A Culinary Adventure into the Best Restaurants in Reykjavík, Iceland

Delve into the best restaurants in Reykjavík with our culinary adventure guide. Explore the vibrant dining scene and find the best places to eat in Reykjavík today!

Vittoria and I having a cozy dinner at Kaffivagninn, with views of the Harbour.

If you think Reykjavík is all about geysers, glaciers, and the Northern Lights, think again. While the natural wonders are undeniably awe-inspiring, another side of the city is just waiting to tantalize your taste buds. Yes, I’m talking about the vibrant and diverse dining scene in Reykjavík.

Picture this: you're wrapped in a cozy Icelandic wool sweater, the crisp air outside contrasting with a bustling restaurant's warm, inviting glow.

Hungry for more? Good, because I’m about to take you on a gastronomic journey through some of the best dining spots in Reykjavík, each with its own unique flavour and charm. It’s true! There’s even more to do in Reykjavík than you might imagine!

Brút

Pósthússtræti 2, 101 Reykjavík

Nestled in one of Reykjavík's oldest and most elegant buildings, Brút is a Michelin Guide restaurant that promises an unforgettable dining experience, especially for seafood lovers. Opened in the fall of 2021, the restaurant quickly established itself as a high-end casual fish and seafood restaurant with an award-winning wine list.

Brút's bread and butter, olive tapenade, and Faux Gras.

From the moment you step inside, the ambiance is both inviting and lively, with stone floors, upholstered benches, and open pipework that give the dining room a simple yet sophisticated feel. It's the kind of place where you can enjoy a lively atmosphere without having to shout over outside noise, making it perfect for intimate conversations and relaxed dining.

Despite its reputation for exquisite fish and shellfish dishes, Brút also caters wonderfully to vegetarians (yay for me!). I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of vegetarian options available, each one as delicious as the next. It's clear that the restaurant takes pride in selecting the freshest local ingredients and preparing them in ways that highlight their natural flavours. While we went for dinner, Brút is also renowned for its incredible brunch.

Overall, Brút delivers excellent food in a lovely, calm setting, making it a standout choice for dining in Reykjavík. The combination of great service (the service is top-notch, with attentive staff who enhance the overall dining experience), a relaxed atmosphere, and exceptional cuisine ensures that every visit is memorable. Whether you're there for a full meal or just dessert, you're in for a treat. 

Curious about what was on our plates? Let me tell you!

The Celariac main dish, served with a side of crispy layered potatoes and halved onions.

Shared Menu Items:

• Bread basket and butter with olive tapenade.

• 'Faux Gras,' a mushroom pâté served with crostini and pickled vegetables.

• Crispy layered potatoes and halved cooked onions drizzled with sauce and topped with diced spring onions.

Vegetarian Meal:

• Carrots from the charcoal grill, drizzled with oat yoghurt, herbs, and crisped capers.

• Celariac with white bean purée, vegetable jus, and crispy cavolo nero.

Meal Without Dietary Restrictions:

• Veal sweetbreads with truffle jus and cooked blueberries.

• Arctic char with burnt apple purée, pickled radicchio, and pine nuts.

Sümac

Laugavegur 28, 101, 101 Reykjavík

For one of our dinners in Reykjavík, we found ourselves at Sümac, a restaurant that effortlessly transports you to Beirut's nostalgic and vibrant streets. Inspired by Middle Eastern and North African cuisines, Sümac is a place where locals and visitors can savour the rich and exotic flavours of the region, all while enjoying the quintessential Reykjavik mood.

Named after the sumac berry, which grows in clusters of deep-red berries and brings a citrusy tang to dishes, the restaurant captures the essence of its namesake in both its food and atmosphere. The interior is a beautiful blend of muted colours and textures reminiscent of today's Beirut, with a nod to the city's past elegance when it was fondly known as the “Paris of the East.”

(Clockwise) Chicken kebab, harissa potatoes, and roasted cauliflower at Sümac.

Led by Chef Thráinn Freyr Vigfússon and Chef Jakob Zarioh Baldvinsson, the kitchen at Sümac offers an Icelandic cuisine seduced by delicacies from the coastline of North Africa to Lebanon. The menu features pristine seasonal Icelandic ingredients subtly immersed in exotic spices, resulting in an eclectic and seductive culinary affair. Each dish is a testament to the chefs' ability to marry local ingredients with vibrant spices and techniques from Lebanon and Morocco. It truly is spectacular and an absolutely incredible gastronomic experience.

The bar at Sümac is equally impressive, offering handcrafted Mediterranean cocktails that are as fresh and exotic as the dishes they accompany. The wine list is thoughtfully curated, featuring a mix of European, Moroccan, and Lebanese wines that pair perfectly with the sensational food.

Overall, Sümac is a perfect fusion of cultures and flavours, making it a must-visit spot for anyone dining in Reykjavík. The atmosphere, inspired by the nostalgic charm of Beirut, combined with the innovative and flavourful menu, ensures a unique and unforgettable dining experience.

The Sumac and Hilo cocktails at Sümac.

Sounds amazing, right? Here’s exactly what we ate.

Drinks:

• Sumac Cocktail: With gin, sumac berry, lime, and ginger (a twist on the gin mule).

• Hilo Cocktail: With gin, rhubarb, rose, and sumac.

• Pieropan Soave Classico: A smooth, flavourful 2022 white wine from Veneto, Italy.

