Guidebook for Reykjavík
Food Scene
My single favorite place these days is the pizza place without a name at Hverfisgata 12 (although at this point I guess its name is “Hverfisgata 12”), and the bar on the floor above it, Mikkeller. It’s run by the same team that runs the Michelin-starred Dill downstairs so the quality of the food is great. My favorite is the white pizza with truffle mayo, rocket and potatoes and even though pizza is their specialty they do a really good cod as well and their small courses are also great. Their vegan pizzas are also great. They have good cocktails too.
http://www.hverfisgata12.is/
https://www.facebook.com/hverfisgatapizza/
57 lokalkjente anbefaler
hverfisgata 12
12 HverfisgataMy single favorite place these days is the pizza place without a name at Hverfisgata 12 (although at this point I guess its name is “Hverfisgata 12”), and the bar on the floor above it, Mikkeller. It’s run by the same team that runs the Michelin-starred Dill downstairs so the quality of the food is great. My favorite is the white pizza with truffle mayo, rocket and potatoes and even though pizza is their specialty they do a really good cod as well and their small courses are also great. Their vegan pizzas are also great. They have good cocktails too.
http://www.hverfisgata12.is/
https://www.facebook.com/hverfisgatapizza/
Before Stofan opened in this location, the space was an antique shop, Fríða frænka - a Reykjavík landmark, and a lot of the furniture and decor remained. They do offer some light meals, but kinda overpriced and not very exciting. I recommend sinking into one of their vintage sofas with a glass of wine or a cup of coffee on a rainy or snowy day. It's also one of the few bars that stays sort of quiet at night and the music is kept low.
47 lokalkjente anbefaler
Stofan Café
Before Stofan opened in this location, the space was an antique shop, Fríða frænka - a Reykjavík landmark, and a lot of the furniture and decor remained. They do offer some light meals, but kinda overpriced and not very exciting. I recommend sinking into one of their vintage sofas with a glass of wine or a cup of coffee on a rainy or snowy day. It's also one of the few bars that stays sort of quiet at night and the music is kept low.
Right next door to Vesturbæjarlaug public swimming pool, both very popular with people in the neighborhood. In an interview before opening the founders wwere described as “a modest group of people” and that “the bistro will also embody that quality”, which is kind of ironic as this group includes a former politician turned tv-personality and a former football player and media darling, but the space is really low key and beautiful and the menu is simple but well curated.
http://www.kaffihusvesturbaejar.is/
https://www.facebook.com/kaffivest/
218 lokalkjente anbefaler
Kaffihús Vesturbæjar
20 MelhagiRight next door to Vesturbæjarlaug public swimming pool, both very popular with people in the neighborhood. In an interview before opening the founders wwere described as “a modest group of people” and that “the bistro will also embody that quality”, which is kind of ironic as this group includes a former politician turned tv-personality and a former football player and media darling, but the space is really low key and beautiful and the menu is simple but well curated.
http://www.kaffihusvesturbaejar.is/
https://www.facebook.com/kaffivest/
Syrian grill, the falafel is one of the cheapest meals you can find in Reykjavík (ISK1000), and it’s just sooo good. (http://www.mandi.is/)
50 lokalkjente anbefaler
Mandi
3b VeltusundSyrian grill, the falafel is one of the cheapest meals you can find in Reykjavík (ISK1000), and it’s just sooo good. (http://www.mandi.is/)
One of (if not the) oldest cafes in Iceland and the decor has stayed the same since it first opened in the fifties. No wifi but good coffee, hot chocolate, and waffles. (https://www.facebook.com/MokkaKaffi/)
75 lokalkjente anbefaler
Mokka Kaffi
3A SkólavörðustígurOne of (if not the) oldest cafes in Iceland and the decor has stayed the same since it first opened in the fifties. No wifi but good coffee, hot chocolate, and waffles. (https://www.facebook.com/MokkaKaffi/)
Tiny coffee bar/gallery on Hverfisgata, good coffee, friendly service, small, simple and very chic! (https://www.facebook.com/
7 lokalkjente anbefaler
Bismút
Tiny coffee bar/gallery on Hverfisgata, good coffee, friendly service, small, simple and very chic! (https://www.facebook.com/
Run by one of the world’s best raw vegan chefs (although not everything is raw or vegan, or even vegetarian), especially great for lunch. They have a few different locations and one on Laugavegur.
