Food guideReykjavík · Iceland

Where to Eat in Reykjavík: 13 Researched Spots and 8 Must-Try Dishes (2026)

13 researched places to eat in Reykjavík and the 8 dishes to order, with the neighbourhood, address, hours and price tier where the place record has them.

Updated September 1, 2026 · 13 places verified against live place data

  • 13 places to eat
  • 8 must-try dishes
  • 2 neighbourhoods
  • Researched September 2026
  • 24 sources
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Map of 13 researched spots in Reykjavík

The short answer

  • Order Plokkfiskur (Fish Stew) first; the research names Café Loki and Messinn for it.
  • Then Rúgbrauð (Thunder Bread), Humar (Icelandic Langoustine) and Skyr with Bilberries: each has its own entry below, with linked venues where available.
  • 13 places across 2 neighbourhoods; Miðborg (11) and Vesturbær (2) have the most.
  • Start with Kolaportið Market (Miðborg), Brauð & Co (Miðborg) and Sandholt (Miðborg).

What to eat in Reykjavík: 8 must-try dishes

  • Plokkfiskur (Fish Stew)A comforting, thick mash of flaked white fish (usually cod or haddock) and boiled potatoes folded into a creamy white béchamel sauce. Often topped with melted cheese and served with dark rye bread.Where to try it: Café Loki (Miðborg) and Messinn (Miðborg)
  • Rúgbrauð (Thunder Bread)A dense, dark, and cake-like rye bread traditionally baked in the ground using geothermal heat. It is naturally sweet without added sugar due to the long, slow baking process.
  • Humar (Icelandic Langoustine)Known as 'Icelandic lobster,' these small, sweet, and tender langoustines are a luxury delicacy. While Höfn is the capital of humar, Reykjavík’s top kitchens like Fiskfélagið and Sea Baron (Sægreifinn) serve them in rich, creamy soups or grilled with garlic butter.Where to try it: Fish Company (Miðborg) and Seabaron (Vesturbær)
  • Skyr with BilberriesA thick, high-protein dairy product that technically qualifies as a soft cheese but is eaten like yogurt. While available in supermarkets, the 'real' experience involves thick, traditional skyr topped with cream and hand-picked Icelandic bilberries.
  • Harðfiskur (Dried Fish)The Icelandic equivalent of beef jerky, typically made from wind-dried cod, haddog, or wolffish. It is incredibly high in protein and has a tough, papery texture.
  • Brennivín and HákarlThe 'bravery test' of Icelandic cuisine. Hákarl is Greenland shark that has been fermented and hung to dry for months to neutralize toxins, resulting in a pungent ammonia aroma.
  • Snúður (Cinnamon Bun)Large, soft, and pillowy cinnamon rolls that are a staple of Icelandic bakeries. Unlike their Scandinavian cousins, Icelandic snúður are often oversized and covered in a thick layer of chocolate, caramel, or pink sugar glaze.Where to try it: Brauð & Co (Miðborg)
  • KleinurA traditional twisted doughnut that is lightly spiced with cardamom and deep-fried. Historically a home-baked treat, these 'angel wings' are now found in every bakery and supermarket. They are best enjoyed warm with a cup of strong Icelandic coffee during a 'kaffitími' (coffee break).

Where to eat in Reykjavík: 13 researched places

  1. Kolaportið Market

    Miðborg · Market

    Located near the harbor, this bustling weekend flea market is where locals go to hunt for vintage lopapeysa (Icelandic wool sweaters), rare vinyl, and eccentric antiques.

    Tryggvagötu, Old Harbour, Grófin 19, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

  2. Brauð & Co

    Miðborg · Bakery

    An iconic artisanal bakery known for its vibrant, graffiti-covered exterior and the best sourdough in the city. Locals flock here for the warm 'snúður' (cinnamon rolls) and flaky croissants.

    Frakkastígur 16, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

  3. Sandholt

    Miðborg · Bakery · Price level: Moderate

    A fourth-generation family bakery that remains a gold standard for breakfast and brunch. While famous for its artisanal chocolates and sourdough.

    Laugavegur 36, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

  4. Hosiló

    Miðborg · Restaurant

    A small, unassuming gem that locals consider one of the city's best-kept secrets. With a rotating weekly menu of only a few dishes, the focus is entirely on seasonal quality and intimate service.

