Austur-Indíafélagið

Reykjavik's premier Indian restaurant. Offers a unique combination of Indian traditions and Icelandic ingredients. Celebrities such as Harrison Ford have dined here and given the place rave reviews.

• Web:

  www.austurindia.is

• E-mail:

  austurindia@austurindia.is

• Address:

  Hverfisgata 56, Reykjavík

• Phone:

  +354 552 1630

• Opening hours:

  Fri & Sat 6pm–11pm, Sun–Thu 6pm–10pm

Fiskmarkaðurinn — The Fish Market

Fiskmarkaðurinn is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Reykjavík's city centre. Head Chef Hrefna Rósa Sætran of the Icelandic National Culinary team has designed a menu using the freshest fish and meat of the season, cooking it simply in modern style. Guests can watch each dish being prepared in the open kitchen, which has the country’s only robata grill, or sit at the raw bar where the chefs create exotic dishes.

• Web:

  fiskmarkadurinn.is/en

• E-mail:

  info@fiskmarkadurinn.is

• Address:

  Aðalstræti 12, Reykjavík

• Phone:

  +354 578 8877

Forréttabarinn

Forréttabarinn, located near the Old Harbor, is a trendy spot known for its focus on starters, or small plates. It's young and trendy, and not overrun with tourists. Artic char is recommended by pretty much every guest. Add langoustine soup and skyr mousse to that for a very traditional and superb dinner.

• Web:

  www.forrettabarinn.is

• E-mail:

  info@forrettabarinn.is

• Address:

  Nýlendugata 14, Reykjavík

• Phone:

  +354 517 1800

• Opening hours:

  Daily 4pm–11pm. Kitchen closes at 10pm

• More info:

  Happy hour daily 4pm–7pm

Gandhi Indian Restaurant & Bar

With fresh Icelandic ingredients and spices personally imported from India, this restaurant's creations are simply fabulous. The chicken curries are excellent, as is Raita and the mushroom appetizers.

• Web:

  www.gandhi.is

• E-mail:

  gandhi@gandhi.is

• Address:

  Bergstaðastræti 13, Reykjavík

• Phone:

  +354 511 1691

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 4pm–10pm, Fri & Sat 4pm–11pm

Grillmarkaðurinn — The Grill Market

Grillmarkaðurinn is a gorgeous restaurant with an emphasis on Icelandic cuisine and dishes served straight off the sizzling grill. The produce used are of finest quality, seasonal and straight from the Icelandic farms.

• Web:

  grillmarkadurinn.is/en

• E-mail:

  info@grillmarkadurinn.is

• Address:

  Lækjargata 2a, Reykjavík

• Phone:

  +354 571 7777

Ítalía Veitingahús

Ítalía is one of the oldest Italian restaurants in Reykjavik and offers a varied menu of Italian specialities in a cozy atmosphere. It is centrally located in the heart of Laugavegur main street and offers moderate prices.

• Web:

  italia.is/en

• E-mail:

  italia@italia.is

• Address:

  Laugarvegur 11, Reykjavík

• Phone:

  +354 552 4630

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 11:30am–10pm, Sun 4pm–10pm. Kitchen closes at 9pm

Beer & Booze Tour

Icelandic craft beer — bet you won't find it anywhere back home. Now, with a beer toor, you can sample 10 different brews and learn about the history of Icelandic beer from the Vikings to present day. You'll be a part of a small and intimate group, so you'll fit right in at one of the bars in Reykjavik. It's a perfect ending to a long day of exploring the city.

• Web:

  yourfriendinreykjavik.com/tour/reykjavik-beer-booze-tour

• Address:

  Meeting location: Ingólfur Square, Reykjavík

Gaukurinn

Iceland’s oldest pub is going strong, featuring live rock concerts from a mix of mainstream and underground bands. There's something going on almost every night, including stand-up comedy shows and karaoke parties. Gaukurinn has been stable in the Icelandic music scene since forever and many of Iceland’s biggest artists started out here In recent years Gaukurinn has established itself as a safe haven for the queer/alternative/drag and other artists in Iceland.

