7 Best Restaurants in Reykjanes Peninsula and the South Coast (with the Golden Circle), Iceland

Efstidalur II

$$$ Fodor's choice

This family farm serves amazingly fresh dishes at their restaurant, Hlöðuloftið, including stuffed trout from the nearby lake and hamburgers from their own meat. But their downstairs ice-cream bar truly takes farm-to-table to another level with the delicious homemade ice cream you can enjoy while watching the dairy cows through a big glass window.

Varma Restaurant

$$$$ Fodor's choice
This elegant restaurant is set in a glass solarium with panoramic views of the river Varmá and a beautiful green valley. It honors the Icelandic geothermal cooking technique where hot springs are used to cook delicacies from local, seasonal ingredients.
Dessert Dinner Fodor's Choice Scandinavian $$$$
Hverhamrar, Hveragerði, South, 810, Iceland
354-483–4959
www.frostandfire.is
Known For
  • lamb fillet cooked 12 hours in the hot spring
  • incredible hot spring–cooked chocolate cake
  • chef's specialty includes an array of Icelandic dishes
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: No lunch

Von Mathús

$$$$ Fodor's choice
This restaurant celebrates the history of Hafnarfjörður with old fishing gear strung between the tables and chandeliers made from old buoys. Dive into seasonally focused Icelandic dishes with a twist while watching the boats huddle together in the harbour.

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Gott Restaurant

$$$

An honest family bistro run by a renowned and highly decorated chef is only a few minutes' walk from the harbor. Opt for the fish of the day; it is always fresh and delicious. The smell of freshly baked bread and organic coffee is enough to get any appetite going, and their famous date cake with caramel sauce and ice cream will win over any skeptic.

HYGGE

$$$

Housed in one of the oldest buildings in South Iceland, this restaurant offers a panoramic view of the golf course below and the four volcanoes that guard the beautiful area. They serve fusion dishes that combine local, seasonal ingredients with South American techniques.

Dessert Dinner International $$$
Strönd, Hella, South, 851, Iceland
354-772–2247
www.hyggeiceland.com
Known For
  • baked brie on garlic bread paired with Viking White Ale
  • chance to meet and chat with Icelandic golfers
  • fresh and filling Thai trout

Ísbúð Vesturbæjar

$$

In any weather—even the most brutal snowstorm—Icelanders will meet their friends for an ice cream. Ísbúð Vesturbæjar is a famous family-owned ice-cream parlor with one of the best Bragðarefur (blended mix of crushed-up candy and vanilla soft-serve) in all of Iceland.

Dessert Family Ice Cream $$
Fjarðargata 19, Hafnarfjörður, Capital Region, 220, Iceland
552–3390
www.isbudvesturbaejar.is
Known For
  • old-fashioned ice cream (creamier than other Icelandic ice cream)
  • large portions
  • must-try Bragðarefur flavor

Röstin Restaurant—The Old Lighthouse Café

$$$

Even if you're not hungry, a stop by Röstin Restaurant is worth it for the sea views alone. Located on the second floor of the Heritage and Maritime Museum of Garðskagi, the eatery offers classic Icelandic meals with a twist. During summer you can sit outside and enjoy the breeze, and if you're lucky, you just might spot some whales in the distance.