Best Restaurants in Akureyri Iceland

Akureyri has the best concentration of restaurants in Iceland outside Reykjavík — a natural result of being the country’s second city and the main hub for North Iceland tourism. The standard has risen considerably in the past decade; several restaurants here now hold their own against anything in the capital. Prices are comparable to Reykjavík, which is to say expensive by European standards, though the range from budget cafés to fine dining gives options at every level.

Fine Dining

Strikið — The benchmark restaurant in North Iceland and the first address most locals give visitors asking where to eat well. It occupies the top floor of a commercial building on Skipagata, with rooftop views over Eyjafjörður and the mountains on both sides. The menu is Icelandic-contemporary: reindeer, local lamb, Arctic char, and seasonal fish treated with care. Main courses approximately ISK 5,000–8,000 as of 2026. Starters from ISK 2,500. A three-course dinner with wine will comfortably exceed ISK 20,000 per person. Book ahead for July and August evenings.

Rub 23 — A steakhouse and sushi restaurant combination that works better than it sounds. The quality of the beef and the fish is high, and the kitchen handles both formats competently. The sushi selection is smaller than you’d find in a dedicated sushi restaurant but well-executed. Main courses approximately ISK 4,500–7,000 as of 2026. Popular with both local professionals and visiting groups. Reservations recommended at weekends.

Mid-Range

Bautinn — One of the longest-established restaurants in Akureyri, serving classic Icelandic meat and fish dishes without unnecessary complication. Lamb soup, pan-fried Arctic char, and slow-cooked lamb are reliable choices. The setting is traditional rather than designed — wood panels, checked tablecloths — which suits the food. Main courses approximately ISK 3,500–5,500 as of 2026. Good for a solid, uncomplicated dinner.

Noa Seafood — A harbour-facing seafood restaurant with a focus on the day’s catch. Fish soup is available as a starter or main; grilled cod and haddock are usually on the menu. The location on the harbourfront gives views toward the fishing boats and the far shore of Eyjafjörður. Main courses approximately ISK 4,000–6,500 as of 2026. Best on a clear evening when the harbour is at its most atmospheric.

Greifinn — The most family-oriented restaurant in the centre, serving pizza and pasta alongside a few grilled meat dishes. Not trying to be anything other than a reliable, informal dining room, which makes it a good option for groups with varied tastes. Main courses approximately ISK 2,500–4,000 as of 2026. No reservations usually required except on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Cafés and Light Meals

Kaffi Ilmur — The best café in Akureyri for breakfast and mid-morning coffee. A bright, well-run bakery-café on Glerárgata with fresh pastries, open sandwiches, and good espresso. The cinnamon rolls and skyr with granola are the most popular items. Breakfast and light meals approximately ISK 1,500–2,500 as of 2026. Opens early (around 7:30am on weekdays), which makes it the right address before an early whale watching departure or a long drive.

Bláa Kannan (“The Blue Teapot”) — An Akureyri institution in a blue timber building on Hafnarstræti dating from 1910. Cakes, light sandwiches, and coffee from around ISK 500 for a coffee. The most characterful café in town and a good place to sit and watch the main pedestrian street. Open year-round.

Ice Cream

Brynja — Aðalstræti. Open since 1939. The most discussed single food stop in North Iceland. A single cone of soft ice cream costs approximately ISK 400–600 as of 2026. The queue outside is a summer constant; it is always worth joining. Eating ice cream in sub-zero temperatures is an established local custom.

Self-Catering

Krónan and Nettó are the two main supermarkets in Akureyri, both centrally located and well-stocked with fresh produce, fish, bread, and dairy. For those camping or staying in self-catering accommodation, both are useful for stocking up before heading to Lake Mývatn or the more remote parts of North Iceland, where shopping options are extremely limited. A full grocery shop at Nettó for a day’s supplies costs approximately ISK 3,000–5,000 per person.

For accommodation recommendations, see our Akureyri where to stay guide. For day trips from the city, see our things to do in Akureyri guide.