Restaurant Profiles


14.7.2009

Glætan

Glætan is a great café with a domestic feel .
25.6.2009

Saffran

Wowohmygawdthatwasf’ingincredible! The food was so superbly prepared and shockingly delicious that I feared my words would not do it justice.
24.6.2009

Dill Restaurant

Pioneering New Nordic Kitchen style cuisine in Iceland, Dill Restaurant recently and has very quickly gained status as a Reykjavík favourite.
27.2.2009

Rossopomodoro

Rossopomodoro is a chain restaurant with a difference.
27.2.2009

Bautinn

In a sprawling bright red house located in the city centre, this restaurant has become, over its 30 or so years in business, a household name.
27.2.2009

Friðrik V

Friðrik Val Karlsson is a man who keeps his friends close, and his food closer.
27.2.2009

Núðluhúsið

An old school asian place.
27.2.2009

Silfur

An upscale seafood restaurant located at Hótel Borg.
27.2.2009

Caruso

An unmissable Italian experience
27.2.2009

Argentína

Argentína is the best place in the world for a red meat-loving person to have a special celebration.
26.2.2009

Perlan

The restaurant is located on top of the grand structure Perlan, providing an excellent view of Reykjavík.
26.2.2009

Rauða húsið

Located in a roomy, red building at Eyrarbakki, a small historic fishing village on the south-coast of Iceland
26.2.2009

Grillið

A high end restaurant with a great view over the city providing fine cuisine in a cozy environment.
26.2.2009

Culiacan

Authentic Mexican food at a very reasonable prize. Located of the beaten track Culiacan serves healthy mexican fast food.
26.2.2009

Austur - Indía Félagið

Located on Hverfisgata this restaurant serves some of the finest Indian meals in town
26.2.2009

Carpe Diem

An old-school restaurant, ensuring a nice meal.
26.2.2009

Tivoli

Located on the shopping street Laugavegur, Tivoli is a cosy café during the day offering light snacks and lunch meals such as pizza, burgers, and tapas dishes.
26.2.2009

Ostabúðin

Ostabúðin (The Cheese Store) on Skólavörðustígur is among the most beloved gourmet stores in the city.
26.2.2009

Asía

One of the oldest Asian restaurants in Reykjavík
26.2.2009

Grænn Kostur

Grænn Kostur, or “The Green Choice,” is a small vegan/vegetarian restaurant in downtown Reykjavík. Seating around 30-40 people, Grænn Kostur is tucked away on Skólavörðustígur off Laugavegur.
26.2.2009

Maður Lifandi

Maður Lifandi, a one-year-old addition to the small collection of health food / vegetarian restaurants that dot Reykjavík.
25.2.2009

Sjávarbarinn

Reykjavík’s best-kept secrets, down by the old harbour.
25.2.2009

Fljótt og Gott

One of the oldest fast food places in Reykjavík located at bus depot BSÍ. Fljótt og Gott serves very traditional fast food with a twist of old Icelandic food.
25.2.2009

Gló

Gló, an organic restaurant in collaboration with the Rope yoga studio in Laugardalur
25.2.2009

Fjalakötturinn

Fjalakotturinn, which means “the cat on the boards,” (boards as in theatre), stands on the oldest street in Reykjavík.
25.2.2009

VOX

The service is among the best in the city. Great care is taken from the presentation of the cutlery, to the pouring of the wine, to the explanation of each dish
25.2.2009

Síam

Located in Hafnarfjörður Síam is a Thai based cuisine restaurant.
25.2.2009

Gullfoss

In spite of its modest neighbours, Gullfoss should by no means be considered cheap or everyday for us commoners: the restaurant is well suited for fine dining, for big or small parties.
25.2.2009

Santa María

The real taste of Mexico, the way it’s meant to be
25.2.2009

Rizzo Pizzeria

The suburban equivelent of Pizza king or other similar places.
25.2.2009

Orange

 A hip and trendy place down by the harbour. One of the more stylished restaurants in the Reykjavík area.
20.2.2009

The Kebab House

A fresh alternative in the range of fast food restaurants in Reykjavík. Westernised kebabs served with fresh ingredients. And of course the more traditional burger and pizza menu. Main restaurant is located at Grensásvegur 3 but a smaller one at Austurstræti.
20.2.2009

