Best Restaurants to Check Out in Iceland: A Culinary Guide

Are you going to Iceland and wondering where to eat? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! Iceland is full of excellent restaurants that serve delicious food. From fresh seafood to tasty local dishes, there’s something for everyone. We’ve picked out some of the best places you should try. In this guide, we’ll tell you all about them. Let’s find the perfect spot to enjoy a meal in Iceland.

Iceland offers unique experiences, especially in its food scene. Diving into its rich culinary heritage is definitely one of the best things to do in Iceland. Here’s a closer look at Icelandic cuisine.

Every country has unique dishes, often enjoyed on festive occasions or family gatherings. Here are some beloved traditional Icelandic dishes:

• Hákarl: A unique Icelandic delicacy, fermented shark meat is known for its strong taste.
• Plokkfiskur: A comforting warm fish stew, perfect for cold days.
• Skyr: This creamy dairy product, like yogurt, is a popular breakfast choice.
• Hangikjöt: Smoked lamb, traditionally served during special celebrations.
• Kleina: A fried pastry dough, usually paired with coffee and a common treat.

Iceland is known for its unique food ingredients sourced from the land and sea. Here are five local ingredients that are popular or rare in Iceland.

1. Arctic Thyme – A wild herb that grows in the highlands. It has a unique, earthy flavor used in soups and stews.

2. Skyr – A thick, yogurt-like dairy product that’s been part of Icelandic cuisine for over a thousand years. It’s rich in protein and very popular.

3. Hákarl – Fermented shark, known for its strong ammonia smell and taste. It’s a traditional Icelandic dish, considered a delicacy.

4. Icelandic Lamb – Grazing freely on mountain herbs and berries gives the meat a distinctive, delicious flavor that’s sought after.

5. Bilberries – Similar to blueberries, they grow wild in Icelandic forests. They’re sweeter and used in desserts and jams.

If restaurants are busy in Iceland, sharing a table with others is normal. You don’t have to tip, but if someone gives you excellent service, they’ll be happy if you do. Also, punctuality for your dining reservations is essential, as it shows respect.

Iceland’s restaurants offer a unique dining experience, with stunning views and delicious food. From city sights to natural wonders, each place has its charm. Let’s dive into what makes Icelandic dining so unique!

1. Fjorubordid: Nestled in the small seaside town of Stokkseyri, Fjorubordid offers stunning ocean views as you enjoy its famous lobster soup.

2. Perlan: Situated on a hill in Reykjavik, Perlan is a distinctive glass dome structure that provides panoramic views of the city and sea while you dine.

3. Grillmarkadurinn (The Grill Market): In the heart of downtown Reykjavik, this restaurant features large windows that offer beautiful views of the city lights and distant mountains.

4. Rauda Husid: Located in the coastal town of Eyrarbakki, Rauda Husid is a charming old red house where guests can savor traditional Icelandic cuisine alongside scenic sea views.

5. Lava Restaurant: At the Blue Lagoon, close to a lava field, Lava Restaurant allows guests to enjoy views of the geothermal blue waters and lava rocks as they eat.

Iceland isn’t just about traditional dishes. It’s a hotspot for international cuisine, too. Here, flavors from around the world meet local ingredients.

In Iceland, sushi restaurants are popular. They use fresh fish from the Atlantic Ocean. This makes the sushi extra tasty.

Ramen shops are another favorite. They serve hot bowls of ramen that warm you up in cold weather. It’s perfect for chilly Icelandic days.

Fusion eateries are also typical. They mix Icelandic foods with Asian spices. This creates unique and delicious meals.

French bistros add a Nordic touch to their dishes here. They twist classic French recipes using local ingredients like lamb or arctic char.

Italian pizzerias stand out, too. They top their pizzas with cheeses and meats from Iceland itself. The result is pizza unlike anywhere else.

Spanish tapas bars feature lots of seafood options here as well:

1. Bars serve small plates filled with shrimp or mussels caught nearby.

2. Some include bites of smoked haddock alongside traditional Spanish olives and peppers.

Iceland is not just about stunning landscapes. It’s also home to some of the best places to visit in Iceland if you are a seafood lover. The country’s long coastline and clean waters make it perfect for seafood.

Lobster soup stalls are a must-try along the coast. They serve bowls filled with rich, flavorful broth and fresh lobster pieces. These stalls show how simple ingredients can create something delicious.

Grilled fish platters are common, too. Fishermen bring their daily catches directly to restaurants. Here, chefs grill them perfectly, often with just a hint of salt to enhance the taste.

Seaside cafes offer more than just views. Many specialize in seaweed-based dishes. These dishes are healthy and packed with unique flavors you won’t find elsewhere.

Arctic char is one of Iceland’s treasures, and it is a result of its pristine waters. Restaurants across the country have signature dishes featuring this fish. Its mild flavor appeals to almost everyone.

Cod and haddock appear on menus in various forms, from traditional recipes passed down through generations to modern twists that surprise your taste buds.

