Uppsalir makes for the perfect retreat when you want to escape the harsh Icelandic chill. A warm fire glowing among the wooden interiors is the picture you'll take home after a visit to this upscale yet cozy cafe. Cakes, coffee refreshments, cheese and the like are the usual treats on offer. A chic bar can help you with something stronger if coffee alone can't warm you up! Uppsalir is also a popular venue for receptions.
This is a traditional Danish restaurant in Reykjavík, specialising in Smorrebrod, which has enjoyed an unbroken tradition as Danish culinary culture for the past 100 years. The Danish are unacknowledged masters of food, and the series of sumptuous open sandwiches offered here combines taste and elegance to perfection. Situated centrally, in one of the modern buildings of Lækjargata, Jómfrúin (meaning the virgin or the young lady) is ideal for cosy lunches, as well as quiet dinners.
Be it the cuisine or the ambience, Kaffi Reykjavík has a wide choice to offer. The restaurant has seven different rooms in all that seat different types and sizes of groups - Kaffi Reykjavik Brasserie, Red Room, Yellow Room, Green Room, Blue Room, Cabaret Room and Cognac Room. Each room offers a unique combination of food, drinks and ambience. The restaurant is popular for providing the best deal in 'Group menus' and also takes orders for special occasions. And don't miss the famous Ice Bar - the interiors are made of ice and the temperature is kept at below zero degree. Now that's 'Ice'land, isn't it?
A. Hansen is one of Hafnarfjörður's oldest and most prestigious restaurants, so prestigious in fact, that the place runs white stretch limousines, carefully labelled A. Hansen, for special occasions and services. Situated centrally in Hafnafjörður, in one of the oldest houses of the town, built in 1880, patrons can enjoy their meals in authentic late nineteenth-century decor, in an atmosphere that takes them to the past. The menu offers an exclusive 'plank steak', and seafood, as well as traditional Icelandic cuisine.
This sparkly, hip restaurant called Iðnó is located in an old theatre, and still functions as such, offering some of the best shows on offer in Reykjavík. Overlooking the pond, complete with birds and baby birds, this is the place for an idyllic view of the old city center. To be particularly recommended for late dinners. The menu is interesting, with a variety of Icelandic seafood and lamb dishes and some international main courses. The ground floor has a coffee house/bar and a little veranda, where guests can enjoy the quacking birdlife and feed hungry ducks and elegant swans with breadcrumbs.
An enduring tourist attraction, Fjörukráin is actually two restaurants in one. One is Fjaran, a seafood restaurant with a varied menu that doubles as a favourite Hafnarfjörður bar at nights. Next to Fjaran is Fjörugarðurinn, and for tourist groups they offer Viking banquets, complete with traditional Icelandic food, served in the Viking manner on large wooden trays. The décor is in a mock Viking style, all the way from the crossbeams on the ceiling to weapons and shields on the walls. In addition to this the staff sings, providing live music too. With a view over Hafnarfjörður harbour this is an ever-popular experience for visitors to Iceland.
This atmospheric little coffee shop offers good breakfast, tasty coffee and occasionally some live music.
While mainly an Italian restaurant, Caruso also specialises in Icelandic seafood and lamb, alongside Italian style pizza and pasta. The central location at the corner of Bankastræti and Þingholtsstræti is ideal for an urban atmosphere, with a view of the busy traffic of the city's main shopping street. The food is reasonably priced and the service good, and the steady popularity and Italian décor of Caruso ensure a pleasant atmosphere.
At this joint you could have a huge assortment of chicken and beef burgers served with several salad options. Presented with spiced mayonnaise and shredded lettuce, this may not be the contemporary way of serving up a ‘regular American hamburger'. Nonetheless, the offerings are quite satisfying and are sure to leave you with a ‘hamburger hangover'. The décor however, with huge black and white hang-ups of old and new rock stars, transports you directly to Wyoming or Wichita. Above and beyond this, the overall ambience, staff, as well as the food options are a commendable effort in bringing a bit of America in the capital of Iceland.
Ginger í 10-11 is part of a popular chain of health food joints in the heart of the Icelandic capital. This Ginger í 10-11 outlet occupies a busy spot in the northern part of the city. The family-friendly restaurant offers an exciting menu of fresh salads, peppery chicken sandwiches, wraps and decadent desserts. For beverages, one can choose from hot coffees and freshly juiced smoothies. Service remains pleasantly quick, while the efficient and courtoues staff ensure you have a enjoyable dining time at Ginger í 10-11.
Located in the lively foyer of the Saga hotel, Skrúður offers breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets at reasonable prices. The outer glass wall provides natural light, whether it be the low white winter sun, or the yellow hue of summer. The restaurant is even enjoyable in rain or snow storms due to its comfortable décor (lots of large plants), a large fireplace and excellent food. This is a favourite for indulgent lunches, and is popular for both academics from the university area on the other side of the road, and business people taking a break from the busy city central restaurants.
Fresh, healthy juices, scrumptious sandwiches, thick shakes and refreshing coffee is served to patrons in a warm and friendly ambiance at Joe & the Juice. Part of a large international chain, this outlet is no less than its other counterparts- prompt service and pocket-friendly prices can be expected at Joe's. Their menu is pretty impressive and features a slew of interesting juices. Fitness enthusiasts will love to quench their thirst with their healthy Immunity juice, Sports Juice and their signature Joe's Green Mile. Their trademark avocado and tomato loaded Joe's Club sandwich is a must try!