Loves writing, food, runes, Reykjavík life, traveling in Iceland and being out in nature. Born in England but fell in love with Iceland in 2010 and moved here, been here since.
There are some fabulous places to eat along the South Coast of Iceland. Snacks, lunches, relaxed suppers or formal dinners along the way - our café/restaurant guide has got them covered! Let´s go on a culinary journey from Hveragerði to Höfn!
Whether you want budget or classy dining there are some fabulous bistros, café and restaurants in little towns, and villages and sometimes at country hotels and farms along the South Coast.
So let´s go on a culinary journey from Hveragerði to Höfn!
Places to eat along the South Coast of Iceland
Most places fall into more than one price category, for example, where there are budget and average-price items available. Country guesthouses and farms sometimes often offer evening meal options for guests, and usually, you will need to book this in advance. The restaurants at country hotels listed below all offer meals to non-guests without advance booking if space is available.
Restaurant Varma, Frost & Fire Hotel
Located in a beautiful boutique hotel in the middle of Iceland's geothermal wonderland, Restaurant Varma hosts guests every day from 17:30 to 22:00. The dinner menu includes starters, main courses, including a signature dish, and desserts.
Ölverk Pizza & Brugghús
Located only a 30-minute drive from Reykjavik, Ölverk Pizza & Brugghús is known for premium wood-fired pizza and craft beer, which is brewed on-site. Ölverk is a small, family-run restaurant, but it is known for excellent craft beer quality and for using geothermal energy in the brewing process. It is open Sunday to Thursday from 11:30 to 22:00 and from 11:30 to 23:00 on Friday and Saturday.
Kaffi Krús
This cozy restaurant and café, located in the heart of Selfoss, offers an extensive menu with a selection of main courses, such as burgers, pizza and pasta, cakes and coffee. Kaffi Krús is open from 11:00-21:00 from Monday to Thursday, 11:00-22:00 from Friday to Saturday and 11:00-21:00 on Sunday.
Tryggvaskáli
Tryggvaskáli offers dishes made from local ingredients and the regular menu 3 and 5-course sets. The restaurant is open from 16:00 to 21:00 Monday through Thursday, from 16:00 to 22:00 on Fridays, from 11:30 to 22:00 on Saturdays and from 11:30 to 21:00 on Sundays.
GK Bakarí
GK Bakarí is a European and Scandinavian bakery/café offering breakfast, lunch, brunch, and cakes. Takeout available. It is open on weekdays from 07:00 to 17:00, Saturday from 08:00 to 16:00 and Sunday from 09:00 to 14:00.
Árhús Restaurant
Árhús, located in Rangárbakkar, Hella, is a riverside restaurant serving pizza, sandwiches, cakes, soups and an extensive Italian and European menu. The takeout option is also available at the restaurant. It is open from 17:00 to 22:00 on Monday and from 18:00 to 22:00 Tuesday through Sunday.
Gamlafjósið (The Old Cowshed)
Gamlafjósið (The Old Cowshed) is a cozy, family-run restaurant located at the foot of Eyjafjallajökull volcano. It is known for using fresh produce, such as local beef and fish, but vegetarian options are fairly limited. The restaurant is open daily from 11:00 to 21:00.
Eldstó Art Café
Eldstó Art Café is a trendy family-operated restaurant, café and ceramic art gallery. Here you can enjoy tea brewed in a handmade pot and an Icelandic craft beer. Don't miss out on traditional Icelandic lamb soup served in a handmade bowl! The restaurant is open between 10:00 and 17:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 10:00 to 20:30 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and from 12:00 to 20:30 on Saturdays and Sundays.
Country Hotel Anna Restaurant
Country Hotel Anna Restaurant offers a selection of traditional Icelandic dishes from local lamb and fish. Dishes are made depending on the season, sometimes, guests can try duck, goose, or reindeer. Here you will also find traditional Icelandic desserts, such as delicious skyr cake or special rhubarb pie.
