Fine Dining in Iceland: A Guide to the Country’s Best Restaurants

Iceland is famous for its dramatic landscapes, but it has also become one of the most exciting culinary destinations in Northern Europe. Over the past decade, a new generation of chefs has helped transform the country’s food scene, combining traditional Icelandic ingredients with modern cooking techniques and global inspiration.

Today, travellers can experience everything from intimate tasting menus in Reykjavík to exceptional seafood restaurants along the coast and destination restaurants in places like Akureyri. Several restaurants have earned international recognition in the Michelin Guide, while others offer unforgettable dining experiences rooted in Iceland’s local food traditions.

Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply curious about Iceland’s evolving cuisine, fine dining is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the country.

Those looking for fancy restaurants in Iceland will discover a dining culture that balances creativity, high-quality ingredients and a relaxed Nordic atmosphere.

Fine dining restaurants typically focus on:

• Seasonal Icelandic ingredients, including seafood, lamb and wild herbs
• Tasting menus that showcase multiple small courses
• Creative presentation and modern techniques
• Carefully selected wine or drink pairings
• Intimate dining environments with attentive service

Prices vary depending on the restaurant, but tasting menus at Iceland’s top venues typically range from moderate upscale dining to premium culinary experiences. Reservations are often required, particularly for the most sought-after restaurants in Reykjavík.

While the price tag may seem high to visitors, the margins in fine dining are often much smaller than many people expect. When you consider the quality of ingredients, the culinary technique and the number of staff involved in creating the experience, meals at Iceland’s top restaurants can represent surprisingly good value.

Reykjavík is the centre of Iceland’s culinary scene. The city’s compact downtown area is home to many of the country’s most innovative chefs and internationally recognised restaurants.

Below are some of the best fine dining restaurants in Reykjavík.

Dill

Dill is widely credited with putting Icelandic fine dining on the global culinary map. Located on Laugavegur 59 in downtown Reykjavík, it was the first restaurant in Iceland to receive a Michelin star.

The restaurant focuses on modern Nordic cuisine, using seasonal Icelandic ingredients sourced from the countryside and surrounding ocean. Fermentation, pickling and preservation techniques are often used to highlight traditional flavours in creative ways.

Dining at Dill typically involves a multi-course tasting menu designed to reflect Iceland’s landscapes and culinary heritage.

Best for: A refined tasting menu rooted in New Nordic cuisine.

ÓX

ÓX offers one of the most exclusive dining experiences in Iceland. This intimate restaurant has very limited seating and presents guests with a carefully crafted tasting menu served directly by the chefs.

Hidden behind an unassuming door in central Reykjavík, the restaurant creates the feeling of a private dinner party where guests sit close to the kitchen while the dishes are prepared.

Chef Þráinn Freyr Vigfússon’s menu transforms simple Icelandic ingredients into complex and memorable flavours through precise technique and imaginative presentation. The result is a Michelin-starred feast for the senses and a memorable night out.

Best for: An immersive and highly exclusive culinary experience.

Hosiló

Hosiló is one of Reykjavík’s newer additions to the city’s evolving fine dining scene. The restaurant focuses on seasonal ingredients and modern culinary techniques, creating an intimate dining experience built around creativity and precision.

The menu highlights high-quality Icelandic produce, seafood and meats in a small and intimate setting. Dishes are carefully composed and presented, showcasing both flavour and technique.

With its contemporary atmosphere and thoughtfully crafted menu, Hosiló has quickly gained attention among Reykjavík’s food lovers and travellers looking for a refined dining experience in the capital.

Best for: Modern fine dining with creative seasonal menus.

Sumac

Sumac brings Middle Eastern flavours to Reykjavík’s fine dining scene, offering a menu inspired by the culinary traditions of countries such as Lebanon, Morocco and Turkey. Located in downtown Reykjavík, the restaurant is known for its warm atmosphere and vibrant, spice-driven dishes.

