North Iceland Food Guide
Best Restaurants in Akureyri
Akureyri's top dining spots — fresh seafood, rooftop views over Eyjafjörður, and cosy local bars.
Where to Eat in Akureyri
Akureyri is Iceland's second city and has a surprisingly vibrant food scene. Perched at the end of the deep Eyjafjörður fjord in North Iceland, the town offers fresh local seafood, creative sushi, and hearty Icelandic comfort food year-round.
Whether you're passing through on the Ring Road or basing yourself here for whale watching and skiing, Akureyri has excellent restaurants for every budget.
Top Restaurants

Sjanghæ
Sjanghæ is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland serving Chinese. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Bláa Kannan
Bláa Kannan is a cozy café located on Hafnarstræti in the centre of Akureyri. Housed in the historic blue “Paris House” building from 1913, the café is known for its homemade cakes, coffee, soups, and light lunches, and is one of the most iconic café stops in North Iceland.
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Taste
Taste is a quick-service restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland serving chicken. Whether you need a quick meal between sightseeing or a late-night bite, this is a practical stop for travellers.

Krua Siam
Krua Siam is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland serving Thai. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Terían
Terían is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Brynja
Brynja is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Kaffi Hornið
Akureyri's oldest café, a beloved gathering place serving comfort food and excellent coffee since 1978.

Veganesti
Veganesti is a quick-service restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland. Whether you need a quick meal between sightseeing or a late-night bite, this is a practical stop for travellers.

Pizzasmiðjan
Pizzasmiðjan is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland serving Pizza. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Pylsuvagninn á Akureyri
Pylsuvagninn á Akureyri is a quick-service restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland. Whether you need a quick meal between sightseeing or a late-night bite, this is a practical stop for travellers.

Bakaríið við Brúna
Bakaríið við Brúna is a well-known artisan bakery located near the Glerá river and Glerártorg shopping area in Akureyri. The bakery offers a wide selection of freshly baked bread, Icelandic pastries, cakes, sandwiches, soups, and light meals prepared daily on site. It has been a favourite stop for locals and travellers for many years thanks to its convenient location along one of the town’s main access routes and its reputation for quality baked goods. Visitors often stop here for breakfast, takeaway coffee, or a relaxed lunch before continuing their journey around North Iceland.
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Múlaberg
Múlaberg in Akureyri presents a sophisticated dining experience, characterized by its chic and inviting atmosphere. Guests can enjoy plush black leather banquettes set against elegant dark green walls, complemented by warm lighting from stylish wall sconces. Arched display cabinets showcasing a fine selection of bottles add to the refined ambiance, making it an ideal spot for a memorable meal or a relaxing drink in North Iceland.

Café Cow
Café Cow is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

LYST
LYST is a café in North Iceland, Iceland. Iceland's café culture is warm and welcoming, offering a respite from the weather with excellent coffee, home-baked goods, and a cosy atmosphere. This is the kind of place where locals linger over coffee and visitors feel immediately at home.

Ak-inn
Ak-inn is a well-known quick-service restaurant located in Akureyri, North Iceland. The restaurant offers a variety of fast and affordable meals including burgers, sandwiches, fries, and soft drinks, making it a convenient stop for both locals and travellers exploring the region. Its location near the main road through Akureyri makes it especially popular for visitors continuing along the Ring Road or heading toward nearby attractions in Eyjafjörður. Ak-inn is valued for its quick service, casual atmosphere, and reliable menu options, making it an easy choice for families, road-trip travellers, and anyone looking for a fast meal stop in North Iceland.
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Sprettur-Inn
Sprettur-Inn is a quick-service restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland serving Pizza. Whether you need a quick meal between sightseeing or a late-night bite, this is a practical stop for travellers.

Kaffi Ilmur
Kaffi Ilmur is a café in North Iceland, Iceland. Iceland's café culture is warm and welcoming, offering a respite from the weather with excellent coffee, home-baked goods, and a cosy atmosphere. This is the kind of place where locals linger over coffee and visitors feel immediately at home.

