Best Of Reykjavík 2018: Best Italian

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 Italian

Marshall House Bar + Restaurant

Veltusund 3b

Chef Leifur Kolbeinsson practically introduced Icelanders to fresh pasta at his iconic restaurant La Primavera. Now running the kitchen at the Marshall House eatery, he stays true to the Italian spirit of simplicity. The menu focuses on fresh ingredients cooked beautifully; whole cooked plaice with burnt lemons, capers and anchovies jostle for attention alongside a n’djua spiced tagliatelle with plump langoustine.

Runner-Up:

Kolabrautin

Harpa

For a decadent dinner, in possibly the prettiest building in town, Harpa, Kolabrautin is perfect for pre-show nibbles or a dinner date. The views are beyond spectacular, both inside the restaurant, and looking out towards the harbour. “The lobster pizza is the thing to order here,” sighed one panellist.

Runner-Up:

Coocoo’s Nest

Grandagarður 23

This cosy and popular eatery on Grandi might not be a full-time Italian resturant—on different nights of the week you’ll find them serving tacos, pizza, pasta, and other dishes of the day—but they capture the spirit of the Italian style better than most with their happy hour aperativos. Salute!

Previous Winners

None: new category!

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.