Best Places to Eat in Iceland: Where I Actually Ate, From Reykjavík to the South Coast

Iceland’s food scene surprised me, and it extends way beyond Reykjavík. Family-run farms, cinnamon-roll bakeries, roadside fish and chips, and the famous tomato soup that everyone cannot stop talking about. I rounded up all the places I ate on my Iceland trip or would have liked to dine at this February that I recommend you try out on your Iceland journey.

Price guide: $ = budget | $$ = mid-range | $$$ = splurge | $$$$ = special occasion

Jump to: Golden Circle | South Coast | Reykjavík Bakeries and Cafés | Reykjavík Dinner | Vegan and Vegetarian

Golden Circle

• Friðheimar (Reykholt, $$): A geothermal tomato greenhouse serving unlimited tomato soup with fresh bread. The soup and seafood skewer were my favorites, and the Bloody Mary is a fun pairing. You can some and diner here or you can schedule a tour and learn more about how they are able to grow the freshest tomatoes all year long.

• Efstidalur IIv (Laugarvatn, $$): A working dairy farm where you can see the cows that produced the milk to create the creamiest homemade ice cream. Once you enter, you will find the ice-cream shop where you can sit and enjoy different flavors of the ice cream made on the farm, and upstairs is where the counter-service restaurant is located. I had the pan-fried trout and a coffee and at the communal dining tables.

• Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant (Efstaland, $$$): A Viking longhouse dinner. Groups often order the three-course “Ultimate Feast,” which must be ordered for the whole table. Solo travelers can order à la carte. Reserve ahead, especially in summer for a Viking-style dinner.

South Coast

• Faxi Bakery (Hvolsvöllur, $ to $$): My favorite stop of the whole trip. I went twice. Try the Biscoff or banana nut cinnamon roll, and the grilled cheese with tomato soup. They decorated for the holidays and are a small family-run business, so make sure to support and enjoy their delicious treats!

• Black Crust Pizza (Vík, $$): Charcoal-crust pizza that looks like the black sand beaches. It’s crispy, and there’s a gluten-free option. You can also order a regular crust pizza if black crust isn’t your jam. Coming from a New Yorker, the pizza was pretty darn good.

• Northern Light Bite Food Truck (Jökulsárlón, $$): Some of the best fish and chips I had ever had. Grab your food, pick a picnic table to eat at, and enjoy the views of the glacier lagoon.

Reykjavík Bakeries and Cafés

• Braud & Co ($): A colorful bakery. I had a pistachio bolla with coffee, and next time I’ll try the cinnamon rolls as that is what they are known for.

• Sandholt ($$): A family-run bakery and brunch spot with sourdough, pastries and waffles. It was packed when I tried to go, which is a good sign. It’s also vegan-friendly.

• Kattakaffihúsið ($): A cat café with vegan options; I enjoyed an avocado toast and a cup of coffee here before heading back out to explore the city again. The cats are up for adoption. Google says this is permanently closed, but it is not!

Reykjavík Dinner

• Hereford Steak House ($$$): Known for steak, and it offers an Icelandic tasting menu that includes minke whale and puffin (the puffin wasn’t available the night I went). The lobster soup was fantastic. The minke whale was surprisingly delicious, and if you are looking to try the fermented shark, they have that here too.

• Kol ($$$ to $$$$): A splurge with Icelandic and international fusion.
• Sjávargrillið ($$$ to $$$$): Seafood, lobster tacos, and shellfish soup.

• Seabaron ($$ to $$$): A small fisherman’s hut famous for lobster soup. I couldn’t make it here, but I definitely plan on going back just to eat here.
• Café Loki ($$ to $$$): Traditional dishes like lamb and fish, across from Hallgrímskirkja.
• 2 Guys ($ to $$): A top burger spot.
• Svarta Kaffið ($ to $$): Soup in bread bowls, popular for budget travelers

Vegan and Vegetarian

Iceland is easy for plant-based travelers, especially in Reykjavík and along the Golden Circle. Options include Garðurinn, Loving Hut, Mama, Wake and Bake, and Kaffi Krús in Selfoss.

Tips

• Bakery stops make great budget meals
• Reserve Viking dinners and steak houses ahead
• Food trucks near attractions are easy, casual lunches
• If you cannot make it out east and want to try different types of food, I suggest taking this food walking tour in Reykjavik!

Full details on my trip, including excursions, sightseeing and transportation, are in my Ultimate Iceland Travel Guide.