• Web:

  www.gaukurinn.is

• E-mail:

  rekstrarstjori@gaukurinn.is

• Address:

  Tryggvagata 22, Reykjavík

• Phone:

  +354 588 1556

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 4pm–1am, Fri & Sat 4pm-3am

Kaffibarinn

Kaffibarinn is a hip bar with a bohemian atmosphere with casual DJ nights and local beers. It was featured in the film 101 Reykjavik and is part-owned by Damon Albarn of Blur/Gorillaz fame.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/kaffibarinn

• E-mail:

  kaffibar@gmail.com

• Address:

  Bergstaðastræti 1, Reykjavík

• Phone:

  +354 888 1193

Lebowski Bar

Naturally, Lebowski Bar is dedicated to The Dude from the famous Coen brothers movie. The outrageous 90s retro interior has lots of rugs, colourful bar stools and diner-style tables, a bowling lane and pop-culture paraphernalia galore. The food menu is American inspired with showstopping burgers, draft beers and 20 types of White Russian.

• Web:

  lebowskibar.is/en

• Address:

  Laugavegur 20a, Reykjavík

• Phone:

  +354 552 2300

• More info:

  Happy Hour daily 4pm–7pm. Quiz night every Thursday at 9pm

Prikið

A 50s-style diner during the day and a nightclub on weekends. Used to be the oldest continuously running traditional coffeehouse on the street, but caters now to a younger clientele.

• Web:

  www.prikid.is

• E-mail:

  prikid@prikid.is

• Address:

  Bankastraeti 12, Reykjavík

• Phone:

  +354 551 2866

Slippbarinn

Slippbarinn is the place to experience Reykjavík like a local while enjoying Icelandic music, art and even some stand-up comedy. This is the perfect place to gather with old and new friends over a drink in the hippest part of town. The drink menu has an impressive selection of wine and cocktails that will melt the heart of those who love a nice drink.

• Web:

  www.slippbarinn.is/en

• Address:

  Mýrargata 2, Reykjavík

• Phone:

  +354 560 8080

12 Tónar

This independent record shop stocks a wide selection of Icelandic music. The helpful staff can help you find the perfect audio souvenir of your visit. The venue also houses the Smekkleysa ('bad taste') indie music label. Plus, you can get coffee and beer, live gigs and specialist literature.

• Web:

  www.12tonar.is

• E-mail:

  12tonar@12tonar.is

• Address:

  Skólavörðustíg 15, Reykjavík

• Phone:

  +354 511 5656

Café Babalú

This cafe is an institution in Reykjavík: in addition to offering great hot chocolate, sweets and vegetarian food, it boasts an outstanding alternative decor, teeming with wall art, pop culture quotes and vintage-style furniture.

• Web:

  www.babalu.is

• E-mail:

  cafebabalu@hotmail.com

• Address:

  Skólavörðustigur 22a, Reykjavík

• Phone:

  +354 555 8845

Kaffitár

One of Reykjavik’s most popular coffee companies, serving some of the best coffee in the country. The company owns different locations.

• Web:

  kaffitar.is

• E-mail:

  gudrundr@kaffitar.is

• Address:

  Höfðatorg, Borgartún 12, Reykjavík

• Phone:

  +354 420 2738

Klambrar Bistrø

Inside the Kjarvalsstaðir Art Museum hides a cozy Norwegian style cafe with huge windows overlooking an open park where locals walk their dogs, play frisbee and stroll around. Their coffee is hot and strong, cakes delicious and soups leave you with a warm feeling inside. Naturally, best combined with a visit to the art gallery.

• Web:

  www.klambrarbistro.is

• Address:

  Reykjavík Art Museum Kjarvalsstaðir, Flókagata 24, Reykjavík

• Phone:

  +354 411 6425

Mikki Refur

Mikki Refur bravely opened its doors in November 2020. The place wraps you up in the cozy interior with warm lights and lots of wood, marble bistro tables and deep green tiles. They will brew your an excellent cup of coffee from freshly roasted beans, serve satisfying bistro food with a glass of wine — always ready to surprise you with something new! Their classic French madeleines are simply amazing dunked into cappuccino.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/mikkirefur101

• Address:

  Hverfisgata 18, Reykjavík

Mokka Kaffi

For a retro coffee-house atmosphere, head to Mokka — Reykjavík's oldest coffee bar. It has not changed since its opening in 1957. Warm leather benches, lots of wood and soft fabric paneling make it one of the coziest places in Reykjavík.

• Web:

  www.mokka.is

• E-mail:

  mokkakaffi@gmail.com

• Address:

  Skólavörðustíg 3a, Reykjavík

• Phone:

  +354 552 1174

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–6pm