The 10 great restaurants on the Reykjanes Peninsula
Food’s an essential part of any great holiday and you don’t have to travel far from the airport to find some superb restaurants. At the hands of passionate and talented kitchen staff, local ingredients are at the heart of authentic and tasty Icelandic cuisine. If that’s got your mouth watering, here’s where to go if you’re looking for the best restaurants on the Reykjanes peninsula. This isn’t a complete list of all the great restaurants in the area but could give you an idea of what the Peninsula has to offer when it comes to great food.
Moss
If fine dining’s your thing, then you’re going to love this upscale restaurant at the Blue Lagoon spa. Chef Agnar Sverrisson is passionate about his craft, and his exquisitely presented dishes showcase locally sourced ingredients. Accompany your meal with a glass of wine from the cellar that occupies a subterranean volcanic chamber with walls of lava.
LAVA
Gourmands will appreciate the care and attention that’s gone into transforming seasonal ingredients into something delicious at this Blue Lagoon eatery. All your favourite Icelandic dishes are here: langoustine soup, seared lamb fillet and freshly-caught fish such as cod and Arctic char. Dine here and you’ll enjoy a fabulous view of the spa’s famous blue water.
Café Bryggjan
You’ll find this popular café and restaurant combo in Grindavik harbour. Brothers Kristinn and Adalgeir Johansen branched out into food over a decade ago, converting a corner of a building they used to make fishing nets into a small café. It proved so popular it was a logical step to expand, and a few years ago they added a traditional Icelandic dining hall beside the café. They still make nets, and you can watch them while you eat.
Olsen Olsen
Olsen Olsen has been bringing a touch of American flair to Reykjanesbær since it opened in 1995. This popular American diner serves up a wide range of yummy burgers and enticing sandwiches alongside classic sides such as onion rings, chicken dippers and four types of fries.
Max’s Restaurant
Even if you’re not a guest at the Northern Light Inn, it’s still worth the trip to this Grindavik hotel to dine at Max’s. Named after the owners’ golden retriever, its picture windows overlook the geothermal plant that supplies the Blue Lagoon with its water, but despite this incredible view, the excellent Icelandic fusion food still manages to to hog the limelight.
KEF restaurant
This classic restaurant, located in Hotel Keflavik offers a wide range of menus in a bright and beautiful setting. From dinner, launch and brunch over weekends to breakfast buffet and take-outs. Everyone will find something here. The KEF bar offers a large selections of wines and whiskeys as well as Icelandic brewed draft beers. Fresh Icelandic ingredients are the basis of all dishes at this delicious restaurant.
Fiskbarinn
Now this one is very special, located in the four star boutique hotel Berg by the Keflavik marina. A beautiful setting with breathtaking views, you definitely won’t be disappointed. Here you get to taste everything that Iceland has to offer when it comes to local seafood dishes. Come on a tasting journey that will leave your senses surprised in every dish.
LiBRARY Bistro
You’ll find LiBRARY Bistro at the Park Inn by Radisson in downtown Reykjanesbær. Sophisticated and stylish décor sets the tone for a hip, confident restaurant that’s fast established a reputation as being one of the best bistros in Iceland. International street food favourites share space on the menu with authentic national dishes.
Issi Fish & Chips
This fish and chip shop sits just roadside by Iceland's busiest road. Issi only uses fish caught by the Þorbjörn company based in Grindavík. Encapsulated in a light batter and served with crisp fries, it’s likely this will be the best plate of fish and chips you’ll have in the country. Order takeaway or dine on the benches outside.
Salthúsið
A traditional exterior and a rustic wood-clad interior give Salthúsið a traditional feel. Come here for simple meat and fish dishes done well. Lamb chops, steaks, garlic lobster and baked salmon are among the many tempting dishes you’ll find on the restaurant’s extensive menu. We recommend you try saltfiskur (salted cod), the house speciality.