There has never been a more exciting time for the restaurant scene in Reykjavik. Thanks to burgeoning tourism, exposure, and a genuine curiosity for foods from far and wide, diners now have a plethora of choices on offer. Whether it’s high-end fine dining (we even boast a Michelin starred gem!), or a cheap late night bite, Reykjavik is coming into its own as a culinary destination, offering small plates, tasting menus, farm to table seasonal produce and classic Iceland cuisine, and all while accommodating vegans and vegetarians. The following restaurants are the very best, according to our panel of enthusiastic gourmands. Feel free to let us know what you think of our choices as you eat your way around the city. We’re listening. And we’re hungry.
Best CoffeeKaffifélagiðSkólavörðustígur 10
Probably the smallest coffee bar in Iceland, Kaffifélagið continues to churn out cupful after strong cupful of Italian coffee, brewed to perfection. As one regular on our panel quipped: ”There’s no bullshit and no frills—just excellent coffee.” Take-away may be the most popular, but we recommend sitting down in the window area, and taking in the charms of the espresso machine lined walls, and watching folk walk by—mostly oblivious to this tiny gem’s existence. |
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Runner-Up:Reykjavik RoastersBrautarholt 2 & Kárastígur 1
This is the place for those who obsess over their Aeropress and V60s. Roasters has your geeky caffeine addiction covered—gadgets included. They have a variety of milk types, conjuring up images of hand-milked individual soy beans—but in all seriousness, they are all great. |
Runner-Up:Cafe HaitiGeirsgata 7B
Elda Thorisson-Faurelien at Cafe Haiti uses Haitian coffee beans, freshly roasted and ground every day. Besides classic Italian coffee, the café also offers Arabic and Turkish varieties. The beautiful location by the harbour makes for a pleasant walk, and the café is a welcome respite from the rassgat winds of Reykjavik. |
Previous WinnersNone: new category! |
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Other Dining Categories
- Best Burger
- Best Coffeehouse
- Best Sushi
- Best Indian
- Best Thai/Chinese
- Best Goddamn Restaurant
- Best Place For A Fancy Meal
- Best Family Meal
- Best Cheap Meal
- Best Pizza
- Best Coffee
- Best Bakery
- Best Vegetarian Meal
- Best Vegan Meal
- Best Brunch
- Best Seafood
- Must-Try Dining Experience
- Best Late Night Bite
- Best Place To Go With A Group Of Friends
- Best Newcomer
- Best Lunch Place
- Best Veggie Burger
- Best Ice Cream
- Best Tasting Menu
- Best Italian
You can buy a copy of the full Best Of Reykjavík 2018 magazine—an essential guide to having fun in Reykjavík—here, posted worldwide. We also have a Special Offer double-pack that also includes our Best Of Iceland magazine, about places to eat, see, swim, shop and stay, all around the country, here.
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