From fresh seafood and traditional Icelandic dishes to international cuisine and cozy cafés, the North offers some of the top restaurants in Iceland, with options to suit every taste.
In this guide, you’ll find the best places to eat in North Iceland, covering top destinations like Akureyri, Husavik, Lake Myvatn, Siglufjordur, and more. These are perfect spots for refueling after a day of exploring the must-see sights in the region.
To make the most of your adventure, consider booking flexible self-drive tours, and don’t forget to secure accommodations in North Iceland in advance to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay. Some of the top ones are mentioned throughout the article!
Read on to discover the top restaurants you won't want to miss on your North Iceland journey!
Top 3 Best Akureyri Restaurants
Akureyri is the largest town in North Iceland and is, as such, often nicknamed the "capital of the North." With plenty of things to do as well as facilities such as an airport, Akureyri serves as the gateway to the entire region, and such, it's only fitting we start our list off there. If you're looking for some great restaurants in Akureyri, these are the best options.
3. Strikið
Strikið, founded in 2005, has been a favorite spot in Akureyri for nearly 20 years thanks to its quality food, great service, and beautiful views.
Located on the fifth floor, the restaurant overlooks the surrounding fjord and mountains, and when the weather is good, guests can dine on the outdoor balconies. The menu highlights Icelandic ingredients in a variety of internationally influenced dishes, and the prices are reasonable with generous portions.
Book your table at Strikið here
Strikið Ratings
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Google: 4.4/5
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TripAdvisor: 4.3/5
Strikið Address
Skipagata 14, 5th floor, 600 Akureyri
Directions to Strikið
Strikið is right by the main parking area of downtown Akureyri, on the 5th floor of an office building. It's close to the Hof Concert Hall and offers ocean views.
2. Rub 23
Rub 23 is a well-known seafood restaurant that opened in 2008, offering a mix of Asian-inspired dishes and Icelandic ingredients. While famous for its sushi and seafood, it also serves excellent meat dishes cooked on a robata grill.
The name comes from the word “rub,” referring to spice blends used on meat and fish, and the number 23 is the street address of the historic 1907 building it occupies, once a slaughterhouse, post office, and soda factory. Rub 23 aims to deliver simple yet exciting food for a wide range of guests and also features a cocktail bar with drinks made using Icelandic spirits.
Book your table at Rub 23 here
Rub 23 Ratings
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Google: 4.4/5
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TripAdvisor: 4.4/5
Rub 23 Address
Kaupvangsstræti 6, 600 Akureyri
Directions to Rub 23
Rub 23 is located in the main downtown area of Akureyri, across the street from the Akureyrakirkja Church and Hotel KEA Akureyri.
1. North Restaurant
North Restaurant is a refined fine-dining venue located on the ground floor of Hotel Akureyri Skjaldborg, offering a seasonal tasting menu that highlights the flavors of northern Iceland.
Opened in 2022 by Gunnar Karl Gíslason, founder of Iceland’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, Dill, North focuses on simplicity, sustainability, and locally sourced ingredients, including foraged produce and fresh seafood.
Dinner is served Wednesday through Saturday, with a carefully crafted multi-course menu and optional wine pairing. North brings a touch of culinary art to Akureyri’s growing food scene and offers one of the most unique dining experiences in Iceland.
Book your table at North Restaurant here
North Restaurant Ratings
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Google: 4.7/5
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TripAdvisor: 4.7/5
North Restaurant Address
Hafnarstræti 67, 600 Akureyri
Directions to North Restaurant
You'll find North Restaurant inside Hotel Akureyri Skjaldborg. As you enter the hotel lobby, head down the hallway to the left to reach North Restaurant.
Top 3 Best Husavik Restaurants
Husavik is a charming coastal town in North Iceland, known for being one of the best places to go whale-watching in Iceland, and possibly, the world! There are plenty of options for accommodation in Husavik to allow you plenty of time to experience the top things to do, and really drink in the natural beauty and maritime culture of this town.
3. Naustið
Naustið is a small, family-run seafood restaurant in central Husavik, known for its fresh seafood and homemade bread. It opened after Iceland’s 2008 economic crash and is housed in one of the town’s older buildings, famously the first in Husavik to have a bathtub, which now sits outside, decorated with flowers in summer!
