The Westfjords lie entirely outside of the Ring Road’s loop, making them one of the more remote corners of Iceland. The roads are carved into an endless sequence of vast flat-topped mountains punctuated by tiny towns in narrow fjords. At the northern edge lies the hikers’ paradise of Hornstrandir, only accessible by boat or on foot. To get away from the bustle of the tourist trail, the Westfjords is as good as it gets. To help you out, here is the best restaurant in the Westfjords and the runner-ups.
Best Meal
Tjöruhúsið
Neðstakaupstað, Ísafjörður
This was an easy one for the panel. “It’s the best fish restaurant in Iceland,” said one panellist. “What else can you say?” With communal tables, low wooden ceilings, warm lighting and a seemingly endless buffet, Tjöruhúsið offers an informal take on fine-dining in an 18th century fishing building. The fish comes straight from the harbour, so dishes change daily—it could be anything from crunchy gellur to wolffish in cream cheese sauce. Book ahead, and come hungry to the best restaurant in the Westfjords.
Runner-Up:
Restaurant Galdur
Höfðagata 8, Hólmavík
Don’t let the exterior fool you. Attached to the Icelandic Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft, the modest Restaurant Galdur is a true hidden gem and the runner-up to the best Westfjords restaurant, full of authentic Icelandic grub. The panel recommend the locally-harvested blue mussels and the fish soup.
Runner-Up:
Malarhorn
Grundargata 17, Drangsnes
A low-key restaurant, Malarhorn offers a down-to-earth selection of Iceland’s finest. “There’s something about looking out towards Grímsey on Steingrímsfjörður and eating the tasty fish caught by local fisherman earlier that day,” said the panel, fondly. The catfish with pepper sauce comes recommended.
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