Shared Items on the Menu:

• Fresh, crispy flatbread sprinkled with sesame seeds. On the side was an amazing smooth almond pepper dip.

• Fried halloumi with a tomato jam compote and crushed almonds on top.

• Harissa potatoes drizzled with this divine creamy sauce.

Vegetarian Meal:

• Roasted cauliflower with a delicious yoghurt sauce, pomegranate, sage, and shaved almonds.

Meal Without Dietary Restrictions:

• Chicken kebab with sides of a garlic cream sauce and a coriander parsley sauce. It was served with a side of pickled vegetables.

Kaffivagninn

Grandagarður 10, 101 Reykjavík

Perched along Reykjavík’s bustling harbour, Kaffivagninn is more than just a restaurant—it’s a living piece of Icelandic history. Established in 1935 by Bjarni Kristjánsson, it proudly holds the title of Iceland’s oldest restaurant, serving generations of locals, fishermen, and travellers looking for a warm meal by the sea. While the restaurant now stands as a cherished landmark in downtown Reykjavík, its humble beginnings were quite different.

Kaffivagninn's fish and chips.

Originally located at the corner of Pósthússtræti and Tryggvagata, Kaffivagninn soon found itself on the move, operating out of the back of a truck parked at Ellingsenplanið. This unique setup inspired its name, which translates to ‘The Coffee Wagon,’ and laid the foundation for what would become an enduring culinary institution.

Though its location has changed over the decades, Kaffivagninn remains deeply rooted in its traditions. Its harbourfront setting reflects its long-standing connection to Reykjavík’s maritime community, where fishermen and dockworkers once gathered for a strong cup of coffee and a hearty meal before heading out to sea.

Today, it continues to serve as a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike, offering a menu that blends comfort food with Icelandic tradition; it really does feel like you're at someone's house eating an amazing home-cooked meal. Whether you’re stopping in for a classic breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a cozy dinner, Kaffivagninn invites you to experience a taste of Iceland’s past while enjoying the inviting warmth of its present. Of course, while you’re here, no visit is complete without indulging in a slice of homemade cake alongside a perfectly brewed cup of coffee—just as patrons have done for nearly a century.

Kaffivagninn's brand-new vegetarian Wellington.

Let me share what we ate while visiting this amazing restaurant.

Shared Menu Item:

• Root vegetables with broccoli, onion, and turnip. Honestly, this was so good, I could eat it every single day.

Vegetarian Meal:

• Their brand-new, just-added vegetarian Wellington, which was incredible. It was topped with a delicious mushroom gravy with a coconut milk base and reduced white wine, too! On the side, was a yummy crisp salad and roasted potatoes.

Meal Without Dietary Restrictions:

• Fish (cod) and chips. The fish was cooked in a crispy tempura and served with tartar sauce and a light salad on the side.

Le KocK

Tryggvagata 12, 101 Reykjavík

Nestled inside the stylish Exeter Hotel in the heart of Reykjavík, Le KocK quickly became a must-try for us during our stay. Offering the perfect combination of convenience and quality, this modern eatery has been elevating fast food in Iceland since 2017 with gourmet burgers, artisan bakery treats, and craft cocktails. The concept is simple: fresh, delicious, and locally sourced ingredients are presented in a way that redefines traditional fast food.

Le KocK is a true gem for those craving mouthwatering burgers, crispy wings, and all the delightful extras that make for an unforgettable meal. What sets it apart, however, is its commitment to using Icelandic ingredients wherever possible, which adds a unique local twist to every dish. The atmosphere is equally inviting, with live music adding an extra layer of charm to the vibrant décor. It’s no wonder people are raving about the friendly, attentive service that makes each visit feel like a welcoming experience!

If you're in the mood for more than just a burger, make sure to head over to Tail, located within Le KocK. Here, you’ll find an impressive selection of cocktails, craft beers, and natural wines to complement your meal. Plus, don’t miss the lively jazz nights every Monday from 19:45 to 22:30, a highlight that adds to the overall appeal of this cozy yet dynamic space.

Le KocK's Alice in Wonderland vegan burger.

It’s clear that Le Kock delivers on flavour and creativity, with many patrons returning for its irresistible burgers and inviting ambiance. So good, am I right?

Here’s what we ordered (and what I would highly recommend)!

Shared Menu Item:

• KocK Potatoes, which were deep-fried baby potatoes topped with their signature KocK Sauce.

Vegetarian Meal:

• Alice in Wonderland, which had a shiitake mushroom patty, tofu, vegan cheese, caramelized onions, red onion, romaine lettuce, truffle ketchup, vegan mayo, and crispy onions.

Meal Without Dietary Restrictions:

• The Big Red Machine, which consisted of a deep-fried chicken thigh with a hot honey glaze, bacon, cheddar, red cabbage, pickles, and Japanese mayo.

All in All

Reykjavík is more than just a gateway to Iceland’s stunning landscapes; it’s a destination for food lovers seeking new and exciting flavours. Whether you’re a fan of traditional dishes or modern cuisine, the city’s dining scene offers something for everyone. So, why not take a break from the usual tourist spots and embark on a culinary adventure?

Book your trip, explore the dining in Reykjavík, and discover for yourself why this city is a hidden gem for food enthusiasts. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. Pack your bags, bring your appetite, and get ready to savour every moment in this incredible city.

Njóttu máltíðarinnar (enjoy your meal) and happy travels!

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