(https://www.glo.is/laugavegi#matsedill)
161 lokalkjente anbefaler
Gló
Run by one of the world’s best raw vegan chefs (although not everything is raw or vegan, or even vegetarian), especially great for lunch. They have a few different locations and one on Laugavegur.
(https://www.glo.is/laugavegi#matsedill)
Cheap-ish noodle place, close to the house and great for takeaway. Very fresh and everything on the menu can be veganized. (https://www.facebook.com/nudluskalin/)
19 lokalkjente anbefaler
Núðluskálin
8 SkólavörðustígurCheap-ish noodle place, close to the house and great for takeaway. Very fresh and everything on the menu can be veganized. (https://www.facebook.com/nudluskalin/)
One of the cheapest places in downtown Reykjavík (and beyond) and it never disappoints (except when they’re out of bean sprouts).
(https://www.facebook.com/Noodle-Station-157246895889/)
71 lokalkjente anbefaler
Noodle Station
One of the cheapest places in downtown Reykjavík (and beyond) and it never disappoints (except when they’re out of bean sprouts).
(https://www.facebook.com/Noodle-Station-157246895889/)
Small place on Grandi, their menu varies depending on the weekday but is always nice! Great for weekend brunches or weekday aperativo.
(https://www.facebook.com/cafecoocoos/, https://www.coocoosnest.is/)
182 lokalkjente anbefaler
The Coocoo's Nest
23 GrandagarðurSmall place on Grandi, their menu varies depending on the weekday but is always nice! Great for weekend brunches or weekday aperativo.
(https://www.facebook.com/cafecoocoos/, https://www.coocoosnest.is/)
Cute little ramen place to be recommended! Their miso ramen and vegan dumplings are amazing. (https://www.facebook.com/ramenmomoreykjavik/)
20 lokalkjente anbefaler
Ramen Momo
16 TryggvagataCute little ramen place to be recommended! Their miso ramen and vegan dumplings are amazing. (https://www.facebook.com/ramenmomoreykjavik/)
Great little place for coffee/beer/vegan food/records on Hverfisgata that sometimes also has nice DJ sets and vegan Sushi nights.
(https://www.facebook.com/vinilrvk/)
29 lokalkjente anbefaler
Vínyl bistro
76 HverfisgataGreat little place for coffee/beer/vegan food/records on Hverfisgata that sometimes also has nice DJ sets and vegan Sushi nights.
(https://www.facebook.com/vinilrvk/)
Italian-Icelandic fusion-tapas restaurant-deli-bar, something like that. It's really good. The decor is beautiful, their wines are excellent, and the service is extremely friendly.
(https://www.matbar.is/)
56 lokalkjente anbefaler
MAT BAR
26 HverfisgataItalian-Icelandic fusion-tapas restaurant-deli-bar, something like that. It's really good. The decor is beautiful, their wines are excellent, and the service is extremely friendly.
(https://www.matbar.is/)
Kaffifélagið
10 SkólavörðustígurJust a great little no-frills coffee bar.
Very cosy decor and great for luch, dinner, and brunch. They also have a great selection of specially imported natural wines.
71 lokalkjente anbefaler
Bergsson Mathús
3 TemplarasundVery cosy decor and great for luch, dinner, and brunch. They also have a great selection of specially imported natural wines.
Very popular with its neighbors. The menu has a French/Danish flair, especially great for brunch (you might need to book a table though). I also recommend their G&T menu after hours. Quite vegetarian friendly but not very exciting for vegans.
288 lokalkjente anbefaler
Snaps Bistro
1 ÞórsgataVery popular with its neighbors. The menu has a French/Danish flair, especially great for brunch (you might need to book a table though). I also recommend their G&T menu after hours. Quite vegetarian friendly but not very exciting for vegans.
Famous for their sourdough bread and cinnamon buns, this place is a must for an at-home gourmet breakfast.
316 lokalkjente anbefaler
Brauð & Co.
