Restaurants in Iceland

Restaurants in Iceland are not the first thing that come to mind when you look for vegetarian fare, as Iceland is perhaps not considered the ideal place to visit if you do not eat meat, but still, we vegetarians are lucky. There are several excellent vegetarian places in downtown Reykjavík. We will also list a few restaurants outside the Reykjavík area, as the fancy takes us. Here goes...

Grænn kostur is a bit hard to find, as you have to access it through the backdoor, so to speak, but you should definitely make the effort. This is where you will get stunning dishes at moderate prices, the premises are basic but friendly, and so is the staff. Our favorite.

Address: Skólavörðustígur 8b, 101 Reykjavík. Tel. +354 552 2028

Garðurinn is a small eatery, easy to overlook, but then again, keep an eye out and try it, if you are lucky enough to get a seat. Lovely food, lovely people. The opening hours are our main complaint: it closes kind of early.

Address: Klapparstígur 37, 101 Reykjavík. Tel. +354 561 2345

Á næstu grösum is a lovely restaurant overlooking Laugavegur. The premises are comfortable and cozy. This is the oldest active vegetarian restaurant in Reykjavík.

Address: Laugavegur 20b, 101 Reykjavík Tel. +354 552 8410

There are also several nice non-vegetarian restaurants in Reykjavík.

Indian Mango, an Indian restaurant with a difference. Specialties from Goa.

Address: Frakkastígur 12, 101 Reykjavík. Tel. +354 551 7722

Við Tjörnina, a famous establishment conveniently located just across the cathedral and House of Parliament. The interior is lavishly decorated, old-fashioned and original. The food is excellent, there is a vegetarian dish on the menu. Fish is the main feature.

Address: Templarasund 3, 101 Reykjavík. Tel. +354 561 8666

Hornið, the first pizzeria in Reykjavík with a varied menu including a vegetarian dish. Very cozy, beautiful location close to the harbour. Mind the steep steps as you go in, though.

Address: Hafnarstræti 15, 101 Reykjavík. Tel. +354 551 3140

Jómfrúin is just the place if you like Danish cuisine and open-faced sandwiches. Lovely location, friendly and relaxed atmosphere with a touch of class, jazz concert during summer.
Address: Lækjargötu 4, 101 Reykjavík. Tel. +354 551 0100

Outside Reykjavík:

Hótel Laugarhóll boasts a very fine restaurant, an astonishing feat in these remote parts.
Address: 510 Hólmavík. Tel. +354 451 3380