The owners have kept the building’s historic charm, giving the restaurant a warm, authentic feel. The menu changes yearly but typically features Icelandic fish soup and a daily local catch. Open only in summer, Naustið is a great spot for dinner after whale watching.
Naustið Ratings
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Google: 4.7/5
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TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
Naustið Address
Asgardsvegur 1, 640 Husavik
Directions to Naustið
Naustið is across the street from the main town park and within walking distance from the Husavik harbor area.
2. Hlöðufell
Hlöðufell is a Japanese restaurant in Husavik that opened in 2022, bringing authentic flavors to North Iceland with a local twist. As the only place in the region serving ramen, it’s a great spot to warm up with a hearty bowl after a day of exploring the rugged landscape.
The menu features a range of dishes, including sushi rolls, miso soup, tempura prawns, and edamame salad, all prepared with care and presented beautifully. Lastly, the restaurant has been recognized for its warm and inviting atmosphere, with a welcoming team charming the patrons!
Hlöðufell Ratings
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Google: 4.5/5
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TripAdvisor: 4.6/5
Hlöðufell Address
Hedinsbraut 3, 640 Husavik
Directions to Hlöðufell
The Hlöðufell restaurant is located along the Husavik main street that runs through town, next to the Home of Lars Erickson and close to the harbor.
1. Gamli Baukur
Gamli Baukur is a long-standing restaurant, known for its traditional architecture and cozy atmosphere. Built in 1998, it carries the name of the original Baukur house from 1843, which once stood nearby and was famous for serving Brennivín in small cups called "baukur" before it burned down in the 1960s.
Inside, the restaurant is filled with maritime décor that reflects the town’s seafaring heritage. The menu offers a wide range of hearty dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, making it a welcoming spot to enjoy a meal and a bit of local history.
Combined with occasional live music events and a vibrant atmosphere, it's easy to see how Gamli Baukur established itself as a go-to place in Husavik for dinner or drinks. The nice view of the harbor doesn't hurt, either!
Book your table at Gamli Baukur here
Gamli Baukur Ratings
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Google: 4.2/5
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TripAdvisor: 4.6/5
Gamli Baukur Address
Hafnarstett 9, 640 Husavik
Directions to Gamli Baukur
Gamli Baukur is right on the harbor, where all Husavik whale watching tours depart from. You won't miss it if you walk along the shore.
Top 3 Best Lake Myvatn Restaurants
Lake Myvatn is a stunning region in North Iceland and a key stop along the Diamond Circle, known for its volcanic landscapes, rich birdlife, and otherworldly natural beauty. It’s one of the best places in Iceland to experience geothermal wonders, and with plenty of accommodation options nearby, you can take your time exploring the top attractions of this unforgettable destination.
3. Gamli Bærinn
Gamli Bærinn is a cozy and casual restaurant by Lake Myvatn, located right next to the Berjaya Myvatn Hotel. With its rustic interior and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great place to relax after a day of exploring the area.
The menu features hearty comfort food, with their popular soup buffet, including Icelandic lamb soup, vegan options, and fresh bread, being a highlight. You’ll also find dishes like smoked salmon on hot spring bread, Arctic char with capers and lemon dressing, and pub-style favorites such as fish and chips, burgers, and fries.
Gamli Bærinn Ratings
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Google: 4.3/5
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TripAdvisor: 3.8/5
Gamli Bærinn Address
Reynihlid, 660 Myvatn
Directions to Gamli Bærinn
Gamli Bærinn is right next to Berjaya Myvatn Hotel by the northeastern shore of Lake Myvatn, just outside the village of Reykjahlid. It's along the Ring Road (Route 1).
2. Daddi's Pizza
Daddi’s Pizza is a laid-back and family-run pizzeria near the Dimmuborgir Lava Formations that's been a true local favorite since 2009. It's right next to a local campsite with views of the Hverfjall Crater, and in 2024, they also opened a location in Reykjavik!
The menu offers a wide variety of fresh, hand-tossed pizzas with over 30 toppings to choose from, including local specialties like smoked trout with cream cheese and pine nuts. There are also vegan-friendly options available, with vegan cheese and free herb and oil toppings on offer.