Rauðará

Located inside an old brewery where beer was manufactured during the Great Icelandic Beer Prohibition of the last century, a part of the dining area is set inside a giant fermentation tank. The thick walls and the high windows of this old industrial complex breed a relaxing atmosphere when the candles are lit.
20.2.2009

Rub23

Located in Akureyri, Rub23, the brainchild of Einar Geirsson, is an Umi restaurant situated in the heart of Akureyri. Einar came up with the idea when ‘both awake and dreaming’ of being able to mix different types of fish and meat with selected ‘rubs’ or sauces that he has created himself from his own recipes to delight the senses. The simple enough dishes are complemented by the menu – it is even subtly colour-coded – indicating what complements what dish.
20.2.2009

Segurmo

Until now, Boston has been known as a staple of Reykjavik nightlife. The bar is kept busy on most nights as people pile in from the cold.  And while the atmosphere is cozy and mellow during the early hours of the evening making it perfect for dinning, this place has been know more as a bar than a restaurant.  But all that is about to change. Boston has tried it’s hand at serving food in the past with little luck but now with the opening of Segurmo, chef Númi Thomasson’s newest endeavour, Boston’s natural warmth and comfortable vibe with now be complimented by Segurmo’s equally comforting food.
20.2.2009

Einar Ben

The restaurant Einar Ben is named after one of Iceland’s national heroes, the early 20th century poet and entrepreneur Einar Benediktsson, who once lived in the house where the restaurant is now located, and ran the first Icelandic newspaper and later a law firm from this location. In many ways, the restaurant Einar Ben pays homage to the historic relations coupled with the house and the person who lived there.
20.2.2009

The Scandinavian

The Scandinavian and its modern interpretation of traditional Nordic recipes are bound to become a small tourist haven, not to exclude the locals, who will appreciate the cuisine served with a bit of heritage.
20.2.2009

Basil & Lime

Basil & Lime located at Klapparstígur 38 serves authentic Italian cuisine and dishes. Fresh pasta made at location and an exquisite Tiramisu dessert make this one of the best italian restaurants in Reykjavík.
17.2.2009

Café Rót

Café Rót is a small downtown café that frequently hosts concerts and other events. The café is a welcomed new addition to the small selection of concert venues in Reykjavík.
12.2.2009

Pisa

In a small-ish cellar by Lækjagata, you’ll find newly opened Italian restaurant Pisa.

2.1.2009

Balthazar

The Balthazar bar and grill, in the center of town has a quiet, relaxed atmosphere and reasonable priced set menu for afternoon and evening.
21.11.2008

Tabasco's

The Mexican restaurant Tabasco’s is a cosy establishment on the corner of Hafnarstræti and Vesturgata.
4.9.2008

Café Loki

With a splendid view of Hallgrímskirkja, Café Loki is the perfect place to take a load off your feet and enjoy some solid homemade Icelandic food.
4.9.2008

O-Sushi Restaurant

Also called "The Train", O Sushi's most intriguing feature is a conveyor belt that runs around the entire restaurant delivering a buffet of authentic Sushi straight to your table.
3.9.2008

Svarta Kaffi

A cosy second floor café, their fame lies partly in their tasty Súpa í Brauði (Soup in Bread) and also in their romantic atmosphere. Good for a few early evening drinks.


3.9.2008

Sjávarkjallarinn

Elegant Seafood Cellar focuses on gourmet seafood and tantalizing asian-fusion dishes. Share the exotic menu, courses selected by the chef, with a friend for the most fun.
3.9.2008

Mokka

Operating since 1958, Mokka is the city center´s oldest coffee joint and founder of Icelandic coffee culture. Regular art exhibits are always worth a look.
3.9.2008

Ráðhúskaffi

Located in the City Hall with a great view of the pond, this café has a good selection of pastries and a good place to relax. Regular art exhibits add to the aesthetic.
3.9.2008

Kaffivagninn

By the harbor, this lunch and coffee place is a gathering place for all sorts of tough folks. If you want traditional Icelandic food, a great place to see another side of Reykjavík.
3.9.2008

Eldsmiðjan

Totally satisfying oven-baked pizza with a wide choice of toppings - snails an unusual specialty. Well worth the cost. Order, take away or eat comfortably among the paintings.


