Reykjavík's Restaurant Weeks and Culinary Events

Reykjavík's dining scene transforms throughout the year with a series of culinary celebrations that showcase Iceland's remarkable evolution from simple fishermen's fare to Nordic gastronomy excellence. These events offer both locals and visitors exceptional value whilst experiencing the city's most celebrated restaurants at accessible prices.

Reykjavík Restaurant Week: The Capital's Premier Culinary Celebration

Held twice annually in February and September, Reykjavík Restaurant Week stands as the city's most significant culinary event. Over 60 restaurants participate, offering specially curated menus at fixed prices: lunch menus at 2,990 ISK (€20/£17) and dinner menus at 6,990 ISK (€47/£40). These prices represent substantial savings, considering that regular dinner mains at participating establishments typically cost 4,500-8,000 ISK.

The February edition capitalises on the quieter winter tourism period, whilst September's event celebrates the autumn harvest season. Restaurants craft exclusive menus featuring seasonal Icelandic ingredients—fermented shark reimagined by innovative chefs, langoustine from Westfjords waters, and lamb from highland pastures.

Notable participants include Dill Restaurant, Iceland's first Michelin-starred establishment on Hverfisgata 12, and Grillmarkaðurinn (The Grill Market) at Lækjargata 2a, renowned for its volcanic stone-grilled specialities. Reservations open two weeks before each event and fill rapidly, particularly for weekend slots.

Taste of Iceland: Winter's Culinary Highlight

Running throughout January and February, Taste of Iceland transforms the darkest months into a gastronomic adventure. This event differs from Restaurant Week by offering à la carte specials rather than fixed menus, allowing diners greater flexibility whilst maintaining attractive pricing.

The initiative encompasses over 40 establishments, from fine dining venues to neighbourhood bistros. Participating restaurants design signature dishes exclusively for the event, often incorporating traditional preservation techniques like smoking, curing, and fermenting that sustained Icelanders through harsh winters for centuries.

Standout venues include Apotek Kitchen + Bar at Austurstræti 16, occupying a beautifully restored 1930s pharmacy building, and Matur og Drykkur at Grandagarður 2, where chef Gísli Matthías Auðunsson reinterprets historical Icelandic recipes using contemporary techniques.

Design March: Where Culinary Arts Meet Creative Expression

Every March, Design March festival incorporates culinary events alongside exhibitions and installations throughout Reykjavík's creative quarter. Local restaurants collaborate with designers to create immersive dining experiences that blur boundaries between food and art.

These collaborations have produced memorable events: dinners served on handcrafted ceramic tableware by local artisans, meals presented in gallery spaces, and pop-up restaurants in unexpected locations like the Harpa Concert Hall's dramatic interior at Austurbakki 2.

The festival's food events typically cost 8,500-12,000 ISK (€57-81/£49-69) per person, reflecting their experimental nature and limited availability. Venues change annually, but the Reykjavík Art Museum and various galleries in the Grandi harbour district frequently host these innovative dining experiences.

Reykjavík Culture Night: Street Food and Celebration

The third Saturday of August brings Reykjavík Culture Night (Menningarnótt), when the entire city centre becomes a pedestrian zone filled with cultural events, live music, and exceptional street food offerings. This free event draws over 100,000 participants—roughly a third of Iceland's population.

Local restaurants establish temporary stalls along Laugavegur and surrounding streets, offering simplified versions of signature dishes. Traditional Icelandic hot dogs from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur compete with gourmet offerings from high-end establishments. Prices remain reasonable, typically 800-2,500 ISK (€5-17/£4-14) for substantial portions.

The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over Reykjavík harbour, best viewed from Perlan's observation deck or the harbour area near the Sun Voyager sculpture.

Practical Planning and Participation

Booking strategies vary by event. Restaurant Week requires advance reservations through participating restaurants' websites or by telephone, with many offering online booking systems in English. Payment occurs at the restaurant, with most accepting international credit cards.

Transportation within Reykjavík remains straightforward during these events. The city centre's compact size—roughly 2 kilometres from the harbour to Hallgrímskirkja church—makes walking feasible between venues. City buses operate regularly, with day passes costing 1,700 ISK (€11/£10).

Accommodation demand increases significantly during major culinary events, particularly the September Restaurant Week. Book hotels or guesthouses at least six weeks in advance to secure reasonable rates and preferred locations near the city centre.

The Broader Culinary Calendar

Beyond major events, Reykjavík's food scene maintains year-round vitality through smaller celebrations. The annual Food and Fun festival in late February brings international chefs to collaborate with local restaurants, whilst various pop-up dining events throughout summer showcase emerging talent and seasonal ingredients.

These culinary celebrations reflect Iceland's remarkable gastronomic transformation over recent decades, from a cuisine born of necessity to one that confidently celebrates both tradition and innovation. They offer visitors authentic insight into contemporary Icelandic culture whilst providing exceptional value in what can be an expensive destination.

For food enthusiasts planning Iceland visits, timing trips around these events provides both economic advantage and cultural immersion unavailable during standard tourist seasons.

Getting around Iceland is easiest by car. Compare rental options and find the best deals on Discover Cars — free cancellation available.

Browse and book tours and activities on GetYourGuide — glacier hikes, whale watching, northern lights tours, Golden Circle day trips and hundreds more. Instant confirmation, free cancellation on most bookings.

Planning your Iceland trip? Don't forget travel insurance — SafetyWing offers flexible Nomad Insurance from $56.28/4 weeks, ideal for Iceland's dramatic terrain and ever-changing conditions. Get covered before you go and explore with confidence.