Restaurants & Bistros in Reykjavík
For a good dinner without the formality of a tasting menu, Reykjavík has a lively mix of bistros, steakhouses, tapas and small-plate bars, plus a few vegetarian favourites.
Many of them are in the compact city centre around Laugavegur, Hverfisgata and the old harbour, so it is easy to walk between them.
- Apotek Kitchen + Bar
Casual-smart restaurant with Icelandic and European cuisine featuring an Argentinean grill. Dishes designed for sharing.
- Gló
Healthy bowls, raw food, and vegetarian dishes. Multiple locations. Great salads and juices.
- Sumac Grill + Drinks
Icelandic cuisine seduced by flavors from North Africa to Lebanon. Mediterranean fusion at its finest.
- Tapas Barinn
Barcelona-inspired tapas bar with traditional and Icelandic tapas. Casual bodega setting with great wines.
- Argentina Steakhouse
South American-style grilled meats in a cozy downtown setting. Great wine list.
- Brasserie Askur
Long-running family restaurant known for its lunch buffet and steak dinners. Popular with local families.
- Brasserie Kársnes
Neighbourhood brasserie by the Kársnes harbour in Kópavogur, known for brunch and Sunday roast.
- Burro Tapas + Steaks
Fantastic mix of South and Central American cuisine. Local ingredients from regional farmers.
- Fjallkonan
Cosy pub and restaurant with Icelandic lamb, steaks, brunch and afternoon tea.
- Forréttabarinn
Small plates featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients with Southern European and Central American influences.
- Hereford Steikhús
Classic upstairs steakhouse on Laugavegur grilling beef over charcoal, with a wild game menu in season.
- Hnoss Bistro
Modern restaurant in Harpa Concert Hall. Fresh, tasty dishes with attentive service. Perfect for pre-concert dining.
- Jómfrúin
Danish smørrebrød (open sandwiches) and Scandinavian lunch classics. Jazz in the courtyard on summer afternoons.
- Kol Restaurant
Fusion cuisine in stylish surroundings with Tom Dixon furniture. Two floors with open kitchen and bar.
- Kopar Restaurant
By the old harbor with astonishing views. First restaurant in Reykjavík to serve Icelandic rock crab.
- Kröst
Grill and wine bar in the Hlemmur food hall, with steaks, seasonal plates and a good wine list.
- La Primavera
Long-established Italian restaurant in the Marshall House art centre at Grandi, with a second branch in Harpa.
- Mama Reykjavík
Fully plant-based restaurant with globally inspired dishes like dal and grain bowls, plus breakfast.
- MAT BAR
Small cozy fusion tapas restaurant & bar focusing on great flavors and fun atmosphere.
- Matarkjallarinn
Atmospheric cellar restaurant and cocktail bar grilling Icelandic produce in the oldest part of town.
- Mathús Garðabæjar
Relaxed neighbourhood bistro in the centre of Garðabær, popular with local families.
- Meze
Fresh tastes of Mediterranean cuisine using traditional techniques. Pure comfort in a serene setting.
- Nauthóll Bistro
Bistro near Nauthólsvík beach and Öskjuhlíð. Fresh, scratch-prepared cuisine with locally-sourced ingredients.
- Ráðagerði
Restaurant in a historic house near Grótta lighthouse, with sea views and brunch.
- Rif
Casual walk-in restaurant in the Fjörður centre in Hafnarfjörður, with an easygoing menu for all ages.
- ROK
Icelandic fine casual restaurant with high quality small-to-medium plates. Perfect for sharing.
- Skál!
Creative small plates and natural wine from a young team that helped put Reykjavík's casual dining scene on the map.
- Snaps Bistro
French/Danish bistro in the heart of Reykjavík. Great food, fine wine, and good vibes.
- Steikhúsið
Classic steakhouse with Icelandic beef and traditional sides. Reliable and well-priced.
- Strikið Restaurant & Bar
Icelandic ingredients with Asian and South American influences. Ocean views in Akureyri.
- Tilveran
Long-running restaurant in central Hafnarfjörður with fish and meat dishes and a set three-course menu.
- Von Mathús
Chef-run bistro and cocktail bar on the Hafnarfjörður waterfront.