Best Of Reykjavík 2018: Best Place To Go With A Group Of Friends

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 Place To Go With A Group Of Friends

Tapas barinn

Vesturgata 3b

Tapas barinn may not be faithful to the Spanish definition of a tapas bar, but what they do capture well—and boisterously at that—is the atmosphere and liveliness of tapas. It’s long been a local tradition to host reunions, bachelor parties and noisy get-togethers at Tapas barinn. The food is served for the whole table, and the selection is huge, spanning local langoustine, puffin and lamb, as well as more global fare. And it’s all delicious.

Runner-Up:

Marshall House Bar + Restaurant

Grandagarður 20

Newcomer: It may not be the first place one thinks of—101-dwelling Icelanders find anything outside of their 100m radius far away—but The Marshall House is a seriously underrated place to start or end the night. With great cocktails, finger-licking food and a beautiful harbourside location, it’s a classy affair.

Runner-Up:

Sushi Social

Þingholtsstræti 5

With colourful cocktails, festive music, and service that’s eager to please, Sushi Social takes the ‘social’ part seriously. The drinks keep coming, the food isn’t too heavy, and the peppy carnival vibe and downtown location make it perfect to start the night before heading out to djamma like a true Reykvíkingar.

Previous Winners

2015-7: Tapas barinn

2013-4: KEX Hostel

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.