Kung fu express
Kung fu express is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Malik
Malik is a quick-service restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland serving Kebab. Whether you need a quick meal between sightseeing or a late-night bite, this is a practical stop for travellers.

Kristjánsbakarí
Kristjánsbakarí is a bakery in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic bakeries are beloved community institutions, known for their freshly baked bread, kleina (twisted doughnuts), snúðar (cinnamon rolls), and strong coffee. The smell of fresh baking is one of Iceland's most comforting experiences.

Dæli
Dæli is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland serving regional. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Brauðgerðarhús
Brauðgerðarhús is a bakery in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic bakeries are beloved community institutions, known for their freshly baked bread, kleina (twisted doughnuts), snúðar (cinnamon rolls), and strong coffee. The smell of fresh baking is one of Iceland's most comforting experiences.

Berlin
Berlin is a café in North Iceland, Iceland. Iceland's café culture is warm and welcoming, offering a respite from the weather with excellent coffee, home-baked goods, and a cosy atmosphere. This is the kind of place where locals linger over coffee and visitors feel immediately at home.
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Kaffi Hælið
Kaffi Hælið is a café in North Iceland, Iceland serving Coffee. Iceland's café culture is warm and welcoming, offering a respite from the weather with excellent coffee, home-baked goods, and a cosy atmosphere. This is the kind of place where locals linger over coffee and visitors feel immediately at home.

Axelsbakarí
Axelsbakarí is a traditional Reykjavík bakery located near Hallgrímskirkja in the city centre. Known for freshly baked bread, sandwiches, pastries, and Icelandic-style breakfast options, it is a popular morning stop for both locals and visitors exploring downtown Reykjavík. Its convenient location makes it an easy and reliable choice for a quick coffee break or takeaway before continuing along nearby walking routes.
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Verksmiðjan
Verksmiðjan is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Ketilkaffi
Ketilkaffi is a café in North Iceland, Iceland. Iceland's café culture is warm and welcoming, offering a respite from the weather with excellent coffee, home-baked goods, and a cosy atmosphere. This is the kind of place where locals linger over coffee and visitors feel immediately at home.

Eyja
Eyja is a café in North Iceland, Iceland. Iceland's café culture is warm and welcoming, offering a respite from the weather with excellent coffee, home-baked goods, and a cosy atmosphere. This is the kind of place where locals linger over coffee and visitors feel immediately at home.

North
North is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Centrum Kitchen & Bar
Centrum Kitchen & Bar is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland serving American. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Sykurverk Café
Sykurverk Café is a café in North Iceland, Iceland. Iceland's café culture is warm and welcoming, offering a respite from the weather with excellent coffee, home-baked goods, and a cosy atmosphere. This is the kind of place where locals linger over coffee and visitors feel immediately at home.

Akureyri backpackers
Akureyri backpackers is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.
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Leirunesti
Leirunesti is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

North West Restaurant
Nestled within the distinctive white and dark-grey facade of Hotel Akureyri, North West Restaurant offers an inviting dining experience on a picturesque sloped street. With its modern exterior and welcoming ambiance, this establishment provides a perfect setting for a delightful meal. Guests can enjoy a diverse international menu, crafted with care to offer a memorable culinary journey in Akureyri.

Mói Bistro
Mói Bistro is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland serving international. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

dj grill
dj grill is a quick-service restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland serving Burgers. Whether you need a quick meal between sightseeing or a late-night bite, this is a practical stop for travellers.

Ísgerðin Akureyri
Ísgerðin Akureyri is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland serving ice_cream. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Kaffi LYST
Kaffi LYST is a café in North Iceland, Iceland serving Coffee. Iceland's café culture is warm and welcoming, offering a respite from the weather with excellent coffee, home-baked goods, and a cosy atmosphere. This is the kind of place where locals linger over coffee and visitors feel immediately at home.

