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.
Must-Try Dining ExperienceMatur & DrykkurGrandagarður 2Matur og Drykkur continues to grab attention with its Instagram-worthy entré of a whole cod head, cooked in chicken stock then glazed and torched. Whether you’re scoring likes or foodie bragging rights, this is the definitive adventurous dish to try in Reykjavík. The meat is tender, and knives and forks are redundant—go in with a spoon. It comes with the unctuous and creamy ‘gellur’—cod tongue—fried in a light tempura-like batter and served on the side. Matur og Drykkur is also one of a handful of restaurants that honours traditional Icelandic cooking by elevating it to fine-dining status, without reducing it to a shock-value spectacle. |
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Runner-Up:Café LokiLokastígur 28Café Loki seems to be have been around for as long as Hallgrímskirkja itself. Unassuming and simple, they were on the ‘dung smoked fish’ bandwagon before it was cool. Most new Icelanders had an initiation into Icelandic food at Café Loki. The rye bread soup and ice-cream are excellent, and you can try fermented shark and Brennivin. |
Runner-Up:SægreifinnGeirsgata 8No longer a secret, this harbourside restaurant has seen a drop in the quality of their signature soup in recent years, but the number of visitors has only risen. However, it’s still a cosy place, the seafood kebabs are a good bet, and the soup is still comforting on blighty days. |
Previous Winners2016-17: Matur og Drykkur2015: Shrimp pyramid at Jómfrúin2014: Food section at Kolaportið2013: Icelandic food at Kaffi Loki |
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
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