Hótel Skógafoss Bistro and Bar
Located next to one of Iceland's well-known waterfalls, Skogafoss, and Eyjafjallajökull volcano, Hótel Skógafoss Bistro and Bar also serves non-resident guests who'd like to savor local dishes. The hotel restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and light meals throughout the day.
Sveitagrill Míu Mia’s Country Grill
Sveitagrill Míu Mia’s Country Grill is a local fish and chips from the red food truck just a couple of minutes east of Skógafoss Waterfall. Outdoor seating and takeaway are available. Open daily from 12:00 to 16:00.
The Black Beach Restaurant
The Black Beach Restaurant is located at one of the South Coast's most amazing natural highlights – Reynisfjara black sand beach. A short walking distance away from the beach with Hálsanefshellir, the restaurant's menu consists of hot soups, grilled dishes, such as burgers and sandwiches, and various beverages. It is a perfect place to take a break from sightseeing! The restaurant is open daily from 11:00 to 19:00.
Suður Vík
If you're looking for a place to have lunch in the town of Vík, Suður is a perfect choice. Their extensive menu consists of all kinds of starters, main courses and a special pizza menu! Reserving the table beforehand is recommended, though. The restaurant is open daily from 12:00 to 21:00.
Halldors Kaffi
Halldors Kaffi, located in the town of Vík, is a vibrant cafe restaurant offering American, Scandinavian and European cuisine. The restaurant is located on the ground floor of the historic house and stands out with its old-fashioned atmosphere. The restaurant is open daily from 12:00 to 21:00.
Systrakaffi
Systrakaffi is a family-run restaurant serving a diverse menu, including international as well as local dishes. Here you can taste some Arctic Char, homemade cakes and pizzas. The restaurant is open daily from 12:00 to 21:00.
Freysnes
Freysnes Gas Station Café, located in Skaftafell, Vatnajökull National Park, offers a relatively cheap and quick lunch for those passing through the area. Here you'll find anything from main courses to soups and desserts. We promise it'll be enough to keep you full throughout the day! Open daily from 9:00 to 20:00.
Hof-1 Restaurant at Hof-1 Adventure Hotel
Hof 1 Restaurant, located at the Hof-1 Adventure Hotel, offers delicious European cuisine, including various soups, sandwiches, main courses, and desserts. The restaurant is open daily during dinner time, from 18:00 to 21:00.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Café
The Café is situated right next to the famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Here you can enjoy a variety of refreshments, including coffee, sandwiches, soft drinks and hot chocolate. You can have a signature seafood soup with a view of a picturesque glacier lagoon filled with floating icebergs! Café is open all year round, but the working hours differ depending on the season. In March-May, it is open from 9:00-18:00, in June-September from 9:00-19:00, in October from 9:00-18:00, and in November-February from 9:00-17:00.
Hali Country Hotel Restaurant
Hali Country Hotel Restaurant offers to try traditional Icelandic food, such as farm-raised arctic char or lamb meat. The food is served daily three times a day: breakfast from 7:30 to 10:00, light lunch with desserts, coffee, and tea from 11:00 to 17:30, and dinner from 18:00-21:00 in summer and from 18:00-20:00 in wintertime.
Pakkhús Restaurant
Pakkhús Restaurant, located by the harbor in Höfn, serves the famous lobster. You can also try anything from pizza, salads, snacks, and starters to main courses and desserts. There's also an outdoor dining area for when the temperature is higher. The restaurant is open daily from 17:00 to 21:00.
Íshúsið Pizzeria
Íshúsið Pizzeria is a place for quality pizza in the Höfn area by the harbor. You can have stone-baked pizzas, famous local lobster, and other dishes made from local produce. Moreover, you can enjoy your meal in the beautiful surroundings by the harbor. The restaurant is open every day from 17:00 to 21:00.
Anything else you would like to know?
Get to know the South Coast of Iceland like a local, join our 2-day South Coast tour departing from Reykjavík.
