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

Lava Restaurant

$$$$ Fodor's choice

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).

Norðurljosavegur 9, Grindavík, Southern Peninsula, 241, Iceland
354-420–8800
Known For
  • combines fine dining with the wild spirit of Icelandic nature
  • the perfect dine-in-your-robe post-spa meal
  • stunning lava rock wall

Moss Restaurant

$$$$ Fodor's choice
A stellar experience for the senses, the set menus at Moss Restaurant take diners on an Iceland-inspired food journey. Situated at the highest point of the Blue Lagoon, guests gaze through floor-to-ceiling windows upon the moonlike surroundings while enjoying delicious and diverse dishes made from seasonal produce gathered from the mountains, the rivers, the mossy fields, and the sea.

Slippurinn

$$$$ Fodor's choice

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.

Strandvegur 76, South, 900, Iceland
481–1515
Known For
  • pan-fried fish that you'll later dream about
  • seven-course set menu that covers the best of Icelandic cuisine
  • bright and welcoming interior
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.–Tues. and late Sept.-May

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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.
Hverhamrar, Hveragerði, South, 810, Iceland
354-483–4959
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.

Fjöruborðið

$$$$

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. 

Fjörukráin

$$$$

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. 

Strandgata 55, Hafnarfjörður, Capital Region, 220, Iceland
354-565–1213
Known For
  • Viking-themed entertainment bordering on the kitschy
  • live music
  • fun history lesson
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: No lunch

Fjörukráin Restaurant

$$$$

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.

Strandgata 55, Hafnarfjörður, Capital Region, 220, Iceland
354-565--1213
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: No lunch, Credit cards accepted

Rauða Húsið

$$$$

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.