The kitchen focuses on high-quality ingredients and bold flavours, with many dishes designed to be shared. Expect plates featuring grilled meats, fresh seafood, vegetables, herbs and house-made breads, all enhanced by aromatic spices and carefully balanced sauces.

While the cuisine differs from traditional Icelandic fare, Sumac’s refined presentation, thoughtful wine pairings and lively dining atmosphere have made it a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

Best for: Sophisticated Middle Eastern–inspired dining in Reykjavík.

Several other restaurants in Reykjavík offer exceptional upscale dining experiences.

TIDES

Located inside The Reykjavík EDITION hotel, TIDES presents modern Icelandic cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and elegant simplicity.

Fiskmarkaðurinn (The Fish Market)

This well-known restaurant combines Icelandic seafood with Asian influences, offering creative tasting menus designed for sharing.

Fiskfélagið (The Fish Company)

Set inside a historic 19th-century building, this restaurant serves imaginative tasting menus inspired by international cuisine and Icelandic ingredients.

Although Reykjavík dominates Iceland’s restaurant scene, memorable fine dining experiences can also be found elsewhere in the country.

Moss

Moss is located at the Blue Lagoon’s Retreat Hotel on the Reykjanes Peninsula and has received international recognition and a Michelin star for its cuisine.

The restaurant overlooks a dramatic lava landscape covered in moss, which inspired its name. The tasting menu highlights Icelandic ingredients such as langoustine, cod and lamb, prepared with both Nordic and international influences.

Guests looking for a particularly special experience can reserve the chef’s table, where dishes are prepared directly in front of diners.

Best for: A luxury dining experience combined with one of Iceland’s most iconic locations.

North

Located in Akureyri in North Iceland, North has quickly earned a reputation as one of the country’s most exciting restaurants outside Reykjavík. The restaurant focuses on seasonal tasting menus built around ingredients sourced from across North Iceland, including seafood, lamb and locally grown produce.

Chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason (owner and chef at Dill) and the team place strong emphasis on regional flavours, working closely with nearby farmers and suppliers. The result is a dining experience that reflects the landscapes and traditions of northern Iceland while using modern Nordic culinary techniques.

The restaurant’s intimate setting and carefully curated tasting menu make it a destination for food-focused travellers exploring the north of the country.

Best for: A destination fine dining experience in North Iceland.

For many travellers, visiting a fine dining restaurant becomes a highlight of their trip. A little planning can help ensure the experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Reservations

Many of Iceland’s most popular restaurants have limited seating and can book out weeks in advance. This is especially true for tasting-menu restaurants.

If you plan to dine at one of the country’s most sought-after venues, it is best to make a reservation as early as possible.

Most restaurants have their own websites but getting the Dineout app can also be very useful if you plan on dining out a lot in Iceland.

Dress Code

Fine dining restaurants in Iceland usually follow a smart-casual dress code. Formal attire is rarely required, but very casual clothing such as sportswear may feel out of place. Try to leave your hiking boots and active wear at home and wear something a little smarter to your night out, especially in the city.

However, because of Iceland’s unpredictable weather, many diners arrive dressed for the outdoors, so the overall atmosphere tends to remain relaxed.

Tasting Menus

Many upscale restaurants in Iceland focus on tasting menus that change with the seasons. These menus allow chefs to highlight the freshest ingredients while offering guests the chance to try a wide variety of dishes.

Although individual portions are smaller, a full tasting menu can include several courses and becomes a complete culinary experience.

Dietary Requirements

Most restaurants in Iceland can accommodate dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options. However, it is always best to inform the restaurant in advance, particularly when booking a tasting menu.

Iceland’s fine dining scene has grown rapidly over the past decade. With Michelin-recognised restaurants, innovative chefs and exceptional local ingredients, the country now offers culinary experiences that rival those found in much larger destinations.

Whether you reserve a seat at an intimate tasting menu in Reykjavík or discover a hidden culinary gem elsewhere in the country, exploring Iceland’s restaurants is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience Icelandic culture and flavour.