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 NewcomerNostraLaugavegur 59
“Nostra” translates to ‘meticulous detail’ in Icelandic. This philosophy is distilled into every dish at this new tasting-menu oriented fine dining place, from the lightly cured trout in green strawberry juice to the langoustine cooked to a velvety singular bite with nothing more than lardo and lavender. Elegant, confident and refined, they let one or two ingredients shine in each dish. Nostra also houses Artson, an artisanal cocktail bar mixing up delicious concoctions—we’re particularly partial to the Cherry Manhattan. Nostra is a breath of fresh air. |
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Runner-Up:Hlemmur MathöllLaugavegur 107
The most anticipated new spot in recent years, it’s Iceland’s first food hall, housed in a renovated bus station. Despite squeaks of gentrification, the food hall is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, with choices from Mexican food to Vietnamese, Danish smorrebröð, or the Icelandic gastropub Skál. |
Runner-Up:Marshall House Bar + RestaurantGrandagarður 20
A bright, airy space located under three floors of excellent cutting-edge contemporary art galleries, the Marshall House Bar + Restaurant outdoes the traditional museum café tenfold. With excellent spins on Italian food and a great cocktail and wine list, make a point of heading out to Grandi to try it. |
Previous Winners2017: Hlemmur Mathöll / Mat Bar |
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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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