23 Best Restaurants in West Iceland and Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland

When you eat at Friðheimar, you're in for an experience. The restaurant is located in a tomato greenhouse and every single thing on the menu uses tomatoes in some shape or form. And boy does the chef get creative—from the green-tomato-and-apple pie to the tomato beer, you're going to find something new at this spot.

Take a break from your tour of the west coast for a slice of cake at this quaint coffee shop. They also have solid coffee and a great selection of baked goods—everything you need to keep you going while sightseeing.

Exactly what you would imagine a cozy, small-town coffee shop to be, Lesbókin Café is the perfect place to hole up and dig into your day's itinerary with a latte. If you're lucky, you'll find a special piece of milk-foam art waiting for you.

This restaurant is located in the oldest section of Stykkishólmur inside a bright, airy building. The menu is full of local seafood, as well as lamb from the region. It's known locally as one of the nicest places around, and it definitely warrants a place on your "vacation splurge" itinerary.

A mix of Scandinavian fare and inventive pizzas grace the menu at this roadside restaurant. Located right as you enter Reykholt, Mika is a local hotspot with a few outdoor seating options—perfect for taking in the extended sunlight. It's also a great alternative if you aren't keen on a tomato-only meal at the nearby Friðheimar.

As with any restaurant in a coastal town—and Sker is located right on the sea—fish is the way to go here. Travelers also come (and come back) to this restaurant for its broad menu, which ranges from seafood and pizza to vegan options.

If you want the best meal you can get in Hellissandur—and possibly the entire region—head to Viðvík. The catch of the day is always a good bet in Iceland, but treat yourself to the three-course chef's menu here—you won't be disappointed.

Whether you're catching a soccer game or grabbing a much-needed meal after climbing nearby Kirkjufell Mountain, this space delivers. The beer on tap is local, the meals are hearty, and the locals are friendly.

The menu may be small and handwritten, but dining here is an experience. Stepping inside the family-run restaurant feels like walking into, well, a family home. Comfortable chairs dressed in luxurious fabrics flank the tables and the views are great no matter the season.

If you thought finding a café that could accommodate dietary preferences like vegan and gluten-free would be difficult, you'll be pleasantly surprised by Café Kaja. Here you'll find meals prepared with raw and organic veggies, plant-based milks for your coffee, and vegetarian options galore.

From lamb shanks to spaghetti, you never quite know what's going to show up on the menu at Englendingavík. The historic building is surrounded by equally aged architecture; it's almost like stepping back in time—a much cozier time.

You'll get the best of land and sea at Galito, from burgers and cod to sushi and even pizza. There's something for everyone here, which is especially tempting in a region that isn't known for having a ton of restaurant options.

If all-you-can-eat soup and bread is your idea of the perfect lunch, get yourself to Geirabakari Kaffihus. You can also enjoy pastries, baked goods, coffee, or soup, all with a great view of the mountains.

This spot is all about homemade cakes, fish soup, and small plates. While there may not be many options on the menu, it offers up snacks and meals for all appetites.

The mood at Grillhúsið is very casual, and the open layout—it almost feels like a diner—is great for containing children with some energy to burn. You'll find burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and the random Tex-Mex item on the menu. Grillhúsið is about as far from traditional Icelandic cuisine as you'll get in this part of the country.

The menu is always changing at this locally owned restaurant—you might find anything from Thai favorites to hearty burgers. It's a great place for the family, given the friendly atmosphere.

For a quick bite, settle into a pizza or panini at this waterside café. It's casual and quick, so don't expect a special presentation or intricate ingredients.

The soup bar is the main draw at this bistro attached to Hotel Húsafell. There are vegetarian options on the menu, making it an easy stop for groups with various dietary needs. If you take one of the local glacier tours, there's a chance you'll get a discount here so don't miss out on that.

Wood-fired pizza is the main appeal here, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Don't sleep on the homemade garlic oil the restaurant offers on the side—it will take your pizza to a whole new level. Its location near a golf course makes it the perfect pre- or post-round snack. 

This hot dog food truck has an intriguing naming system when it comes to its menu: each item is named after a member of the Danish Royal Family. The Icelandic hot dogs here are tasty, affordable, and filling.

With burgers, salads, and seafood, the menu covers a lot of ground at this fjord-adjacent restaurant. Given its central locale, this is a popular place for locals and visitors settling down from a long day of whale-watching tours, so book ahead if possible. And don’t miss out on the chocolate cake.

The menu at Snorri’s Kitchen & Bar is a true trip around the world—think German-inspired schnitzel, classic American chicken nuggets, and fish and chips featuring the local catch, to just name a few. All dishes are presented with the artistic attention to detail Icelandic restaurants are known for. The decor is clean and simple, and you won't feel out of place bringing the kids here.