16 FrakkastígurFamous for their sourdough bread and cinnamon buns, this place is a must for an at-home gourmet breakfast.
If you're up for a bit of a walk, Marshall Restaurant + Bar is definitely worth it. The menu is great for both luch and dinner and you will have a beautiful view over the harbour. The building also houses three modern galleries - branches of the Living Art Museum and Kling & Bang, and Studio Ólafur Elíasson.
27 lokalkjente anbefaler
La Primavera Ristorante
20 GrandagarðurIf you're up for a bit of a walk, Marshall Restaurant + Bar is definitely worth it. The menu is great for both luch and dinner and you will have a beautiful view over the harbour. The building also houses three modern galleries - branches of the Living Art Museum and Kling & Bang, and Studio Ólafur Elíasson.
Drinks & Nightlife
Upstairs on Hverfisgata 12 is the Icelandic branch of Danish microbrewery Mikkeller & Friends, a small and laid-back place with a great selection of mostly Icelandic and Danish beers that changes frequently.
https://www.facebook.com/mikkellerandfriendsreykjavik/
43 lokalkjente anbefaler
Mikkeller & Friends
12 HverfisgataUpstairs on Hverfisgata 12 is the Icelandic branch of Danish microbrewery Mikkeller & Friends, a small and laid-back place with a great selection of mostly Icelandic and Danish beers that changes frequently.
https://www.facebook.com/mikkellerandfriendsreykjavik/
Kaldi was wone one of the first microbreweries in Iceland and is extremely popular with Icelanders. Gets really busy on weekends. (https://www.facebook.com/KaldiBarCafe/)
262 lokalkjente anbefaler
Kaldi Bar
20a LaugavegurKaldi was wone one of the first microbreweries in Iceland and is extremely popular with Icelanders. Gets really busy on weekends. (https://www.facebook.com/KaldiBarCafe/)
Excellent beers on tap (and good food) and amazing views over Esjan and Faxaflói and regularly has great very intimate concerts (check out their Facebook page) (http://www.kexhostel.is/saemundur-gastro-pub, https://www.facebook.com/KexHostel/)
176 lokalkjente anbefaler
Kex Hostel Reykjavik
28 SkúlagataExcellent beers on tap (and good food) and amazing views over Esjan and Faxaflói and regularly has great very intimate concerts (check out their Facebook page) (http://www.kexhostel.is/saemundur-gastro-pub, https://www.facebook.com/KexHostel/)
Essentials
Alcohol is only sold in the state-run wine shops, Vínbúðin. The closest one is in Austurstræti. It closes at 6PM (7 on Fridays) and is closed on Sundays and holidays.
Note that even if you see "beer" on the supermarket shelves, these have no, or very low, alcohol content.
189 lokalkjente anbefaler
Vínbúðin
10a AusturstrætiAlcohol is only sold in the state-run wine shops, Vínbúðin. The closest one is in Austurstræti. It closes at 6PM (7 on Fridays) and is closed on Sundays and holidays.
Note that even if you see "beer" on the supermarket shelves, these have no, or very low, alcohol content.
If you miss Bónus before it closes, Víðir Express is your friend. Open until 11PM.
17 lokalkjente anbefaler
VÍÐIR EXPRESS supermarket
5 IngólfsstrætiIf you miss Bónus before it closes, Víðir Express is your friend. Open until 11PM.
The nearest pharmacy. Also the place to go if your moisturizer was seized in security on the way here.
31 lokalkjente anbefaler
Lyfja
The nearest pharmacy. Also the place to go if your moisturizer was seized in security on the way here.
Getting Around
This will most likely be where your bus from the airport arrives and might be where you will do your sightseeing tours from.
120 lokalkjente anbefaler
BSI Coach Terminal
This will most likely be where your bus from the airport arrives and might be where you will do your sightseeing tours from.
Entertainment & Activities
Icelanders are pretty serious about their swimming pools, hot tubs in particular. Vesturbæjarlaug favorite with locals and travelers alike all year round. Bad weather is no obstacle, the wind and snow just make you appreciate the hot water even more. On warm-ish summer days I recommend the outside changing rooms. Go for ice cream after (again - totally something Icelanders do in winter), or coffee/luch/brunch/ at nearby Kaffihús Vesturbæjar.