3.9.2008

Indian Mango

Specializing in delicious dishes from the Goa region of India, honed to perfection in the owner’s period as head chef at the Four Seasons. Incredible service as well as food.



3.9.2008

3 Frakkar

A seriously Icelandic atmosphere and traditional Icelandic dishes prepared in the good old-fashioned way. RSVP and keep your ears pricked for wild whaling tales!
2.9.2008

Humarhúsið

One of the oldest restaurants in the country, the lobster house is known of course for its lobster and also its impressive cognac lounge. Fine intimate dining.
2.9.2008

La Primavera

Though it sounds strange, La Primavera serves delicious traditional North Italian cuisine using only local produce. A startlingly tasty combination and a local favorite.
2.9.2008

Krua Thai

We dare you to find a better meal for the same price anywhere else. Every dish is delicious. Just eat what looks best to you on their colorful menu.

2.9.2008

Kofi Tómasar Frænda

Nestled in a basement location, Uncle Tom´s Cabin has the feeling of a back-alley London Café. On weekends it becomes a happening and diverse bar.

2.9.2008

Kaffitár

Kaffitár celebrates good coffee, and serves it in abundance, along with sweet treats and tasty if pricy special blends. Eat in or to go, a great way to enjoy your morning boost.
2.9.2008

Kaffi Hljómalind

This organic, free-trade café prides itself not only on great lunches and food but being a strong cultural center, hosting live music as well as lectures and poetry nights.
2.9.2008

Jómfrúin

These days, good Smörrebröd can be an elusive delicacy. Lucky for us out in the colonies, it’s alive and well at Jómfrúin with fresh eel imported specially from Denmark.

2.9.2008

Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar (“Búllan”)

Considered by some to be the best real hamburger in Reykjavík, “Bullan” does serve some mysteriously delicious burgers, guaranteed to take the edge off any hangover.

2.9.2008

Óliver

This stylish nightclub attracts a glamorous crowd of crazy dancers that may not be for everyone. In which case, air-conditioning and fine food make Oliver a good lunch spot.
2.9.2008

Hótel Holt

Housing Iceland´s most renowned restaurant, The Gallery, an evening here is an unforgettable experience. Delicious French-inspired cuisine and fine wines await.
2.9.2008

Icelandic fish and chips

Not your average fish’n’chips joint, but a healthy restaurant using only organic vegetables and quality fish products. The spiced skyr side a special treat.

2.9.2008

Tjarnarbakkinn

Right above the Iðno theater, an ideal place to go before shows. Nice views of the pond and outdoor dining in the summertime. The lamb comes especially recommended.
2.9.2008

Hlölla Bátar

The first sub sandwich shop in Iceland, Hlölla Bátar has a large selection of creatively named sandwiches with equally imaginative contents. Good for an adventurous bite.
2.9.2008

Grái Kötturinn

Legendary for its early opening hours, the Gray Cat serves amazing breakfasts and coffee that packs a wallop. A splendid way to start you off on your day.
2.9.2008

Fiskmarkaðurinn

Run and co-owned by the national team of chefs, this establishment specializing in Japanese cuisine has everything planned to the last detail, ensuring a relaxing evening.
2.9.2008

Vitabar

Really a bar, but best known for its hamburgers. Burger and fries for 500 one of the best deals in town, but Forget-Me-Not blue cheese and Garlic Extravaganza are also winners.
2.9.2008

Grillhúsið

With a menu of reasonably priced homestyle food, Grillhúsið has satiated hungry regulars since 1994 with juicy burgers, sandwiches, steaks and fish dishes.
2.9.2008

Við Tjörnina

A Reykjavík classic with menu exclusively of traditional cuisine, as frequented by tourists as it is by locals. A perfect opportunity to try Icelandic delicacies.
2.9.2008

Domo

The elegantly decorated Domo serves delicious French-Asian cuisine, excellent sushi and has a great wine list. A sure choice.
2.9.2008

Garðurinn

“Ecstasy’s Heart” is a simple, friendly, family-run vegetarian restaurant on Klapparstigur. Offers an ever-changing menu of specials and soup du jours, alongside a basic menu
2.9.2008

Tíu Dropar

An old-fashioned café with warm atmosphere and generous coffee refills. A thoroughly pleasant establishment.
2.9.2008

