Best Of Reykjavik 2019: Best Family Restaurant

Watching Iceland come into its own as a dining destination over the past five years has been a joy. The Icelandic restaurant scene is diversifying, and the definition of what may be deemed “Icelandic cuisine” is broadening and taking on new shapes. Thanks to this new-found culinary confidence—and the added footfall of tourism—this tiny scene is experiencing an unprecedented moment of opportunity. Whether it’s carefully-pleated Sichuanese vegan dumplings or exploratory tasting menus at Nordic fine dining houses, the bandwagon has room for demanding diners. Our hand-picked panel of picky gourmands have sought out the very best of Reykjavík dining to help you navigate the gastronomic waters of the capital area. From budget bites to fanciful fare, we’ve got you covered.

Best Family Restaurant

Hamborgarafabrikkan

Höfðatorg, Kringlan

Kids’ choice The Hamborgarafabrikkan burger chain is ideal for a lunch outing with the family. There are plenty of distractions for young diners, including borrowed iPads and headphones to keep the kids entertained and distracted. The child-friendly vibe explains why it continues to be a popular haunt for birthday parties, so don’t be surprised by the chorus of “hún á afmæli í dag” wafting around the room every now and then.

Runner-Up:

Kaffi Laugalækur

Laugarnesvegur 74a

For many young parents, the cafe stop at the end of a long stroll is the proverbial pot of gold. Kaffi Lækur is especially popular with new parents, with a special kids’ corner for crawlers and drawers. The generously topped chicken and pesto ‘litla gula hænan’ and the ‘shawarmabaka’ are our top lunch picks.

Runner-Up:

Hard Rock Café

Lækjargata 2A

A good family place needs to be appealing to parents and kids alike. The Hard Rock Café caters perfectly to the needs of a family group, with a diverse menu, special kids plates, colouring menus, free drink refills, and lids on drinks to help contain spills.

Previous Winners

2018: Jamie’s Italian
2017: Hamborgarafabrikkan
2016: Laundromat
2015: KEX Hostel

Other Dining Categories

Best Burger

Best Vegan Burger

Best Pizza

Best Sushi

Best Indian

Best Chinese

Best Thai

Best Italian

Best Gastropub

Best Lamb

Best Soup

Best Vegan Meal

Best Seafood

Best Goddamn Restaurant

Best Family Restaurant

Best Lunch

Best Brunch

Best Cheap Meal

Best Place For A Fancy Meal

Best Tasting Menu

Best Late Night Bite

Best Place For A Group

Best Bakery

Best Coffeehouse

Best Ice Cream

Best Newcomer

Best Must-Try Dining Experience

You can buy a copy of the full Best Of Reykjavík 2019 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.