The restaurants in the Reykjavik harbor area sit in one of the most walkable stretches of the city. Within a few blocks, you can move from a lobster shack to a Michelin-recognized tasting menu, with hot dog stands and craft burger spots in between. This guide covers the places worth knowing, from quick bites by the water to full sit-down dinners, so you can plan your meals without second-guessing every corner.

What to Expect From Reykjavík Harbor Restaurants

The Old Harbor area runs along Geirsgata and Grandagarður, about a five-minute walk from downtown Reykjavík. It has casual eateries, seafood-focused restaurants, and a few spots leaning into classic Icelandic dishes. For anyone researching where to stay in Reykjavík for first-timers, the Old Harbor neighborhood is worth considering, since prices here are higher than most cities, and knowing which spots are worth it helps.

Restaurants Near Reykjavík Old Harbor Worth Trying

The spots below cover a range of budgets, styles, and meal types. Some are well-known institutions; others are quieter finds that locals return to regularly.

1. Le Kock

Le Kock has been operating since 2017 and sits inside the Exeter Hotel. The menu focuses on burgers, wings, and sandwiches, all made in-house using Icelandic ingredients where possible.

• Address: Tryggvagata 12, 101 Reykjavík

• Best for: Casual dining, burgers, bakery, jazz nights

Hours: Daily 11:30 am to 11 pm (kitchen closes at 9 pm); Deig open daily 7 am to 4 pm.

The in-house bakery, Deig, produces fresh bagels, donuts, and sandwiches daily. The Tail bar inside Le Kock serves craft cocktails, beers, and natural wines, with live jazz every Monday from 7:45 pm to 10:30 pm.

2. Kopar

Kopar sits right on the water at Geirsgata 3 and is one of the most recognizable restaurants in Reykjavík harbor. Their rock crab soup, made with Icelandic rock crab sourced from Hvalfjörður fjord, is a consistent guest favorite. You can order à la carte or go with the seasonal multi-course menu. 

• Address: Geirsgata 3, 101 Reykjavík

• Best for: Seafood dinners, Icelandic cuisine, harbor views

• Booking: Recommended, especially on weekends

3. Matur og Drykkur

Matur og Drykkur is now located at Mýrargata 31 after moving to new premises in 2026. The menu is based on an Icelandic cookbook by food writer Helga Sigurðardóttir, and the kitchen reinterprets classic Icelandic dishes using locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide, and reservations are essential. 

• Address: Mýrargata 31, 101 Reykjavík

• Best for: Tasting menus, Icelandic tradition, special occasions

• Booking: Essential

4. Sægreifinn (The Sea Baron)

Sægreifinn, or The Sea Baron, is a small no-frills shack on Geirsgata known for fresh seafood and a lobster soup that most people come back for. The menu also features fish on skewers, including arctic char, cod, and monkfish, grilled to order. The inside has a casual, lived-in feel with fishing relics on the walls. 

• Address: Geirsgata, 101 Reykjavík

• Best for: Lobster soup, fresh seafood, casual dining

• Budget level: Moderate

5. Kaffivagninn

Kaffivagninn is Iceland's oldest restaurant, founded in 1935 as a coffee wagon serving harbor workers. The menu covers classic Icelandic dishes like fish stew, smørrebrød, and rye bread with herring, and the atmosphere is unhurried. It is one of the few spots in the area where you are likely to sit beside actual locals.

• Address: Grandagarður 10, 101 Reykjavík

• Best for: Traditional Icelandic food, breakfast, lunch

• Budget level: Moderate

6. Forréttabarinn

Forréttabarinn opened in 2011 and was founded by chef Róbert Ólafsson, who has cooked in Icelandic and international restaurants for more than 30 years. French chef Olivier Grau now leads the kitchen, with a menu built around fresh, locally sourced seafood, meat, and vegetables. Cooking influences come from Southern Europe and Central America.

The restaurant offers a four-course tasting menu alongside a wide selection of vegetarian dishes. The bar is open daily from 4 pm to 11 pm, with happy hour from 4 pm to 6 pm.

• Address: Nýlendugata 14, 101 Reykjavík

• Best for: Tasting menus, small plates, casual dinner

• Booking: Recommended

Harbor Restaurant Comparison: At a Glance

Not sure which harbor restaurant fits your plans? The table below gives a quick side-by-side look at each option covered in this guide.

Burgers and Fast Food Near the Old Harbor

Not every meal needs to be a full Icelandic dining experience. Le Kock, located inside Exeter Hotel at Tryggvagata 12, uses Icelandic ingredients and makes everything in-house, from the burger patties to the sauces. The crispy baby potatoes with garlic sauce are a regular order for repeat visitors. The spot also runs a Monday jazz night starting at 7:30 pm, making it a solid choice for an easy evening out. 

Tips for Dining at Reykjavík Harbor Restaurants

A few practical things worth knowing before you go. Most of these will save you time, money, or both.

• Book ahead for dinner. Kopar and Matur og Drykkur both fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Walk-ins are harder to manage at these spots.

• Lunch is more affordable. Most restaurants in this part of Reykjavík offer better value at lunch than at dinner. Kaffivagninn and Sægreifinn are particularly good at lunchtime.

• Check for live music nights. Le Kock runs a Monday jazz night every week. If you enjoy live music with your meal, it is a good anchor for your Reykjavík nightlife plans. 

• Staying nearby makes it easier. The harbor restaurants are all within easy walking distance if you are based in the Old Harbor area. Thinking about where to stay in Reykjavik for first timers? The Old Harbor neighborhood puts you close to both the dining scene and the main sights.

Getting to the Old Harbor Restaurant Area

The Old Harbor sits at the bottom of downtown Reykjavík, making it within walking distance of most central accommodations. Geirsgata and Grandagarður are the two main streets, and from Tryggvagata, where Exeter Hotel sits, it is about a five-minute walk to Kopar and Sægreifinn. If you are looking for where to stay in Reykjavík without a car, the harbor area is one of the best neighborhoods to base yourself in.

FAQs

What is the best time of day to eat at restaurants in Reykjavík harbor?

Lunch is the better-value window at most harbor restaurants, with shorter waits and lower prices than at dinner. Kopar and Kaffivagninn both draw larger dinner crowds, so arriving before 6 pm gives you more flexibility.

How far is Reykjavík Old Harbor from the city center?

The Old Harbor sits about 1.2 km (0.75 miles) from Hallgrímskirkja, making it a 10 to 15-minute walk from central Reykjavík. The area is easy to reach on foot from most downtown hotels and accommodations.

Is there free parking near the harbor restaurants in Reykjavík? 

Paid street parking is available throughout the Old Harbor area during the day. Parking is generally free after 6 pm and on weekends, making it more practical for evening dining.

Can I eat near Reykjavík harbor on a tight budget? 

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is the most budget-friendly option, with hot dogs starting at around 650 ISK (roughly $5 USD). Sægreifinn is a step up in price but still more affordable than sit-down restaurants like Kopar.

Are Harbor restaurants in Reykjavík open year-round? 

Most established harbor restaurants, including Kopar, Kaffivagninn, and Sægreifinn, operate year-round. Hours may be shorter in winter, so checking directly with the restaurant before visiting is worth it.

The Old Harbor Is Worth More Than One Meal

The restaurants along Reykjavík's Old Harbor cover more ground than most visitors expect. You can grab a hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, order small plates at Forréttabarinn, or sit down to a full tasting menu at Matur og Drykkur. All of it is within a few blocks. Most visitors end up eating here more than once, and the variety makes it easy.