Reykjavik · Restaurant Guide
Best Restaurants in Reykjavik for Cruise Travelers
Reykjavik's food scene has exploded in recent years, earning international recognition for its fresh-from-the-sea approach and New Nordic creativity. The cruise port at Skarfabakki is a short bus or taxi ride from the compact city center where most restaurants cluster along Laugavegur and its side streets. Prepare for high prices but exceptional quality.
Laugavegur: The Main Dining Strip
Reykjavik's main street, Laugavegur, and its side streets hold most of the city's best restaurants. Grillið offers fine Icelandic dining with panoramic city views. Messinn serves excellent seafood in cast-iron skillets. Bæjarins Beztu — a hot dog stand operating since 1937 — is a Reykjavik institution (try one 'with everything').
Icelandic Seafood
Icelandic lamb and seafood are the stars. Try plokkfiskur (mashed fish stew — comfort food at its finest), harðfiskur (dried fish jerky, an ancient staple), and the legendary Icelandic lobster (actually langoustine, sweet and tender). The Old Harbor area has several excellent seafood restaurants with harbor views.
Budget-Friendly Options
Reykjavik dining is notoriously expensive — a casual restaurant meal costs 25-45 EUR. Save money at the Hlemmur Mathöll food hall with diverse stalls and reasonable prices, or grab a lamb soup at any café (typically 15-18 EUR). Bonus and Krónan supermarkets sell excellent Icelandic yogurt (skyr), smoked fish, and picnic supplies.
Tipping and Alcohol
Tipping is not customary in Iceland — service is included. Alcohol is extremely expensive (a beer costs 10-14 EUR at a bar). The government-run Vínbúðin liquor stores have the lowest prices if you want to buy. Restaurant wine lists carry significant markups. Water is free, safe, and some of the purest in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is dining in Reykjavik so expensive?
Iceland imports most food products, and high wages plus VAT push prices up. Budget 25-45 EUR per person for a casual meal. Save by eating at food halls, having your main meal at lunch (many restaurants offer cheaper lunch menus), and drinking water instead of alcohol.
What is the famous Reykjavik hot dog?
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur on Tryggvagata is Iceland's most famous hot dog stand. The lamb-based hot dogs are served 'with everything' — raw onion, crispy onion, ketchup, sweet mustard, and remoulade. It's a must-try at about 5 EUR.
Should I try fermented shark (hákarl)?
It's an experience — the ammonia smell is intense, and the taste is an acquired one. Most tourist-friendly restaurants offer a small tasting portion. It's tradition to chase it with Brennivín (Icelandic schnapps). Try it for the story, but don't force it.