    Hverfisgata 12, 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

  5. Matur og Drykkur

    Vesturbær · Restaurant · Price level: Very expensive

    Situated in a converted salt fish factory by the harbor, this restaurant takes inspiration from ancient Icelandic cookbooks.

    Mýrargata 31, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

  6. Café Loki

    Miðborg · Restaurant · Price level: Moderate

    Known for: Plokkfiskur (Fish Stew). Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.

    Lokastígur 28, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

  7. Fish Company

    Miðborg · Seafood Restaurant

    Known for: Humar (Icelandic Langoustine). Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.

    Vesturgata 2a, Grófartorg, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

  8. Messinn

    Miðborg · Seafood Restaurant · Price level: Moderate

    Known for: Plokkfiskur (Fish Stew). Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.

    Lækjargata 6, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

  9. Grillmarkaðurinn

    Miðborg · Restaurant

    Known for: Icelandic Lamb Steak. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.

    Lækjargata 2a, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

  10. Seabaron

    Vesturbær · Seafood Restaurant · Price level: Moderate

    Known for: Humar (Icelandic Langoustine). Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.

    Geirsgata 4a, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

  11. Pósthús Food Hall & Bar

    Miðborg · Food Court · Price level: Moderate

    Pósthússtræti 5 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

  12. Skál!

    Miðborg · Restaurant

    Njálsgata 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

  13. BakaBaka

    Miðborg · Bakery · Price level: Moderate

    Bankastræti 2 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Things to know before you eat in Reykjavík

  • Shower thoroughly with soap and without a swimsuit before entering any public swimming pool or lagoon to respect local hygiene standards.
  • Drink the tap water instead of buying bottled water, as Icelandic tap water is among the cleanest and highest quality in the world.
  • Always remove your shoes when entering a private home or specific indoor spaces where you see shoes gathered near the entrance.
  • Check the official weather and road condition websites daily, as conditions can change rapidly and wind speeds can be strong enough to damage car doors.
  • The best time to visit Reykjavík is from June to August for mild weather and the midnight sun, or between September and March for the best chance to see the Northern Lights. Summer offers the most stable conditions and long daylight hours, while winter brings unpredictable snow, wind, and limited daylight but a unique, festive atmosphere.
  • Airport Shuttle (Flybus/Gray Line) These reliable coaches transfer passengers from Keflavík International Airport to Reykjavík's BSI Terminal or specific hotels in approximately 45–50 minutes, with schedules timed to match all arriving flights.
  • Public Bus (Strætó) The Strætó network, including Route 55 from the airport, provides affordable transit throughout the capital region; tickets can be purchased via the Klapp app or with contactless credit cards on board.
  • Walking and E-Scooters Reykjavík's compact city center is highly pedestrian-friendly, allowing visitors to reach most major landmarks on foot or by using app-based electric scooters like Hopp for quick, short-distance travel.

Research receipt

How this Reykjavík food guide was researched

  • Live web search, 14 of 14 research areas completed.
  • Places verified against real place data — address, hours and coordinates come from the place record, not the article.
  • Researched September 2026. A newer build for Reykjavík replaces this page automatically.

Sources checked

Planning questions

What food is Reykjavík known for?

Start with Plokkfiskur (Fish Stew), Rúgbrauð (Thunder Bread), Humar (Icelandic Langoustine), and Skyr with Bilberries. Each dish on this page lists the places known for it.

What is the most famous dish in Reykjavík?

Plokkfiskur (Fish Stew) leads the must-try list. The research names Café Loki and Messinn for it.

Where should I eat in Reykjavík?

Start with Kolaportið Market, Brauð & Co, and Sandholt, the places the research led with. All 13 are listed below with the neighbourhood, address and hours where known.

Which neighbourhoods in Reykjavík are best for food?

Miðborg (11) and Vesturbær (2) carry the most researched places to eat, out of 2 neighbourhoods on this map.

Are there food markets in Reykjavík?

Yes: Kolaportið Market. Each is listed below with its hours where known.

Is Reykjavík expensive for food?

Of the 13 places, 7 list a price tier: 6 moderate and 1 very expensive. Tiers come from the place record, not a menu, so treat them as a range.

How was this Reykjavík food guide researched?

Live web research across 14 research areas, cross-checked against real place data, citing 24 sources. Researched September 2026.