The Capital Region (Höfuðborgarsvæðið) of Iceland is the country's most populous and vibrant area, centered around Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital city. It encompasses seven municipalities including Reykjavik, Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður, Garðabær, Mosfellsbær, Seltjarnarnes, and Kjósarhreppur, together forming Iceland's cultural, political, and economic heart. The region blends dramatic volcanic landscapes, steaming geothermal pools, world-class museums, and a legendary nightlife scene unlike anywhere else on earth.
Reykjavik's food scene has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from simple fish and lamb dishes to one of Europe's most exciting culinary destinations. The city's cuisine is rooted in pristine Icelandic ingredients — wild-caught Arctic fish, free-range lamb that grazes on Icelandic herbs, sustainably harvested langoustine, locally grown root vegetables, and dairy products (especially skyr) that have sustained Icelanders for centuries. Modern Reykjavik restaurants celebrate these ingredients with Nordic minimalism and occasional global influence, while traditional eateries and street food stalls preserve the honest flavors of Iceland's fishing and farming heritage.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Capital Region.
Hot dog (pylsa)
Made with lamb and pork, served with crispy onion, raw onion, ketchup, mustard, and sweet remoulade
Where to try: Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, Tryggvagata
Price: $5
Lobster soup (humarsúpa)
Rich, creamy bisque made with Icelandic langoustine and served with rye bread
Where to try: Sægreifinn (Sea Baron), Old Harbour
Price: $18
Skyr
Traditional Icelandic dairy product similar to thick yogurt, naturally high in protein and low in fat
Where to try: Supermarkets, Café Loki, most breakfast spots
Price: $4-8
Langoustine (humar)
Iceland's prized small lobster, best eaten simply grilled with garlic butter
Where to try: Messinn, Kopar, Fiskmarkaðurinn
Price: $30-45
Plokkfiskur
Traditional Icelandic fish stew of poached fish and potatoes mashed together — humble and wonderful
Where to try: Icelandic Street Food, Café Loki, Kaffivagninn
Price: $12-18
Rye bread (rúgbrauð)
Dense, sweet geothermally baked dark bread — buy a loaf at Sandholt or Bónus supermarket
Where to try: Sandholt Bakery, Café Loki
Price: $3-4
Hákarl (fermented shark)
Ammonia-cured Greenlandic shark — an acquired taste but a cultural rite of passage
Where to try: Café Loki, Kolaportið market
Price: $8-12
Skyr ice cream (skyrís)
Ice cream made with skyr — lighter and tangier than regular ice cream with unique Icelandic berry flavors
Where to try: Valdís Ice Cream, Hlemmur Mathöll
Price: $6
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Dill
Iceland's only Michelin-starred restaurant offers an extraordinary 7-course tasting menu that celebrates Icelandic ingredients at their finest. Chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason's menu changes with the seasons, featuring foraged herbs, wild game, sustainably caught fish, and skyr in unexpected forms.
Known for: Michelin-starred New Nordic cuisine with exclusively Icelandic ingredients
Hverfisgata 12, 101 Reykjavik
Nostra
An acclaimed fine dining restaurant with a strong focus on local and sustainable Icelandic produce, Nostra serves a rotating menu that highlights seasonal ingredients with modern Nordic technique. The wine list is exceptional and the warm, minimalist dining room creates an intimate atmosphere.
Known for: Seasonal Nordic fine dining with local Icelandic produce
Laugavegur 59, 101 Reykjavik
Grillmarkaðurinn (The Grill Market)
Market-to-table Icelandic cooking at its finest, where prime cuts of Icelandic lamb, local beef, and the freshest seafood are grilled over volcanic stones. The dramatic basement dining room with its exposed lava walls creates an unforgettable atmosphere that matches the bold, beautiful food.
Known for: Premium Icelandic meats and seafood grilled on volcanic stone
Lækjargata 2a, 101 Reykjavik
Fiskmarkaðurinn (The Fish Market)
A creative and vibrant restaurant that fuses Icelandic seafood with Asian cooking techniques and flavors. The omakase sushi bar and fresh catch specials are outstanding, and the lively basement atmosphere under the Old Harbour makes it one of Reykjavik's most enjoyable dining experiences.
Known for: Icelandic seafood with Asian fusion techniques
Aðalstræti 12, 101 Reykjavik
Matur og Drykkur
Drawing inspiration from an old Icelandic cookbook, this celebrated restaurant transforms traditional Icelandic dishes into elegant modern interpretations. Dishes like cod heads in brown butter, fermented skate, and sheep's head soup are presented with artistry, honoring Iceland's culinary heritage.
Known for: Modern interpretation of traditional Icelandic recipes from the 1858 cookbook
Grandagarður 2, 101 Reykjavik
Messinn
Famous for its fresh Icelandic fish served piping hot in cast-iron skillets, Messinn is consistently rated among Reykjavik's best restaurants. The simple, honest cooking lets outstanding locally caught fish — cod, haddock, and salmon — shine with seasonal vegetables and house-made sauces.
