Best Restaurants Iceland
Iceland's food scene has undergone a genuine transformation over the past decade, moving well beyond the novelty of fermented shark toward serious, ingredient-driven cooking rooted in Arctic produce, geothermal baking, and sustainable fishing. Whether you are eating in Reykjavík before a Northern Lights tour or refuelling after a full day on the South Coast, the country offers a range of dining experiences that match the drama of the landscape itself.
What are the best restaurants in Iceland right now?
The strongest dining in Iceland is concentrated in Reykjavík, with standout options including Dill Restaurant (Iceland's first Michelin-starred venue, focused on New Nordic cuisine), Grillmarkaðurinn (the Grill Market, known for locally sourced lamb and seafood), Sægreifinn (the Sea Baron, a harbour shack famous for lobster soup under 2,000 ISK), and Forsæla for refined tasting menus. For casual eating, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur — the city's legendary hot dog stand near the harbour — remains a rite of passage for first-time visitors. Outside the capital, restaurants in Vík and Hellnar serve solid local fish and lamb for travellers working the South Coast or Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
What experiences should I book alongside my Iceland restaurant visits?
Pairing great food with Iceland's outdoor experiences creates the most complete trip, and the following tours are consistently the highest-rated options available in 2026.
Iceland Northern Lights Hunt Super Jeep
The Iceland Northern Lights Hunt Super Jeep https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=iceland+activities&partner_id=CIYYMCH&utm_source=travelmind&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=iceland is the single highest-rated aurora experience available in the country, priced at $149 per person with a 4.9-star rating across 8,900 reviews. Expert guides drive modified super jeeps away from Reykjavík's light pollution to chase optimal aurora conditions in real time, adjusting routes based on cloud cover and solar activity. Departures typically run from 9 PM, making a pre-tour dinner at one of Reykjavík's restaurants a natural fit. Book this early — it sells out weeks in advance during peak season (September to March).
What are the best Viator-listed tours in Iceland?
Viator offers strong alternatives for travellers who want to extend their Iceland itinerary beyond the aurora.
Snæfellsnes Sorcerer's Lava Caves
The Snæfellsnes Sorcerer's Lava Caves https://www.viator.com/search/iceland?pid=P00296057&mcid=42383&utm_source=travelmind&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=iceland tour costs $89 per person and holds a 4.8-star rating from 3,200 reviews. This small-group experience explores ancient lava tube caves on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula — the glacier-capped volcanic region that inspired Jules Verne's Journey to the Centre of the Earth. The tour pairs well with lunch at Fjöruhúsið in Hellnar, a cliffside café widely regarded as one of Iceland's most scenic dining spots.
South Coast Waterfalls & Black Beach
The South Coast Waterfalls & Black Beach https://www.viator.com/search/iceland?pid=P00296057&mcid=42383&utm_source=travelmind&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=iceland tour is priced at $95 per person with a 4.8-star rating from 8,900 reviews — one of the most reviewed day tours in the country. It covers Seljalandsfoss (where you can walk behind the waterfall), Skógafoss, and the black sand beach at Reynisfjara. Pack a lunch from Reykjavík or stop at the small café near Skógafoss; dinner back in the capital after this full-day route is highly recommended.
Aurora Photography Workshop Night
For travellers who want to do more than watch the Northern Lights, the Aurora Photography Workshop Night costs $125 per person and carries a 4.9-star rating from 2,400 reviews. A professional photographer guides small groups through long-exposure aurora photography, covering settings, composition, and post-processing. This tour is particularly popular with UK and US visitors who want to return home with publishable images rather than shaky phone footage.
How much does eating out in Iceland cost?
Budget realistically: Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in the world for dining. A main course at a mid-range Reykjavík restaurant typically runs 4,500–7,000 ISK (roughly £26–£40 / $32–$50). Fine dining tasting menus at venues like Dill or Forsæla start around 18,000–25,000 ISK per person (approximately £105–£145 / $130–$180), excluding wine pairings. Budget travellers can eat well at Sægreifinn or Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur for under 2,500 ISK per meal. Supermarkets (Bónus and Krónan) are useful for self-catering if you are staying in guesthouses outside the capital.
How do I get to Iceland from the UK or US?
Iceland is served by Keflavík International Airport (KEF), located approximately 50 kilometres from Reykjavík. Icelandair and PLAY operate direct routes from multiple UK and US airports year-round, with flight times of around 3 hours from London and 5–6 hours from the US East Coast.
Book from the UK to compare the best fares from London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and other UK departure points. Book from the US to find the cheapest flights from New York, Boston, Denver, and beyond. Prices fluctuate considerably — shoulder season (April–May, September–October) often offers the best combination of aurora visibility, lower crowds, and cheaper fares.
FAQ
What is the most famous restaurant in Iceland? Dill Restaurant in Reykjavík is the most acclaimed — Iceland's first Michelin-starred establishment, focusing on New Nordic cuisine built around Icelandic ingredients including Arctic char, lamb, skyr, and foraged herbs. Reservations are essential and should be made weeks in advance.
Is tipping expected at restaurants in Iceland? Tipping is not customary in Iceland and is never obligatory. Service charges are included in prices by law. Leaving a small tip (rounding up or leaving 10%) is appreciated but will never be expected or solicited.
When is the best time to visit Iceland for both food and Northern Lights? September to March offers the best aurora viewing conditions (dark nights are essential), which also aligns with Iceland's cosy, hearty dining season. April and October are sweet spots — lower prices, fewer crowds, and the aurora still visible in the first half of the night.
Can I see the Northern Lights and do a full-day South Coast tour on the same trip? Yes. Most South Coast tours run during daylight hours (departing around 8–9 AM), finishing by early evening, which leaves time for a restaurant dinner in Reykjavík followed by a Northern Lights tour departing at 9 PM. Many travellers combine these on consecutive or even the same calendar day.
Keep Reading
