Where to Eat in Reykjavík Right Now: 5 Restaurants Locals Are Talking About

Where to Eat in Reykjavík Right Now: 5 Restaurants Locals Are Talking About

Reykjavík is small, but it eats like a capital. Chefs are leaning into fire cooking, bright Middle Eastern spices, and ultra-local Icelandic produce, while the city’s core stays walkable and relaxed. These five restaurants are getting the most buzz for 2025, from a very new neighborhood gem to a landmark with a sky-high view.

Lóla Restaurant - Very new neighborhood gem

Lóla Restaurant is one of Reykjavík’s newest openings and it is already spiking in attention with a standout 4.9 rating from early visitors. With only a few dozen reviews so far but a strong growth score, it is clearly in that sweet spot where locals feel like they discovered it first.

Lóla leans into the cozy side of Reykjavík dining. Expect a warm, design-forward room, seasonal plates that read as modern Nordic comfort food, and a staff that treats you like a regular even on your first visit. The menu tends to balance familiar proteins with sharp, bright flavors and careful plating, making it ideal if you like food that feels special without going full tasting-menu formal.

Why it is trending:

• Very new opening with strong word of mouth
• High rating and fast review growth suggest a rising favorite
• Intimate vibe that feels more like a local hangout than a tourist stop

Good to know:

• Book ahead for prime dinner hours, especially Thursday to Saturday
• Great first-night-in-town choice if you want upscale but relaxed

Perlan - Iconic views with an upgraded food experience

Perlan is best known as one of Reykjavík’s most iconic buildings, perched on a hill with a glass dome and panoramic city views. But the on-site restaurant has been steadily improving and is now trending again, backed by a huge base of more than 10,000 reviews and a fresh uptick in recent feedback.

Dining here is about the full experience. You get a sweeping view over Reykjavík, a polished atmosphere, and menus that highlight Icelandic fish, lamb, and seasonal produce in an accessible way. It is not the most experimental food in town, but it is reliable, scenic, and ideal if you want a single spot that delivers both a meal and a memorable setting.

Why it is trending:

• Longtime landmark with a renewed focus on quality
• Growing review momentum signals that visitors notice the upgrade
• One of the best view-plus-dinner combinations in the city

Good to know:

• Perfect for sunset or late light in summer
• Reserve a window table if possible
• Easy recommendation for mixed groups and first-time visitors

Sümac Grill + Drinks - Fire, spice, and late-night energy

Sümac Grill + Drinks brings a smoky, Levant-inspired twist to Reykjavík’s food scene. With a strong 4.6 rating and steady review growth, it has cemented itself as one of the city’s go-to spots for people who want something livelier and more aromatic than classic Nordic fare.

The kitchen cooks over open flame, so dishes come out deeply charred and fragrant, with lots of herbs, tahini, chili, and citrus. Think grilled meats, vibrant vegetables, and shareable plates that make it easy to sample half the menu. The cocktail list is another draw, weaving in Middle Eastern flavors and playful riffs that keep the bar buzzing late.

Why it is trending:

• Consistent hype from locals looking for bold flavors
• Fire-grilled cooking and share plates fit Reykjavík’s social dining mood
• Strong drinks program keeps it busy long after dinner hours

Good to know:

• Ideal for groups and casual celebrations
• Book a later seating if you prefer a more energetic vibe
• Vegetarian options are better than average for grill-focused spots

Dill Restaurant - Michelin-starred New Nordic pioneer

Dill Restaurant is the place that put Reykjavík on the global food map. With a 4.5 rating and steady review growth, it remains the city’s flagship for New Nordic cuisine, drawing serious food travelers who plan their trips around a reservation.

Expect a multi-course tasting menu that leans heavily on Icelandic ingredients: wild herbs, local dairy, seafood, lamb, and preserved elements that reflect the island’s traditions. Plates are artful and often surprising, with a focus on texture, acidity, and pure, clean flavors. The room is intimate and minimalist, which keeps the attention on the food and the story the kitchen is telling.

Why it is trending:

• Longstanding fine-dining leader that still feels current
• High growth in recent reviews shows it is far from resting on its reputation
• A must-visit for travelers chasing destination restaurants

Good to know:

• Reservations are essential and should be booked well in advance
• Tasting menu only, so plan for a longer, slower evening
• Wine pairings and non-alcoholic pairings are both thoughtfully designed

Fjallkonan - Playful Icelandic comfort food in the center

Fjallkonan sits in the heart of downtown Reykjavík and has become a favorite for updated Icelandic comfort food with a fun, casual mood. Its 4.6 rating and strong growth score reflect how often it is recommended to visitors who want something local but not too formal.

The menu is approachable and varied, with dishes like fish and chips, seafood stews, lamb, and playful plates that nod to traditional flavors without feeling heavy. The space is colorful and lively, and it is one of those places where you can walk in for a relaxed lunch, a pre-bar dinner, or a family-friendly meal without overthinking it.

Why it is trending:

• Central location makes it a natural meeting point
• Consistent reviews from both locals and visitors
• Comfort food style that works for almost any palate

Good to know:

• Great option if you want Icelandic flavors without a tasting menu
• Often busy in the early evening, so consider reserving or going slightly off-peak
• Kid-friendly and easy to combine with a stroll around the harbor or Laugavegur

Planning your Reykjavík restaurant route

Most of these restaurants are in or near central Reykjavík, so you can build an easy walking route over a couple of days. Consider pairing:

• Perlan for a view-heavy lunch or early dinner with a city panorama
• Lóla Restaurant or Dill Restaurant for a more intimate, special evening
• Sümac Grill + Drinks when you want a lively, cocktail-forward night
• Fjallkonan as your flexible, any-time Icelandic comfort stop

Reykjavík’s food scene moves fast, but MapsBuddy keeps an eye on what is actually trending, not just what has been famous for years. Use this guide as a starting point, then keep exploring to find the next wave of spots before they hit the mainstream.