Guests can enjoy their meal on the outdoor patio when the weather allows or dine inside in the cozy seating area. Either way, make sure to stop by while in the Lake Myvatn region.
Daddi's Pizza Ratings
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Google: 4.3/5
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TripAdvisor: 3.9/5
Daddi's Pizza Address
Vogar, 660 Myvatn
Directions to Daddi's Pizza
You'll find Daddi's Pizza along road 848 on the northeastern side of Lake Myvatn.
1. Vogafjós
The Vogafjós farm runs a guesthouse near spectacular sights in the Myvatn Area, such as the Asbyrgi Canyon and the Dimmuborgir Rock Formations, and has a charming restaurant in a refurbished cowshed!
The menu at Vogafjós makes full use of the farm's products, from their homemade mozzarella to rye bread baked underground using geothermal heat. Other items on the menu include wild-cured goose, pan-fried arctic char, a beef burger, and a slow-cooked lamb shank.
A novelty of the restaurant worth pointing out is the window facing the cowshed, where guests can dine while watching cows being milked. It's hard to come up with a more fitting option for those looking to try out authentic farm-to-table meals in Iceland.
Vogafjós Ratings
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Google: 4.6/5
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TripAdvisor: 4.4/5
Vogafjós Address
Vogar, 660 Myvatn
Directions to Vogafjós
Vogafjós is a part of the Vogafjós Farm Resort, which is on the northeastern side of Lake Myvatn, along road 848 and near the village of Reykjahlid.
Top 3 Best Siglufjordur Restaurants
Siglufjordur is a small fishing town nestled within a narrow fjord, sometimes considered one of the top hidden destinations in Iceland. Historically known for its herring industry, it offers a glimpse into Iceland's maritime heritage through its museums and preserved buildings, along with being a charming destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
3. Fish & Chips Siglufjörður
Fish and Chips Siglufjordur isn’t your typical restaurant; it’s a small fish shop run by a young couple who stepped in after the town’s longtime fishmonger retired. They specialize in high-quality, marinated seafood and also serve a few prepared dishes, including their popular fish and chips, which some reviews claim is the best in the world!
For something a bit different, there’s also a fish pizza with cod, shrimp, garlic, and a pepper mix that's well worth a try.
The shop may be small, but it offers both indoor and outdoor seating for those who want to enjoy their meal on-site. It’s a great stop for anyone who appreciates good fish done right.
Fish and Chips Siglufjordur Ratings
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Google: 4.8/5
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TripAdvisor: 4.7/5
Fish and Chips Siglufjordur Address
Adalgata 27, 580 Siglufjordur
Directions to Fish and Chips Siglufjordur
Fish and Chips Siglufjordur is by the town center, along the street behind the tourist information center. The entrance is by the corner of the building, in the basement.
2. Herring Café
The Herring Café in Siglufjordur is a cozy and welcoming spot located in one of the town’s historic buildings by the harbor. Part of the Herring Era Museum, the café embraces the town’s rich fishing heritage while offering a relaxed place to enjoy a meal or a drink.
Inside, you’ll find a warm, rustic atmosphere with wooden furnishings and vintage décor that reflect the area's past. The menu features a mix of Icelandic and international dishes, with a focus on fresh fish, hearty soups, and homemade cakes. It’s a great place to stop for lunch or coffee after exploring the museum or strolling around the old harbor.
Herring Café Ratings
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Google: 4.9/5
Herring Café Address
Snorragata 14, 580 Siglufjordur
Directions to Herring Café
The Herring Café is part of the Herring Era Museum, set by the harbor along the main road as you enter Siglufjordur.
1. Siglunes Restaurant
Hotel Siglunes is situated in central Siglufjordur with roots stretching back to 1935. It is a remarkably cozy place to stay, with rooms decorated with vintage furniture and contemporary Icelandic art on the walls.
Along with the top-notch accommodations offered to guests, the hotel restaurant is an attraction in and of itself. The master chef at Siglunes is Moroccan with a menu to match his home country. The slow-cooked lamb tagine is a staple, offering the much-needed warmth of the Mediterranean to the northern reaches of Iceland.