Known for: Fresh Icelandic fish in cast iron skillets
Lækjargata 6b, 101 Reykjavik
Sægreifinn (The Sea Baron)
A Reykjavik institution since 1994, this quirky harborside shack serves the most famous lobster soup in Iceland along with skewers of whale, langoustine, and fresh fish grilled to order. Simple, delicious, and utterly authentic, it's an unmissable experience in the Old Harbour.
Known for: Famous lobster soup and grilled seafood skewers
Geirsgata 8, 101 Reykjavik
Snaps Bistro
A warm and convivial bistro with a French-influenced menu using Icelandic produce, Snaps is one of Reykjavik's most beloved neighborhood restaurants. The lively atmosphere, excellent wine list, and approachable prices make it a local favorite for weekday lunches and romantic dinners.
Known for: French bistro classics with Icelandic twist
Þórsgata 1, 101 Reykjavik
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Seafood
Fiskmarkaðurinn (The Fish Market)
Messinn
Sægreifinn (The Sea Baron)
Kopar Restaurant
Reykjavik Fish Restaurant
Icelandic
Bergsson Mathús
Geysir Bistro & Bar
Matarkjallarinn (The Food Cellar)
Traditional Icelandic
Matur og Drykkur
Café Loki
Gamla Bærinn (Old Farm)
Café
Stofan Café
Kaffihús Vesturbæjar
Coffee
Café Haiti
Mokka Kaffi
European
Ostabúðin
Ostabúðin Cheese & Wine Bar
Icelandic Traditional
Icelandic Street Food
Gamla Hafnarkráin (Old Harbor Tavern)
New Nordic
Dill
Nostra
Thai
Noodle Station
Thai Koon
Artisan Bakery
Brauð & Co
Burgers
Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar (Tommi's Burger Joint)
French
Snaps Bistro
Ice Cream
Valdís Ice Cream
Icelandic Bakery
Sandholt Bakery
Icelandic Contemporary
Petersen Svítan
Icelandic Diner
Kaffivagninn
Icelandic Grill
Grillmarkaðurinn (The Grill Market)
Icelandic Street Food
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
International
Laundromat Café
Italian
Hornið
Mexican
Pablo Discobar
Middle Eastern
Kebabinn
Multiple
Hlemmur Mathöll (Food Hall)
New Icelandic
Skál! Kitchen & Bar
Specialty Coffee
Reykjavik Roasters
Vegetarian
Gló
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Icelandic hot dog (pylsa)
Lamb and pork hot dog with all the toppings from Bæjarins Beztu — Iceland's most iconic food
Find it at: Tryggvagata 1, near Harpa Concert Hall
Lobster soup to go
Cup of rich langoustine bisque from Sægreifinn — perfect for eating while walking the harbor
Find it at: Geirsgata 8, Old Harbour
Skyr soft serve
Creamy skyr-based soft serve ice cream from various kiosks — low fat, high protein, delicious
Find it at: Hlemmur Mathöll and summer kiosks
Lamb sandwich at market
Slow-cooked lamb on rye bread from food market vendors
Find it at: Kolaportið weekend market
Fish and chips (Icelandic style)
Beer-battered fresh cod or haddock with Icelandic remoulade from harbor vendors
Find it at: Old Harbour food trucks
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Kolaportið Flea Market
Weekend flea market with food stalls selling traditional Icelandic items including hákarl, dried fish, and homemade preserves
Hours: Sat-Sun 11AM-5PM
Hlemmur Mathöll Food Hall
Permanent food hall with multiple vendors in a converted bus terminal — the best casual food diversity in Reykjavik
Hours: Mon-Wed 8AM-11PM; Thu-Sat 8AM-1AM; Sun 8AM-11PM
Farmers Market (Bændabúðin)
Seasonal farmers market in Laugardalur with local producers selling fresh vegetables, dairy, and craft food products
Hours: Saturdays 10AM-2PM (May-September)
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Reykjavik is expensive by European standards — budget $15-20 for a basic sit-down meal
Lunch specials at most restaurants offer 2-3 courses for $18-28 — far better value than dinner
Supermarkets (Bónus, Krónan, Nettó) enable self-catering and can cut food costs by 60%
Many restaurants have limited hours — check in advance and book for dinner, especially weekends
Tipping is not mandatory but 10% is appreciated at restaurants for good service
The local Bónus chain is the cheapest supermarket — recognizable by its pink pig logo
Most restaurants are licensed to serve alcohol; Iceland's wine and beer prices are high but bars close at 1AM weeknights, 4AM weekends
- Vegetarian
- Vegetarian options available at most restaurants; vegan options growing but limited at traditional spots
- Halal
- Limited dedicated halal restaurants; kebab shops and some Middle Eastern restaurants serve halal meat
- Gluten free
- Widely catered for; most restaurants can accommodate on request; supermarkets stock gluten-free products
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $12-20 per meal | Hot dogs, noodle soups, food hall vendors, supermarket meals, and budget eateries |
| Mid-range | $30-50 per meal | Casual restaurant main course with one drink; seafood at mid-range venues |
| Upscale | $80-200+ per meal | Fine dining restaurants including Dill, Nostra, Grillmarkaðurinn — tasting menus and wine pairing |