A Sub-Arctic Feast Around Iceland

James Taylor

From hearty plates of seafood to sustainably sourced lamb and beef, Iceland is a foodie heaven. Over many years exploring the country, I've slowly gathered up a collection of my favourite places to eat.

Jon Riki, Vogafjós Farm Resort, SLIPPURINN, Báran Restaurant and Cosy Corner Cafe, Bjargarsteinn Mathús, Sjávarpakkhúsið, Siglunes Guesthouse, Nielsen restaurant, Skool Beans, Tjöruhúsið, Franska kaffihúsið, Havarí Farm, Norð Austur - Sushi & Bar, Friðheimar, Café Bryggjan

  • Jon Riki in Höfn, Iceland

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    • jimmytayles

      A restaurant and brewery in the shadows of the glacier Vatnajökull. On top of their creative craft beers brewed on site, there's also a delicious array of mains sourced from the nearby farms. The shepherds pie is particularly delicious.

  • Vogafjós Farm Resort, Iceland

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    • jimmytayles

      Working dairy farm filled with local produce from the farm (fresh mozzarella, arctic char from the nearby streams, smoked lamb, etc.). Outstanding views of the volcanic landscapes surrounding Lake Myvatn.

  • SLIPPURINN, Iceland

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    • jimmytayles

      Best restaurant in what is fast becoming Iceland's second biggest foodie destination outside of Reykjavik. Occupying a former workshop, the beautifully restored restaurant retains an industrial edge, the perfect atmosphere for the fresh and locally sourced plates of fish and meat.

  • Báran Restaurant and Cosy Corner Cafe in Þórshöfn, Iceland

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    • jimmytayles

      Classic Icelandic pub with huge pizzas, burgers, seafood, and plenty of beer on tap. Popular with the local fishermen who work out of the port. This is a true Iceland experience in a remote corner of the country.

  • Bjargarsteinn Mathús in Grundarfjörður, Iceland

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    • jimmytayles

      World-class dining with a fantastic view over the water towards Kirkjufell, Iceland's most photographed mountain.

  • Sjávarpakkhúsið in Stykkishólmur, Iceland

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    • jimmytayles

      Atmospheric sea shanty with a wood-lined interior and nautical theme. Perfect for a warm plate of seafood or bowl of soup. Don't leave without trying the mussels plucked fresh from the nearby waters of Breiðafjörður.

  • Siglunes Guesthouse, Iceland

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    • jimmytayles

      A tasty surprise awaits those who make the long journey out to the tip of the Tröllaskagi Peninsula. The Moroccan owner of this guesthouse is a master chef, whipping up mouthwatering and fragrant tajines filled with spices carted back from his visits back to his hometown in Morocco. A lovely surprise in the northern extremes of Iceland.

  • Nielsen restaurant in Egilsstaðir, Iceland

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    • jimmytayles

      Some of the best food in the whole country can now be found in Egilsstaðir. Head chef of some of Reykjavik's best restaurants decided he wanted a change of pace, moving out here to start this fantastic restaurant occupying a beautiful and historic building in town.

  • Skool Beans in Vik, Iceland

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    • jimmytayles

      Freshly roasted coffee, tea, and delicious cakes at this atmospheric café that occupies an old American yellow school bus.

  • Tjöruhúsið in Ísafjörður, Iceland

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    • jimmytayles

      A famous fresh fish all-you-can-eat buffet in the outpost of Ísafjörður. No doubt some of the best seafood in the entire country.

  • Franska kaffihúsið, Iceland

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    • jimmytayles

      Delicious waffles with jam and cream at what feels like the edge of the world. When the sun comes out this lovely golden beach feels like it could be in Spain, if it weren't for the magnificent mountains that hide it away from the rest of the Westfjords region.

  • Havarí Farm in Djúpivogur, Iceland

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    • jimmytayles

      A vegan café and music hall on a quiet farm in picturesque East Iceland. One of the only places in the country where you can find a vegan hot dog - a must-try Icelandic food.

  • Norð Austur - Sushi & Bar, Iceland

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    • jimmytayles

      An incredible place for sushi marooned in the quiet port town of Seyðisfjörður, from where the ferry to Denmark arrives and departs.

  • Friðheimar, Iceland

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    • jimmytayles

      Geothermal farm that grows tomatoes in its greenhouses. Their cafe serves up everything tomato - from soup and beer to Icelandic mussels cooked in their delicious seafood and tomato broth.

  • Café Bryggjan, Iceland

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    • jimmytayles

      One of the best places in the country for a hearty bowl of lobster soup, an Icelandic specialty.