Austurlandahraðlestin

Though a bit expensive for take-away, it is well worth it for a spicy bite of this Indian cuisine. A few tables to the side for those who choose to dine in.
2.9.2008

Shalimar

Shalimar sports the conceit of being the northernmost Indian restaurant in the world and has fine daily specials. We recommend the quite addictive chicken tikka masala.
2.9.2008

Sushibarinn

 Sushibarinn has recently become the talk of the town among Reykjavík sushi lovers, serving, in our opinion, the very best rolls in city.
1.9.2008

Sægreifinn

Right next to the harbor, Sægrefinn fish shop is like none other in the country. With a diverse fish selection, exquisite lobster soup and good service, an absolute must-try.
1.9.2008

Café Roma

Roma, an Italian deli and café offers a variety of breads, soups as well as tempting desserts. For a good bargain, come at lunchtime for the specials.
1.9.2008

Bæjarins Beztu

The oldest fast-food in Iceland, it is feasibly the best hot dog stand in Europe. Don’t be intimidated by the perpetual line in front – an absolute must and worth the wait.
1.9.2008

Á Næstu Grösum

Regarded by many to be the best vegetarian place in town, “First Vegetarian” offers a healthy and tasty menu of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Indian theme on Fridays a hit.
1.9.2008

American Style

With a soft bun and lots of veggies, you can settle into a booth and eat for hours. Big portions for authentic American dining.
1.9.2008

Babalú

It’s tough to miss café Babalú walking up Skólavörðustigur. A cozy place for coffee and cake, the well-worn, homey ambience makes it difficult to leave.
28.8.2008

Reykjavík Pizza Company

Some say this upscale pizzeria has the best slice in town.
28.8.2008

Pizza Pronto

With a convenient location and late hours, a good place to snack in between bars. Three sizes of pizza with a good selection of toppings. A cheap, if unhealthy, choice.
28.8.2008

Pizza King

This little place serves not only the cheapest but largest slices downtown. A local favorite, and open until 6 on Friday and Saturday nights.
19.8.2008

Hressó

With a spacious neutral interior, pleasant courtyard and a varied lunch menu, Hressó attracts a specific type of crowd. Tap beer and music makes a fair hangout on weekends.
11.8.2008

Tapas

For those with a bit of money and time to spare, Tapas serves course after course of delightful miniature dishes. Also serves tasty and unusually affordable lobster.
8.8.2008

Nonnabiti

“Nonni” is one of the more popular junk-food places in town, renowned for its greasy sandwiches and its unique Nonni-sauce. Open late for a midnight cravings.
8.8.2008

Hornið

Since 1979, this Italian restaurant has been a longtime Reykjavík staple. Famous for its pizza and stuffed calzones, it proudly offers an affordable menu of high-quality dishes.
7.8.2008

Café Paris

With an outdoor terrace, this café gets busy on sunny days. With a cosy interior, fine menu and attentive service, it makes a fine spot for evening dining as well.
7.8.2008

Café Cultura

Situated in the intercultural centre, Cultura is a café/bar with a cosmopolitan feel. The menu features all sorts of international dishes, alongside the staple salad and sandwich.
6.8.2008

B5

By day a chic little bistro with good food and a prime location for Laugavegur people watching - by night a stylish bar with a “whiskey room” and manhattanesque clientele.
5.8.2008

Prikið

Part of the Reykjavík bar scene for decades, this café/bar has a fairly cheap menu and attracts a mix of students and old regulars. R&B and Hip-Hop plays on weekends.
5.8.2008

Sólon

Truly a jack-of-all trades establishment. By night a decent restaurant, by day a café/bistro and on Friday and Saturday nights a nightclub. Art exhibitions on the walls to top it off.
5.8.2008

Thorvaldsen

Dress formally for this fancy spot, and come before 12 to avoid a long line. DJs play Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
5.8.2008

Vegamót

Vegamót´s kitchen is open until 22.00 daily and sports an appealing lunch menu. Come for a tasty brunch on weekends. If you like Óliver, try Vegamót and vice versa.
30.7.2008

Geysir

Situated in the dignified Geysir Building at the corner of Vesturgata and Aðalstræti, this stylish bistro is always a good place to grab a tasty bite for a reasonable price.
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