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

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.

Eating world-class food at a restaurant built into a lava cliff with views of the milky Blue Lagoon is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you will never forget. The set menu offers a gourmet meal for pescatarians, vegetarians, and carnivores at a reasonable price (by Icelandic standards).

Tucked away in this small town is a local brewery that uses geothermal energy to make quirky and tasty beers and eclectic and delicious wood-fired pizzas. The selection of draft beers changes depending on what concoction these master brewers made that week, but expect to find very creative ingredients—many of which are local. 

For those looking to try authentic Icelandic food, look no further than this beloved family-run eatery. Specializing in fresh fish, their ethos is all about sustainability and slow food. And clearly it's worked, as many Icelanders make the long trip to Vestmannaeyjar purely for a dinner here. So don't be surprised if even a quick lunch at Slippurinn ends up being the meal you rave about for months after.

The highlight of Fjöruborðið is the incredible lobster tail. Pay a bit more for the side order of veggies with couscous, and you're on your way to culinary delirium. Reservations are highly recommended. 

Located in the second oldest building in Hafnarfjörður and shaped like a Norwegian Stave church, you will travel in time and land in a dark, wooden scene filled with Viking-inspired art. Fjörukráin serves traditional Icelandic meals on Viking-style trays carried by waiters dressed in Viking clothes. They often have live music too, and if you're lucky singing Vikings will show up and join you. If you are sick of the Scandinavian chic that you will find in most restaurants in Iceland, Fjörukráin is the place for you. 

Immerse yourself in everything Viking—from the style of architecture to the menu. Excellent seafood and meat dishes are served for those leery of traditional fare. It's next to the Viking Hotel.

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.

Three kilometers west of Eyrarbakki, this seafood restaurant sits almost right on the ocean—surprisingly uncommon in Iceland. Hafið bláa serves fresh seafood and very sweet Icelandic desserts.

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.

Overlooking the dark blue waters of Faxaflói Bay, Kaffi Duus has been part of the Keflavík Marina since the 1990s. They offer an extensive seafood menu that features a mix of Icelandic and Indian dishes, guaranteeing that anyone can find something to suit their fancy.

Simply put, Kanslarinn is like a classic American roadside diner with an Icelandic country twist. The space itself is not intended to impress, but their classic diner dishes and Icelandic favorites consistently deliver.

For over 20 years, Langbest has fed the citizens of Reykjanesbær to great acclaim. This is a must-stop for some of the region's best pizza, but they also serve hamburgers, steaks, and more.

This lively and elegant hotel bistro is perfect for a refreshing cocktail and a rich meal after a long day of endless lava fields and hot springs. On the weekends they serve brunch.

High-end food halls are a big trend in Iceland—and Mathöll Suðurlands is right up there with the best of them. Part of the Greenhouse hotel and shopping center, it offers a number of established and up-and-coming eateries. Don't miss the delectable kimchi-smothered chicken burgers at Yuzu or, for the vegans, the stellar mushroom open-faced sandwich from Hipstur. 

In an unassuming summer cottage at the town limits of Flúðir, you will find traditional Ethiopian specialties cooked and served by an Ethiopian-Icelandic couple. Eating spicy food with your hands surrounded by Ethiopian art is a real treat after a full day of sightseeing in the intense Icelandic terrain. Reservations are highly recommended. 

The people of Keflavík talk about Olsen Olsen like it's a family member—its legend precedes it. Grab a burger and a Coke and get a taste of what it was like when the U.S. Army introduced Icelanders to rock 'n' roll and fast food.

Eyrarbakki's only restaurant can be found in a stately red house facing the town church. Thankfully, it happens to serve one of the best lobster soups in the south of Iceland. Be sure to treat yourself to the aptly named chocolate lava cake.

A kind Polish family runs this restaurant on the Golden Circle route. Don't let the humble exterior fool you: inside you will find some of Iceland's best pizzas and handmade chocolates.

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. 

This laid-back and charming restaurant at a campground near Geysir serves excellent pizzas and burgers. They also have a selection of beer, as well as nachos—together they make the perfect ending to a long day of sightseeing.

After a long day of exploring the south coast, a burger and beer from Vík's Smiðjan Brugghús is just what the doctor ordered. This brewery serves up its own luxurious craft beer brewed on the premises along with a selection of comfort food including wings, chicken and waffles, BBQ ribs, and, of course, loaded burgers. 

In an old beautiful house overlooking the mountains, Suður-Vík offers a wide variety of dishes, ranging from wild game to artisanal pizza. In the basement they have a bar that stays open late.

This charming low-key country restaurant and café is a nice pit stop on the Golden Circle, with a deck overlooking the beautiful Faxi waterfall. Stop by for coffee and homemade dessert or stay for a lovely piece of fish.