14 Best Restaurants in Akureyri, Iceland

Hungry locals and visitors all come to Berlin (no relation to the city or German food) for the eggs, bacon, and baked tomatoes served on thick crusty bread with a side of juicy fruits. For those with a sweet tooth, the Belgian waffles will no doubt hit the spot. 

Pretty enough to be featured on picture postcards of Akureyri's town center, this beautiful blue building with red turrets is the perfect spot in any season to grab a coffee and watch the world go by. The interior, with weathered wooden beams and chandeliers, gives off a supercozy vibe—the perfect setting for a simple savory brunch plate, a soup, or a nice sweet treat.

In addition to superb coffee and homemade pastries, this excellent vintage hospital–themed café offers a dose of 1940s-style respite—as well as a hint of theater—in a lovely, detailed setting in the countryside. Run by actress Maria Pálsdóttir, the café doubles as an exhibition center dedicated to patients of “the Great White Plague” (tuberculosis).

This Akureyri restaurant takes its name literally, with chefs who use their signature “magic pepper” rub and a variety of others to enliven fish, lamb, and beef dishes. There are excellent sushi options too, and it's one of the few places in Iceland where you can sample real Icelandic wasabi (fresh wasabi is actually grown locally in Iceland, whereas previously the wasabi you would eat here was an imitation). Book in advance for evening meals.

The views from this attractive fifth-floor restaurant are just as excellent as the food and service. The menu focuses on Icelandic ingredients but doesn’t mind borrowing from around the world. Lounge music blends with the enthusiastic chatter and laughter of locals and tourists, who come to sip house cocktails like the “Yfir Strikið” (Over the Line; made with rose gin and champagne).

This food truck serves up exactly what it says in the title. Stop by for fresh fish, crispy breading, and a heaping pile of fries with all the fixings. Check their Facebook page for their current location. 

Located on one of the main corners of town and in one of its oldest buildings, this family favorite offers generous portions at affordable prices. Popular international favorites (burgers, pasta dishes, and tacos) are served alongside fresh local fish and some Akureyri favorites. It’s an excellent place for a quick and filling lunch or evening meal.

Akureyri’s most famous ice cream parlour has been dishing up everyone’s favorite scoop since 1939. Legend has it they use a special secret ingredient, and people have traveled from as far away as China to get a taste. The shop also sells candy and it's s a popular family destination on Saturday (“Candy Day” in Iceland) when sweets are half price.

The botanical garden’s café has a striking design that features an oversized pitched roof with two walls constructed entirely of large glass panels arranged into a geometric collage. It’s a welcome stop after a long walk through the gardens and serves up decent coffee, surprisingly artisanal desserts, and light sandwiches. 

The quality fare at this family-friendly establishment is well worth the five-minute walk from the town center. Known mostly for exceptional takeout pizzas, Greifinn is also the go-to place for family dinners. Choose from a menu of popular international classics—including burgers, Mexican, and Italian fare—as well as Icelandic seafood and grilled lamb dishes. And book in advance as it gets busy on evenings and weekends.

Just a 20-minute drive south of Akureyri lies this idyllic dairy farm. While you can get some local meat and other wares here, the real draw is their homemade ice cream, which will have you swearing off the grocery store stuff. They, of course, have the basic flavors, but make sure to try their wackier ones—they're a true standout. Grab a scoop and meander around to say hi to the animals. Make sure to stop by their farm store as well.

Indian classics with both meat and veggie options are served up at this colorful addition to Akureyri’s international culinary scene—it might just be the most northern Indian restaurant in the world. For those looking for a deal, their lunch specials offer a hefty discount.

Although others claim to have the best burger in town, locals know that Leirunesti is the real deal thanks to its famous Akureyringur Burger, stuffed with fries in the middle—order it on its own for ISK 1,950 or as a combo with soda and extra fries for ISK 2,590. Also try the deep-fried hot dog with fries and melted cheese, another specialty that draws in both locals and out-of-towners. Views from this location are sensational in all directions, especially in the summer.