The East Fjords are known for their sweeping landscapes, calm scenic fjords, and picturesque tiny fishing villages. Supplement your explorations with delicious meals made with local ingredients from the waters and land.
Local Icelandic culinary traditions offer a delightful array of flavors, with fresh fish soup leading the charge, followed closely by the hearty goodness of roasted lamb and reindeer. For those with a penchant for seafood, lobster and langoustines are absolute must-tries. On those undeniably harsh winter days, when the Icelandic winds howl outside, there’s nothing quite like finding a cozy haven in a small café nestled within a tiny village. Picture yourself warming up with freshly baked cakes and a steaming cup of coffee, a truly comforting experience. To truly immerse yourself in the authentic tastes of Iceland, consider exploring the East Fjords, a region brimming with local culinary gems. Here are some of the very best places to experience a local taste of Iceland’s East Fjords, guaranteeing a memorable gastronomic journey.
Beyond the allure of delectable meals, the East Fjords region offers a wealth of natural beauty. Be sure to carve out time in your itinerary to visit the many scenic stops between Egilsstadir and Vik. The landscapes are dramatic, the views are breathtaking, and the memories created will last a lifetime. It’s a journey that combines culinary delight with stunning scenery.
Restaurants and Cafes in Egilsstaðir offer a variety of choices for any visitor.
**Eldhúsið Restaurant at Lake Hotel Egilsstadir (Gistihúsið)**
*Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner*
The renowned Restaurant Eldhúsið, an integral part of the Gistihúsið Lake Hotel, prides itself on serving only the freshest and most exquisite traditional meals. These culinary creations are prepared in a contemporary style, emphasizing the use of locally-sourced organic ingredients. The talented and passionate chefs are committed to utilizing only the highest quality, seasonal ingredients that the East Fjords has to offer. This includes the finest dairy and succulent meat sourced directly from the farm located conveniently next door. Undoubtedly, the most popular and highly recommended item on the menu is the “Farm Food Direct” experience, a meticulously crafted three-course meal that showcases the very best of local produce. Indulge in the flavors of the region with this unforgettable dining experience.
Hours of operation are as follows:
* Breakfast: 7 am – 10 am
* Lunch: 11:30 am – 5 pm
* Dinner: 6 pm – 10 pm
**Cafe Nielsen**
*Lunch, Dinner*
Nestled within one of Egilsstaðir’s oldest houses, which also happens to be one of its most beautiful architectural gems, you’ll discover the delightful Cafe Nielsen. This family-run restaurant has been consistently delighting guests with its warm hospitality and exceptional cuisine for over two decades. Immerse yourself in the flavors of local Icelandic cuisine, with a menu that boasts dishes like reindeer, fresh fish, succulent lamb, delectable lobster, comforting soups, and a variety of vegetarian options. All of this is served within the ambiance of a traditional house setting, creating an unforgettable dining experience. Come and savor the taste of Iceland at Cafe Nielsen.
**Hours:**
* Mon-Tue: 11am – 6pm
* Wed-Fri: 11 am- 10pm
* Sat: 12pm – 10pm
* Sun: closed
Restaurants and Cafes in Borgarfjörður Eystri provide a taste of local life.
**Álfacafé**
The friendly and welcoming Álfacafé in Bakkagerði serves as both a local hangout and the primary establishment in town for those seeking a delightful meal or refreshing beverage. Whether you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying dish, or simply a light snack to tide you over, Álfacafé has something to suit your tastes. For larger meals, be sure to try the flavorful fish soup, accompanied by traditional flatbreads. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, indulge in a selection of cakes, waffles, coffee, hot chocolate, or other delightful drinks. Álfacafé is open from May until mid-October, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
Restaurants and Cafes in Seydisfjordur are sure to please.
