PLACES FOR FINE DINING
1. Grillið
Radisson Blu Saga Hótel, Hagatorg, 107 Reykjavík • 525 9960 • Closed L • 
This elegant, beautifully-furnished rooftop restaurant on the eighth floor of the Radisson Hotel offers some of the best food in Reykjavík. Enjoy an apéritif, and the cityscape, from the Astra Bar.
2. Pakkhús
Krosseyjarvegi 3, 780 Höfn í Hornafirði • 478 2280 • Jan–May: closed L • www.pakkhus.is •
In recent years the little harbour town of Höfn in eastern Iceland has become famous for its fresh seafood, especially lobster. This excellent restaurant, housed in an old wooden warehouse down by the water, makes an atmospheric setting for indulging in langoustine. No bookings, so get in early.
3. Gallery
Hótel Holt, Bergstaðastræti 37, 101 Reykjavík • 552 5700 • Closed Mon & Sun •
The island’s swankiest restaurant, with a lobby full of fine Icelandic artworks and French-trained chef Friðgeir Eiríksson at the helm. Service is faultless and the menu is based on classic French cuisine: go for the fried monkfish and fennel. Extensive but pricey wine list.
The elegant interior of Gallery
4. Vox
Hilton Reykjavík Nordica, Suðurlandsbraut 2, 108 Reykjavík • 444 5050 • www.vox.is • 
This restaurant heads the trend for fresh Icelandic ingredients – delicious seafood straight off the trawlers and game from specialist farms.
Stylish and innovative Vox
5. Grillmarkaðurinn
Lækjargata 2A, 101 Reykjavík • 571 7777 • Closed Sat & Sun L • www.grillmarkadurinn.is •
The award-winning chefs here work closely with organic farmers and producers, so the dishes are always fresh, seasonal and delicious. Try the salted cod with apple purée and a langoustine salad.
6. Rub23
Kaupvangsstræti 6, 600 Akureyri • 462 2223 • Open 11am–2:30pm & 5pm–late daily • www.rub23.is •
Rub23 serves a decent steak and good seafood, but is best visited for some of the freshest sushi you’ll probably ever eat: particularly delicious are the tempura lobster, surimi crab and Arctic char nori maki. There’s a takeaway service too.
7. Tjöruhúsið
Neðstakaupstað, 400 Ísafjörður • 456 4419 •
There’s something very Viking about this long, low barn of a place on Ísafjörður’s waterfront, with diners crowded together on wooden benches, but there is nothing at all rough about its seafood. The rich, creamy soups will warm you through on a cold day, and the portions of pan-fried fish are generous.
8. Fiskmarkaðurinn
Aðalstræti 12, 101 Reykjavík • 578 8877 • Closed L •
“The Fish Market” is a Nordic restaurant influenced by Japanese cuisine. Produce is sourced locally, the sushi is outstanding and the tasting menu is great value.
A cod dish at Fiskmarkaðurinn
9. Sjávargrillið
Skólavörðustíg 14, 101 Reykjavík • 571 1100 • Closed Mon–Sat D, Sun L • www.sjavargrillid.is •
For excellent seafood right in the city centre, try this cozy candlelit restaurant, offering traditional specialities such as marinated minke whale, puffin and skyr. A range of set menus are available.
10. Fjöruborðið
Eyrarbraut 3a, 825 Stokkseyri • 483 1550 • www.fjorubordid.is •
Famed for its langoustines, this restaurant is located in an old timber building in Stokkseyri, a 45-minute drive from Reykjavík. Besides shellfish, the menu also features lamb dishes and other local stalwarts. Book in advance.
TOP 10 ICELANDIC FOODS
1. Arctic Char
Freshwater fish with a beautifully subtle flavour. The best come from Þingvallavatn and Mývatn.
Roasted Arctic Char
2.Lobster/langoustine
Superb and plentiful, best served as tails with butter and, perhaps, a little garlic seasoning or cream.
3. Salmon
Wild-caught Atlantic salmon is firm and rich. It is usually eaten smoked or marinated with herbs and served as butter-soft gravlax.
4. Caviar
Iceland’s supplies come from capelin and lumpfish, not the classic sturgeon, but are just as delicious.
5. Cod
Most often snacked on as dried, chewy harðfiskur, but also cooked fresh and used in soups.
6. Hákarl
Greenland shark, fermented in sand for 6 months to break down toxins. Eye-wateringly strong.
7. Brennivín
Icelandic vodka, flavoured with caraway seeds and affectionately known as “Black Death”. Use sparingly.
8. Skyr
Similar to set yoghurt, available in any supermarket in a range of flavours.
9. Lamb
This is the mainstay of Icelandic cuisine. Lamb is eaten fresh, smoked, turned into sausages, or preserved in whey after pressing.
10. Ptarmigan
Plump, partridge-like bird which takes the place of turkey in traditional Christmas meals in Iceland.