458 lokalkjente anbefaler
Vesturbæjarlaug
HofsvallagataIcelanders are pretty serious about their swimming pools, hot tubs in particular. Vesturbæjarlaug favorite with locals and travelers alike all year round. Bad weather is no obstacle, the wind and snow just make you appreciate the hot water even more. On warm-ish summer days I recommend the outside changing rooms. Go for ice cream after (again - totally something Icelanders do in winter), or coffee/luch/brunch/ at nearby Kaffihús Vesturbæjar.
Sundhöll Reykjavíkur is another great public swimming pool. The building is much more interesting than Vesturbæjarlaug but they don't have a proper outdoor pool (yet - it is supposed to open in the summer of 2018, fingers crossed). It does have an indoor pool, and hot tubs and a steam bath outside. Note that it is closed between 8AM and 7.30PM on weekdays because of school swimming lessons.
484 lokalkjente anbefaler
Sundhöllin
45a BarónsstígurSundhöll Reykjavíkur is another great public swimming pool. The building is much more interesting than Vesturbæjarlaug but they don't have a proper outdoor pool (yet - it is supposed to open in the summer of 2018, fingers crossed). It does have an indoor pool, and hot tubs and a steam bath outside. Note that it is closed between 8AM and 7.30PM on weekdays because of school swimming lessons.
Independent cinema where all the movies pass the Bechdel test, plus they have a bar. They mostly show newer movies but on Sundays they show older cult favorites (Svartir Sunnudagar), and often screen classic Icelandic movies with English subtitles. They often show cool kids movies as well.
https://bioparadis.is/
https://www.facebook.com/SvartirSunnudagar/
122 lokalkjente anbefaler
Bíó Paradís
54 HverfisgataIndependent cinema where all the movies pass the Bechdel test, plus they have a bar. They mostly show newer movies but on Sundays they show older cult favorites (Svartir Sunnudagar), and often screen classic Icelandic movies with English subtitles. They often show cool kids movies as well.
https://bioparadis.is/
https://www.facebook.com/SvartirSunnudagar/
Parks & Nature
For some mysterious reason, Sólfarið (“Sun Voyager”) has become extremely popular with tourists (well, it’s because of the view) but Grótta makes for a much nicer walk and has the same view. You can also walk around the whole Seltjarnarnes peninsula and get a view of Álftanes and Bessastaðir (the presidential residence) and the Reykjanes peninsula, Bláfjöll and the inactive Keilir volcano, walk through a bird sanctuary and by the black beach on the South side of the peninsula.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g189970-d3195215-Reviews-Grotta_Lighthouse-Reykjavik_Capital_Region.html
118 lokalkjente anbefaler
Grótta
8 SuðurströndFor some mysterious reason, Sólfarið (“Sun Voyager”) has become extremely popular with tourists (well, it’s because of the view) but Grótta makes for a much nicer walk and has the same view. You can also walk around the whole Seltjarnarnes peninsula and get a view of Álftanes and Bessastaðir (the presidential residence) and the Reykjanes peninsula, Bláfjöll and the inactive Keilir volcano, walk through a bird sanctuary and by the black beach on the South side of the peninsula.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g189970-d3195215-Reviews-Grotta_Lighthouse-Reykjavik_Capital_Region.html
Arts & Culture
Artist-run experimental art and music venue. Check out their website for details: https://mengi.net/
23 lokalkjente anbefaler
Mengi
2 ÓðinsgataArtist-run experimental art and music venue. Check out their website for details: https://mengi.net/
In addition to the Marshall Restaurant + Bar, Marshallhúsið also houses three modern art galleries - branches of the Living Art Museum and Kling & Bang, and Studio Ólafur Elíasson. Entrance is free. Highly recommended before or after lunch or coffee.
37 lokalkjente anbefaler
Marshallhúsið
20 GrandagarðurIn addition to the Marshall Restaurant + Bar, Marshallhúsið also houses three modern art galleries - branches of the Living Art Museum and Kling & Bang, and Studio Ólafur Elíasson. Entrance is free. Highly recommended before or after lunch or coffee.