**Kaffi Lára El Grillo Bar**
*Lunch, Dinner, Drinks*
This local, neighborhood bar is a gem of Seydisfjordur, providing a fantastic space to while away some time. It’s the perfect place to meet and mingle with the friendly locals, savor a delicious meal, and sample some of the local beers. Kaffi Lára boasts an impressive selection of 20 local beers, including the aptly named “El Grillo,” a brew specially crafted for this very bar. Seydisfjordur is a small town with a big heart, and the locals often gather at Kaffi Lára in the evenings to chat and unwind after a long day. During the summer months, the bar fires up the barbecue in the back, adding to the lively atmosphere. Don’t forget to ask the bartender to share stories of Lara, a local legend for whom the bar is named.
**Hours:**
* Sun-Thur: 11:30am – 1am
* Fri-Sat: 11:30am – 3:30am
**Nordic Restaurant**
*Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Coffee*
The Nordic Restaurant draws inspiration from a diverse range of culinary traditions, incorporating influences from French, Danish, and Italian cuisines alongside traditional Icelandic dishes. This fusion of flavors creates a unique and unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant prides itself on using only the freshest ingredients, with fish caught daily by local fishermen and vegetables and lamb sourced locally. At lunchtime, guests can indulge in a buffet spread, featuring a tempting array of dishes. Delicious pastries, cakes, and coffee are available throughout the day, making the Nordic Restaurant the perfect place to satisfy any craving.
**Skaftfell Bistro**
*Late Lunch, Dinner*
Located a little past the harbor in Seydisfjordur, Skaftfell Bistro beckons with its tantalizing array of pizzas, cakes, sweets, coffee, beer, and wine. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Skaftfell Bistro has something to satisfy your cravings. It’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the charming atmosphere of Seydisfjordur.
Austurvegur 42 710 Seyðisfjörður
**Hours:**
* Mon – Fri: 3pm – 9pm
* Sat – Sun: 2pm – 9pm
Restaurants and Cafes in Djúpivogur are hidden treasures.
**Restaurant Framtíð**
*Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner*
Nestled within the original 1904 building of the Framtíð Hotel, near the Djúpivogur harbor, you’ll discover the inviting Restaurant Framtíð. As you settle into your seat, gaze out the window and admire the picturesque view of fishing boats bobbing gently in the water, with the majestic mountains looming in the distance across the fjord. The restaurant’s specialty, and undoubtedly its most popular dish, is the fresh catch of the day, which may include cod, trout, halibut, haddock, or redfish, depending on the day’s bounty. In addition to the fresh fish, the menu also features an assortment of appetizers and other delectable main courses, such as succulent roast lamb and flavorful langoustines.
**Hours:**
Summer season (June – August)
* Breakfast: 7am-9:30am
* Lunch: 12pm-3pm
* Dinner: 6pm-9pm
Winter season (September – May)
* Breakfast: 8am – 9:30am
* Lunch: 12pm – 2pm
* Dinner: 6pm – 8:30pm
**Langabúð Cafe**
*Lunch, Coffee*
If you are looking for a light meal, snack, or coffee, head to Langabúð cafe. The Cafe is in the oldest building in Djupivogur (1790), which is also home to a cultural center and museum where you can learn more about the life of a local artist and the area. In the cafe, you can enjoy soups, bread, smoked salmon and lamb, coffee, and cakes. They also offer vegan and gluten-free options, as well as local Icelandic beers, catering to a variety of dietary preferences.
Restaurants and Cafes in Höfn provide a taste of local seafood.
**Pakkhus Restaurant**
*Lunch, Dinner*
This relatively new restaurant, Pakkhus Restaurant, occupies a converted warehouse building situated by the Höfn Harbor. Here, you can savor a wide range of delectable fresh seafood dishes, all locally caught. The menu features an impressive selection, including fresh fish, lobsters, and langoustines, which are particularly popular. Other enticing options include flavorful fish soup, succulent lamb, salted cod, duck & pork dishes, and even a unique langoustine pizza. If you still have room after your main course, be sure to indulge in a taste of the delicious Skyr Volcano for dessert. To complement your meal, try the local beer, Vatnajökull, which is brewed using water sourced from the region’s glaciers.
**Hours:** Daily from 12pm – 9pm
B-1171