From Iceland — Best Of Reykjavík 2018: Best Lunch Place

Words by

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 Lunch Place

Snaps

Þórsgata 1

Oh, Snaps, our most beloved bistro! If the experience of their rising dinner prices and peak-hour waiting times stills stings, it’s time to heal that wound by dropping in for lunch instead. There’s a faultless fish of the day, prompt service, and a little bit of daytime quiet to yourself. Psst: if with a co-worker, split the crème brulée, and we promise your day will be brighter from that moment on.

Runner-Up:

Ostabúðin

Skólavörðustígur 8

No longer a ‘secret lunch spot’ spot, Ostabúðin is great nonetheless. Their fish of the day is 1,990 ISK at lunchtime, and you can get a half portion of the soup if you’re hangry. The seafood soup has generous chunks of white fish, cooked just right by the warmth of the soup itself.

Runner-Up:

Grillmarket

Lækjargata 2a

Even though they don’t advertise it, Grillmarket offers an excellent value lunch. The burger is popular, but we recommend the salted cod. “It’s not too salty, and perfectly cooked every time,” said the panel. And at 2,990 ISK instead of the 5,990 ISK price at dinner, it’s a lunchtime steal.

Previous Winners

2017: Snaps

2015-6: Ostabúðin

2014: Bergsson Mathús

2013: Ostabúðin

Other Dining Categories

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.

Support The Reykjavík Grapevine!
Buy subscriptions, t-shirts and more from our shop right here!