If you're looking for a place to stay in Siglufjordur or just somewhere to grab dinner, you can't go wrong with Hotel Siglunes.
Siglunes Restaurant Ratings
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Google: 4.9/5
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TripAdvisor: 4.6/5
Siglunes Restaurant Address
Laekjargata 10, 580 Siglufjordur
Directions to Siglunes Restaurant
Siglunes Restaurant is in the middle of Sigljufjordur, inside Hotel Siglunes, and close to the Saga Fotografica Museum.
More Top Restaurants Around North Iceland
There are many other smaller settlements and other areas to visit in North Iceland, some of which have fantastic restaurants you can visit.
Jarlstofa Restaurant (Saudarkrokur)
Jarlstofa is a charming dinner restaurant located in Hotel Tindastóll, the oldest hotel in Iceland, located in the historic heart of Saudarkrokur. Open seasonally during the warmer months, it’s a cozy spot full of character, set in a 19th-century building with roots dating back to the 1820s.
The menu features rotating two- or three-course options made with quality Icelandic ingredients, along with a vegetarian menu and a kid’s menu. If you’re after something lighter, you can opt for the soup of the day or share a few small plates over a drink. With its welcoming atmosphere, excellent food, Jarlstofa is a must-visit while in town.
Jarlstofa Ratings
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Google: 4.9/5
Jarlstofa Address
Lindargata 3, 550 Saudarkrokur
Directions to Jarlstofa
Jarlstofa is located on the ground floor of Hotel Tindastoll, close to the Battle of Iceland Exhibition and the town harbor.
Baccalá Bar (Dalvik)
Baccalá Bar is a cozy waterfront restaurant in the village of Dalvik, known for its incredible views of the fjord and surrounding mountains. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and is especially popular in the summer months when the weather is warm and the nearby harbor is buzzing with activity.
The menu focuses on fresh local seafood, especially cod, which often comes straight from the nearby fish factory. Baccalá Bar is particularly well known for its crispy, golden fish and chips, sometimes called the best in Iceland. Other menu highlights include seafood platters, soups, and a selection of drinks from the full bar. This makes it a go-to spot for those craving great seafood while in the region.
Book your table at Baccalá Bar here
Baccalá Bar Ratings
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Google: 4.7/5
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TripAdvisor: 4.6/5
Baccalá Bar Address
Hafnargata, 621 Hauganes, Dalvik
Directions to Baccalá Bar
Once you're in Dalvik, turn and follow Adalgata Street all the way to the end. The Baccalá Bar is right by the ocean and the harbor.
Sjávarborg (Hvammstangi)
Sjávarborg is a scenic seaside restaurant located on the upper floor of the Icelandic Seal Center in the small fishing village of Hvammstangi.
Overlooking the ocean, it offers beautiful coastal views, and on a lucky day, guests might even spot whales while dining. The building once served as a freezer for a slaughterhouse, but today it features a warm and stylish interior that makes for a relaxed and inviting dining experience.
The à la carte menu focuses on local ingredients, especially fresh seafood, with dishes like lobster tempura, fish and chips, and seafood soup. There’s also a good selection of burgers made from beef, lamb, or chicken, making it a great stop for both seafood lovers and those craving something heartier.
Sjávarborg Ratings
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Google: 4.6/5
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TripAdvisor: 4.4/5
Sjávarborg Address
Strandgata 1, 530 Hvammstangi
Directions to Sjávarborg
From the Ring Road, follow road 72 to Hvammstangi. Sjávarborg is by the harbor, right next to the Icelandic Seal Center.
Savor the Flavors of North Iceland
From seaside cafés and rustic farm-to-table restaurants to fine dining and fish and chips by the harbor, North Iceland is full of memorable culinary experiences.
No matter which spots you choose from this list, you're in for great food paired with stunning views and warm hospitality. So pack your appetite, plan your route, and get ready to taste your way through one of Iceland’s most scenic and delicious regions!
Those are our favorite restaurants in North Iceland. Are you planning on visiting the region soon? Do you have a favorite restaurant in the area? Let us know in the comments!