Kaffistofan
Kaffistofan is a café in North Iceland, Iceland serving Coffee. Iceland's café culture is warm and welcoming, offering a respite from the weather with excellent coffee, home-baked goods, and a cosy atmosphere. This is the kind of place where locals linger over coffee and visitors feel immediately at home.

Iðunn Mathöll
Iðunn Mathöll is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Oshi
Oshi is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland serving Sushi. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Wok to Walk
Wok to Walk is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland serving noodle. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Engimýri
Engimýri is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

Bautinn
Bautinn welcomes travelers to Akureyri from its charming red building, distinguished by a prominent black-roofed tower and a bright glass conservatory. This inviting restaurant offers an international menu in a cozy setting, perfect for a relaxing meal in North Iceland. Located on Hafnarstræti, it's a prominent and beloved spot for both locals and visitors.
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Greifinn
Greifinn in Akureyri offers a warm and inviting dining experience in a modern setting, perfect for travelers exploring North Iceland. With its contemporary design, large windows, and glowing interior, it's an ideal spot to enjoy a satisfying meal. The vibrant aurora borealis often visible in the night sky above adds to the magical Icelandic ambiance.
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Karólína
Karólína is a beloved local bistro in Akureyri serving hearty Icelandic comfort food in a warm, rustic atmosphere.
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Rub23
Rub23 is a vibrant culinary spot located in a distinctive red building in Akureyri, easily recognizable by its bright facade and prominent sign. Specializing in a diverse menu, it offers an excellent selection of fresh fish, quality meat, and expertly prepared sushi dishes. Travelers can enjoy a delightful dining experience with fresh, local ingredients in a stylish and inviting setting.
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Strikið
Strikið is a popular rooftop restaurant in central Akureyri offering panoramic views over Eyjafjörður. The restaurant serves a varied menu featuring Icelandic ingredients alongside international dishes and is especially known for its outdoor terrace during the summer months. It is a favorite dining spot for both locals and visitors exploring North Iceland.
★ View reviews on TripadvisorBars & Drinks

Græni hatturinn
€€Græni hatturinn is a bar in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic bars are lively social hubs, especially on weekend nights when the famous Reykjavík pub crawl (rúntur) takes over the city. Good drinks, local beer, and friendly company make Icelandic bar culture a memorable experience.

Beer Lounge
€€Beer Lounge is a pub in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic bars are lively social hubs, especially on weekend nights when the famous Reykjavík pub crawl (rúntur) takes over the city. Good drinks, local beer, and friendly company make Icelandic bar culture a memorable experience.
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Ölstofa Akureyrar
€€Ölstofa Akureyrar is a pub in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic bars are lively social hubs, especially on weekend nights when the famous Reykjavík pub crawl (rúntur) takes over the city. Good drinks, local beer, and friendly company make Icelandic bar culture a memorable experience.

Götubarinn
€Götubarinn is a lively neighborhood pub located on Hafnarstræti, the main street of Akureyri in North Iceland. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and central location, the bar is a popular meeting place for both locals and visitors exploring the town’s compact downtown area. Götubarinn offers a selection of beers, cocktails, and casual drinks in a friendly setting that reflects Akureyri’s welcoming small-town nightlife culture. Its location within walking distance of the harbor, restaurants, and cultural attractions makes it a convenient stop for an evening out in the heart of the town.

R5 Micro Bar
€R5 Micro Bar in Akureyri offers a fantastic selection for any connoisseur, with shelves packed full of diverse spirits. Guests can enjoy a wide array of craft beers from the many taps lined up at the counter, featuring brands like 'Blanc' and 'Classic'. It's the perfect spot to unwind and explore new tastes in a cozy setting.
★ View reviews on TripadvisorDining Tips for Akureyri
- →Rub23 is the most sought-after table in town — book ahead during summer.
- →Strikið has the best views in Akureyri — go at dusk for golden light over the fjord.
- →Most restaurants in Akureyri are within walking distance of the main street Hafnarstræti.
- →In summer, the midnight sun means you can dine outdoors until very late.
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