9 Best Restaurants in Reykjavík, Iceland

Sipping on a refreshing "Donkey" cocktail will add a spicy warmth to your cheeks while you take in this friendly spot's sights, sounds, and aromas, which intensify as the evening progresses. Each dish is carefully paired with wine and delivered with a detailed narrative by well-informed staff. Send your senses into overdrive with dishes like fruits de mer, charred salmon, or an assemblage of popular desserts aptly titled "Simply the Best."

Nestled on the first floor of the art-centric Marshall House, La Primavera's impressive interiors give you a taste of what's to come on the upper floors. If you never thought you'd find Italian dishes in Iceland to rival those you'd find in Italy, think again.

The menu at Apotek is much the same as those at other upscale spots in Reykjavík—tons of fish, some sort of take on a tasting menu of traditional dishes (often with whale and puffin), and a few turf additions here and there—but the care and attention to detail is obvious here. It's a great splurge for those looking to get in one last memorable meal before heading home.

You'll have a tough time choosing your dinner line-up at this Indian restaurant. From the fan-favorite tandoori salmon to the pappadoms, the spices are bold and the flavors are unbeatable when it comes to Indian fare in the city.

Seafood is the spotlight at this restaurant inside the Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel. Do yourself a favor and sign over all control to your server when it comes to the wine—the recommendations are spot on.

Toss out any expectations of bar food at this microbrewery hot spot—the menu here will surprise you. From the Lobster Feast to the Beer Piri-Piri Chicken, there's more to Bryggjan Brugghús than its taps. If you can't stay for lunch or dinner, at least take advantage of the expansive patio with a beer in hand.

Located inside of Harpa Concert Hall, Hnoss is the newest endeavor from Fanney Dóra, the chef behind local favorite Skál! Naturally this is a great spot for a pre-show meal, but the focus on local ingredients and freshly caught seafood make it worth a trip to Harpa on its own.

Burgers, fish soup, lobster, mussels, deep-fried Camembert, garlic bread—these are just some of the ample nourishment you can find here after a day of swimming at the nearby geothermal beach. This is a also great spot to take a break from walking Ægisíða and its water views.

If you're interested in trying some of the more traditional dishes of Iceland (think puffin or whale), pay Tapas Barinn a visit. Here you can pass small plates among your group or opt for the more substantial Icelandic Gourmet Feast, which includes smoked puffin, minke whale, and a shot of Brennivín.