Reykjavik Restaurants: Where to Eat Right Now

Reykjavik Restaurants: Where to Eat Right Now

Reykjavik's culinary scene has evolved from Nordic novelty to world-class gastronomy in just over a decade. Today, the world's northernmost capital boasts everything from Michelin-starred fine dining to innovative New Nordic cuisine that showcases Iceland's pristine ingredients. Here's where discerning travellers should be eating right now.

The New Wave of Fine Dining

**Dill** remains Iceland's flagship restaurant, holding the country's only Michelin star since 2017. Chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason's tasting menu (22,900 ISK, roughly €155) changes seasonally, featuring hyper-local ingredients like Westfjords langoustine, wild Icelandic herbs, and aged lamb. The restaurant occupies a beautifully restored building at Hverfisgata 12, and reservations typically require booking 6-8 weeks ahead.

**Moss** has emerged as Dill's most serious rival since opening in 2021. Located at Laugavegur 59, this intimate 24-seat restaurant serves a seven-course menu (19,500 ISK) that brilliantly interprets traditional Icelandic preservation techniques through a contemporary lens. Chef Ólafur Örn Ólafsson's fermented vegetables and house-cured meats have earned international acclaim.

Nordic Cuisine Done Right

**Óx** presents the most ambitious dining experience in Reykjavik. This collaboration between Michelin-starred chefs from Copenhagen and local talent offers an 11-course journey through Icelandic terroir (29,900 ISK). Located at Suðurgata 3, the restaurant sources exclusively from within 200km of Reykjavik, including sea buckthorn from the Reykjanes Peninsula and wild mushrooms from Heiðmörk forest.

**Fish Market** (Fiskmarkaðurinn) at Aðalstræti 12 has been consistently excellent for over a decade. Their fusion approach combines Icelandic seafood with Asian techniques—the miso-glazed Arctic char (4,890 ISK) and langoustine tempura (3,490 ISK) remain standouts. The lunch menu offers better value at 2,900-3,900 ISK per dish.

Seafood Specialists

**Sjávargrillið** occupies prime real estate at Skólavörðustígur 14, directly beneath Hallgrímskirkja. Their lobster soup (2,490 ISK) sets the gold standard in Reykjavik, whilst the grilled monkfish with Icelandic barley (5,990 ISK) showcases local ingredients perfectly. The restaurant's wine list focuses heavily on Loire Valley whites that complement North Atlantic seafood.

**Apotek** transforms a former pharmacy into an elegant seafood-focused restaurant at Austurstræti 16. The three-course fish menu (7,900 ISK) offers excellent value, particularly the pan-fried plaice with samphire and the restaurant's signature fish soup served in a bread bowl.

Casual Excellence

**Messinn** has two locations but the original at Lækjargata 6b remains superior. Their fish pans—generous portions of pan-fried fish served with vegetables and potatoes (2,490-3,290 ISK)—represent Reykjavik's best value for quality seafood. The Arctic char and haddock options consistently impress.

**Snaps Bistro** at Þórsgata 1 brings genuine French bistro cooking to Reykjavik. The duck confit (4,290 ISK) and moules marinières (2,890 ISK) would hold their own in Lyon. The lunch menu offers two courses for 2,390 ISK, making it exceptional value in expensive Reykjavik.

International Flavours

**Sumac Grill + Drinks** at Laugavegur 28 serves the city's finest Middle Eastern cuisine. The mixed mezze platter (3,490 ISK) provides an excellent introduction, whilst the lamb shawarma (2,990 ISK) demonstrates proper technique rarely seen in Nordic capitals.

**Ramen Momo** occupies a tiny space at Tryggvagata 16 but produces arguably the best ramen north of Copenhagen. The tonkotsu ramen (2,190 ISK) features 24-hour bone broth that rivals Tokyo's finest, whilst the vegetarian option substitutes locally-foraged mushrooms brilliantly.

Essential Local Experiences

**Café Loki** at Lokastígur 28 sits directly opposite Hallgrímskirkja and specialises in traditional Icelandic dishes made palatable for modern tastes. Their þorramatur platter (2,890 ISK) includes fermented shark, dried fish, and rye bread—essential for cultural completists. The lamb soup (1,690 ISK) provides a gentler introduction to Icelandic cuisine.

**Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur**, the famous hot dog stand at Tryggvagata 1, remains a Reykjavik institution. At just 450 ISK, these lamb-and-pork sausages topped with remoulade and crispy onions represent the city's most democratic culinary experience.

Practical Considerations

Dinner reservations are essential at fine-dining establishments, particularly during summer months (June-August). Many restaurants offer lunch menus at significantly reduced prices—Dill's three-course lunch costs 7,900 ISK versus their evening tasting menu at nearly three times the price.

Alcohol prices remain stratospheric—expect to pay 1,200-1,800 ISK for wine by the glass and 900-1,200 ISK for beer. Many locals pre-drink at home before heading out, a practice known as "forspiel."

The strongest dining scene clusters around Laugavegur, the main shopping street, and the adjacent streets of the city centre. Most restaurants operate within a 1km radius of Austurvöllur square, making restaurant hopping eminently walkable.

Tipping isn't expected in Iceland, as service charges are included in menu prices. However, rounding up bills or leaving 5-10% for exceptional service is increasingly common as tourism grows.

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