menu pricing

💡 Fine Dining Tips

• Book early — Top restaurants fill up quickly, especially in summer. Dill needs 2-4 weeks notice.
• Consider lunch — Some upscale restaurants offer lunch menus at a fraction of dinner prices.
• Dress smart casual — No strict dress codes, but Icelanders dress up for fine dining.
• Expect tasting menus — Most top restaurants focus on multi-course experiences, not à la carte.
• Wine pairings — Often worth it, as sommeliers here know their Icelandic food pairings well.
• Dietary restrictions — Notify when booking. All top restaurants accommodate well.

💰 What to Expect to Pay

Fine dining in Reykjavík isn't cheap, but it's comparable to other Nordic capitals. Roughly, from most to least expensive:

• Dill/ÓX: $$$$ — a true splurge, especially with wine pairings
• Grillið/Fish Market: $$$–$$$$ — special-occasion pricing
• Grillmarkaðurinn: $$$ — upscale but more accessible