RESTAURANTS & CAFÉS

STAFF PICKS

Choosing where to dine in Reykjavík may seem rather intimidating considering the options available, but don’t worry, we’re here to help! That’s why we have come up with a selection of our staff’s favourite restaurants, whether for a quick pit-stop, or a 5-course experience, we’ve covered all the bases and made sure that they’re conveniently close to the hotel.

Best fast food:

Mandi – A staple of the Reykjavík fast-food scene, Mandi has been a local favourite for over a decade. With lighting fast service and a diverse, flavourful menu, Mandi is a middle eastern experience you will be sure to remember.

 

Best seafood:

Sjávargrillið – Located less than 2 minutes away from the hotel, Sjávargrillið is a favourite among families and couples. Their catch-of-the-day is guaranteed to have you coming back, and their other menu options are sure to leave everybody satisfied.

 

Best bakery:

Brauð & Co. – Brauð & Co. is an internationally renowned bakery that many travelers may have heard about before their coming here, and for good reason. Their cinnamon rolls are second-to-none and their bread is baked to perfection. We cannot recommend them enough.

 

Best coffee:

Mokka – Located two minutes from the hotel, Mokka is one of the oldest coffee houses in Iceland. Coupling old school brewing techniques with a homey, warm environment, this little gem is a perfect start to a cold winter’s day.

 

Best breakfast:

Sandholt – Icelander’s have never been “big breakfast” people, but if our hotel service doesn’t quite suit your tastes then we recommend starting your day at Sandholt on Laugavegur. Their hot and cold breakfast options are sure to please.

 

Best restaurant:

Kol – Located just down the road from the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, Kol is known for its unique, neo-Nordic cuisine, placing emphasis on originality, simplicity and freshly sourced ingredients. We recommend their tasting menu, to truly experience the flavour of Iceland.

 

 

 

 

Best vegan & vegetarian dining:

Vegan World Peace – Reykjavík is a vegan friendly city. Most restaurants will have vegan options on their menu, so there is no need to worry when you head out for lunch or dinner. If you are looking for a fully vegan restaurant, then make a stop at Vegan World Peace.

 

Best ice cream:

Sæta Húsið – Reykjavík’s first rolled ice cream joint, Sæta Húsið (the Sweet House) truly lives up to its name! Their ice cream will be sure to cool you down on one of our rare, warm summer days and their hot chocolate is sure to warm you up on our all too frequent cold, winter mornings.

 

Best local food:

Lamb Street Food – Icelanders have always been fond of lamb, and we are all too ready to claim that ours is the best in world! At Lamb Steet Food, our world-famous lamb is invigorated with a succulent blend of herbs and spices that will have you watering at the mouth.

 

Bars & pubs

Reykjavík’s nightlife is vibrant and exciting. Whether you are looking for a relaxing place to sip on an Irish coffee on a winter’s evening, or maybe looking for somewhere to celebrate the midnight sun, we have selected some of our favourite spots to grab a drink downtown.

Best sports bar: The English Pub – The English Pub is a local favourite among the sports watching community in Iceland. With 6 projectors, 2 flat screen T.V’s and plenty of draught beers, you would be hard pressed to find a better place to watch the game in Reykjavík.

Best cocktails: Apotek – Winner of numerous bartending awards, Apotek’s well-established, original cocktails are an experience you do not want to miss. Their incredibly diverse and creative menu is guaranteed to get the party started.

 

Best gastropub:

Sæta Svínið – A new kid on the block, Sæta Svínið has been a local favourite since its opening in 2016. With a diverse menu, beers on draught, and plenty of cocktails to choose from, you won’t be left wanting! Oh, and don’t forget to ask them about their karaoke nights…

 

Best craft bar:

Skúli – With 14 micro-brews on tap, as well as 130 other brands to choose from, Skúli Craft Bar is truly a beer enthusiasts dream! With almost every beer from Iceland’s largest craft brewery Borg, you’re sure to find something to (quite literally) suit your tastes.

 

Back
I enjoyed my stay at the Hotel Odinsve. It is centrally located and my room was comfortable with plenty of space to store my belongings. The staff were very helpful. Breakfast was OK, but I wish they had a greater variety of items.
Enrico F.
My wife and I enjoyed a long weekend staying at Hotel Odinsve. We had a room on the 4th floor with awesome view over Reykjavik. The room was clean, comfortable, bed soft. We had a small balcony which was great. The hotel is located in the city center, walking distance to some great restaurants and bars and sights to see. We found parking close by fairly easily, had to circle around once. The service at the hotel was excellent, the staff in the reception were welcoming. We only had breakfast at the hotel once and it was fine, could do with more options. Overall great experience and would recommend anyone to stay at Hotel Odinsve.
Robert D.
The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. It was a wonderful introduction to the city. But the best part was the location. Put you within walking distance of all the tourist attractions and food. The room was fine (very clean) but the bathroom could use an update.
Markus H.
Very clean, great location, friendly staff. Paid for breakfast on the first morning, felt it was over priced for what was offered so we ate out the rest of the week. Can be noisy at night so if your a light-sleeper, you should consider other options
John Doe
The location of the apartments that Hotel Odinsve rents could not be better! Lots of space for a family, two bedrooms and a kitchen. There had been an overbooking, so the front desk offered us breakfast in place of the larger apartment we were supposed to have. Breakfast is at Snaps nearby and was a great selection buffet. We were glad to have the breakfast included.
Carrie K.
Great location - I was worried we would feel far off of Laugavegur but it’s only 3 min walk and the best part is that the hotel neighborhood is full of cute shops and restaurants too. The staff was very nice and even gave us an upgrade to an awesome two-story room that felt like a cabin. The price was way better than staying on the main drag. Breakfast is not included - so consider that in your booking.
Kristy P.
We had 3 rooms for 4 nights & this hotel was ideal. Rooms were comfortable & nicely decorated (although no WiFi & could do with a few pegs / hooks). Snaps is a nice bar downstairs & we had a very nice lunch (great French onion soup) there as well as enjoying the cocktails. The booking process was good & the staff were helpful throughout
Kellan H.