For those looking for something genuinely different, whale meat is an option. It’s only for some, but it offers a glimpse into Iceland’s culinary culture. These offerings showcase Iceland’s ability to blend tradition with innovation in its cuisine.

After exploring seafood specialties, let’s dive into vegetarian and vegan delights in Iceland. The country offers a variety of plant-based options. From trendy cafes to historical inns, there’s something for everyone.

Reykjavik is home to many stylish vegan cafes. These spots boast innovative plant-based menus that even meat lovers would enjoy. They use fresh, local ingredients to create delicious dishes.

One can find coffee houses highly rated for their ambiance and quality drinks. These places often serve excellent vegan pastries, too. It’s a great way to start your morning or take a break from exploring the city.

Award-winning chefs have set up restaurants right in the heart of Reykjavik. Their menus feature creative vegetarian and vegan options. These eateries are perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself.

Outside Reykjavik, the dining experience becomes more rustic but equally charming. Mountain lodges offer hearty meals with breathtaking views. They often include vegetarian options that rub shoulders with traditional Icelandic fare.

Vineyards provide unique experiences with tastings paired with Icelandic cheeses. Even if you’re not a wine enthusiast, it’s worth visiting these vineyards for their food offerings alone.

Historical inns invite guests to travel back in time through their menus. They serve meals made from age-old recipes adapted for today’s vegetarian palate. It’s an exciting way to explore Iceland’s culinary history without missing out on modern dietary preferences.

Iceland offers more than just breathtaking landscapes. It’s a place where dining becomes an adventure. There’s something for everyone, from eating under the Northern Lights to joining culinary tours.

Imagine eating dinner under a sky lit by the Aurora Borealis. Some restaurants in Iceland make this dream come true. They have glass ceilings or outdoor dining spaces for aurora viewing while you eat.

These places often serve special menus inspired by the colors of the Northern Lights. Imagine dishes that look as magical as the view above you! Outdoor seating is primarily available during peak season, adding to this unique experience.

For those who love exploring through taste, culinary tours are perfect. These guided tours take you through street food spots and local markets. You get to try everything firsthand.

There are also brewery visits where traditional Icelandic snacks complement your drink. Or how about farm visits? Here, guests can join cooking classes and learn how to make local delicacies themselves.

Dining costs in Iceland can vary widely depending on where you eat.

• High-end restaurants offer luxurious meals and unique culinary experiences, usually $60 to $100 per person. At this price point, you can expect elaborate full-course meals.
• Mid-range dining options like cozy city cafes offer more moderate prices of around $20 to $40. At these spaces, guests can enjoy a relaxed lunch or dinner that is still packed with flavor.
• Budget-friendly options include food trucks or small-sized eateries, where you can explore local dishes such as fish and chips or lamb soup for $10 to $15. This is perfect for travelers who want to savor local cuisine without breaking the bank.

Many hotels in Iceland offer unique features that make your stay unforgettable. Here are five hotels with unique offerings.

1. Ion Adventure Hotel – Located near the Golden Circle. This hotel offers an incredible Northern Lights viewing experience. Its unique design and location make it perfect for those seeking adventure and relaxation.

2. Hotel Rangá – Situated in the countryside, Hotel Rangá is known for its observatory. Guests can stargaze with high-quality telescopes, making it a haven for astronomy lovers.

3. Silica Hotel – Near the famous Blue Lagoon. Silica Hotel provides guests with private access to a lesser-known lagoon. The mineral-rich waters offer a serene and healthful soaking experience.

4. The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland – This luxury hotel offers spa experiences integrated with the Blue Lagoon’s geothermal waters. Guests can enjoy in-water massages and skin treatments in a stunning setting.

5. Hotel Husafell – This hotel is a gateway to exploring glaciers in West Iceland. It offers unique glacier tours, including visits to ice caves and hiking on the ice cap, making it perfect for adventure seekers.

Traveling in Iceland offers an incredible opportunity to explore breathtaking landscapes, from majestic glaciers and geysers to stunning waterfalls and black sand beaches.

Renting a car in Iceland opens up a world of possibilities. It lets you explore far beyond the city limits. You can find hidden gems and the best restaurants only locals know about.

When driving in Iceland, passing through stunning landscapes is an adventure in itself. You can stop anytime, anywhere. Imagine having lunch with views of majestic waterfalls or cozy dinners under the Northern Lights. This flexibility makes your dining experience unforgettable.

Before hitting the road, there are some things to know about driving in this beautiful country. An international driving permit in Iceland is essential for many travelers. Make sure you have it along with your regular driver’s license.

Here are some quick tips:

• Drive on the right side
• Keep headlights on 24/7
• Be mindful of changing weather conditions

Following these guidelines ensures a safe journey as you discover incredible eateries across Iceland.

Iceland is full of fantastic food that everyone should try. You can find old recipes made for years and new dishes that mix flavors worldwide.

If you like seafood and vegetables or want to try something different, Iceland has it all. You can easily rent a car and drive to find these delicious meals.

Why wait? Start planning your trip to Iceland now. You’ll find your new favorite food by the sea or in the city.