Food & Nightlife

Reykjavík's Food Scene

For a city of this size, Reykjavík has an astonishingly diverse culinary scene. From Michelin-recommended restaurants to the legendary hot dog stand — you eat as well here as nowhere else on the island.

The Classics

• Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur: Iceland's most famous hot dog stand by the harbor (since 1937). The "Eina með öllu" (one with everything: crispy onions, raw onions, ketchup, sweet mustard, remoulade) is a must. 590 ISK (4€). Bill Clinton ordered here in 2004 — without mustard. The Icelanders never forgave him
• Sægreifinn (Sea Baron): At the harbor, famous for the lobster soup (Langoustine Soup) — a must! About 2,800 ISK (19€). The rustic charm with the fishing nets and old boats is authentic. Also whale skewers and grilled fish on sticks
• Hlemmur Mathöll: The Food Hall in the former bus station — various stalls with Icelandic, Asian, Mexican, and international cuisine. Perfect for trying and significantly cheaper than individual restaurants. Highlights: Flatey Pizza (best pizza in Iceland) and Kröst (excellent fried chicken)

Fine Dining & Upscale Cuisine

• Dill: Iceland's only Michelin-starred restaurant (since 2017). Chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason serves a 7-course menu (from 24,900 ISK/166€) with exclusively Nordic ingredients — fermented, pickled, smoked, and from the earth. Reservation weeks in advance necessary
• Grillið: Fine dining on the 8th floor of the Saga Hotel with 360° panoramic view over Reykjavík. For decades, the upscale institution of the city. Tasting menu from 19,900 ISK (133€). For special occasions — the view alone is worth the price
• Grillmarkaðurinn (Grillmarket): Modern Icelandic cuisine with local ingredients — lamb, fish, langoustine. Stylish ambiance in the basement. 15,000–25,000 ISK per person (100–167€)
• Óx: The most exclusive experience: Only 11 seats, in the basement of Sumac. The chef cooks an intimate menu right in front of you. From 39,990 ISK (267€). Book months in advance!

Mid-Range & Recommendations

• Messinn: Fish restaurant with skillet dishes — fresh catch of the day in cast iron pans. Fantastic value for money for Reykjavík. Main course from 3,900 ISK (26€)
• Café Loki: Directly opposite Hallgrímskirkja. Traditional Icelandic cuisine: Plokkfiskur, lamb soup, rye bread, and the infamous Hákarl tasting set (fermented shark with Brennivín). The best place to be brave
• Snaps Bistro Bar: French-Icelandic cuisine, excellent lunch menu. Cozy atmosphere, popular with locals
• Fish Market (Fiskmarkaðurinn): Sushi and Icelandic fusion cuisine — sounds strange, works fantastically. Especially the langoustine tempura

Budget Tips

• Noodle Station: Authentic Thai noodle soups for 1,890 ISK (13€) — the cheapest hot meal in the city center
• Bónus Supermarket: The cheapest supermarket in Iceland (recognizable by the pink pig logo). This is where backpackers cook
• Bakari Sandholt: The best bakery in Reykjavík — croissants, cinnamon rolls, and rye bread. Breakfast from 1,500 ISK (10€)

Rúntur — Iceland's Pub Crawl

Icelandic nightlife is legendary — and bizarre. During the week, the city center is deserted. But on Friday and Saturday nights, Reykjavík transforms:

• The Icelanders "pre-drink" at home (alcohol in bars is extremely expensive: 1,500–2,000 ISK/10–13€ per beer)
• From 11:30 pm, the bars and clubs on Laugavegur fill up
• The partying goes on until 4–5 am — the Rúntur (literally: "round tour") means hopping from bar to bar. The atmosphere is lively, open, and inclusive

Craft Beer Scene

Remarkable for a country where beer was banned until 1989: Reykjavík's craft beer scene has exploded. The best addresses:

• Micro Bar: The best selection of Icelandic craft beer — 14 taps with rotating beers from Borg, Einstök, Gæðingur, and more. Small, cozy, knowledgeable bartenders
• Skúli Craft Bar: 14 taps, plus hundreds of bottled beers. The best IPAs in Iceland
• Kaldi Bar: The house brewery of Kaldi (Iceland's most popular craft beer brand from Árskógssandur in North Iceland). Cozy, good food
• Bjórgarðurinn (Beer Garden): The most beer garden-like place in Reykjavík with a large terrace
• Kaffibarinn: The cult bar of Reykjavík — once co-owned by Damon Albarn (Blur/Gorillaz). Café by day, club by night. Queue at the door on weekends
• Lebowski Bar: Big Lebowski theme, White Russians, and bowling ball lamps. Quirky and charming