Dinner, stay away places - tourist traps
Apotek
Apotekið looks elegant but disappoints. Tables are crammed too close together, creating a crowded atmosphere, and the focus feels more on tourist turnover than quality. The food was only average, portions small, and prices excessive. Overall, it comes across as a greedy tourist spot rather than a true dining experience.
Ducks and Roses
Ducks and Roses was extremely disappointing. Service was painfully slow, the dishes lacked quality, and the prices were outrageously high for what was served. It felt like a typical tourist trap designed to cash in on location rather than deliver value. Reykjavík has far better places worth your evening.
Tapas barinn
Tapas Barinn was a letdown. The service felt inexperienced, with kids working for minimum wage, and the dishes were sloppy rather than refined. Portions were small, prices high, and the overall experience disappointing. It felt more like a cash-grab for tourists than a restaurant offering quality or authenticity.
Sæta Svínið
Sæta Svínið was a disappointment. Yet another tourist trap with untrained kids running the service, creating a chaotic and unprofessional atmosphere. The menu offered little beyond overpriced burgers and basic food, leaving no sense of quality or authenticity. Reykjavík has far better options than wasting an evening here..
Fjallkonan
Fjallkonan was underwhelming. Yet another tourist trap with untrained kids running the service and overpriced burgers on the menu. Their attempt at pasta was at best mediocre, yet charged at full price. The experience felt inauthentic and poor value. Reykjavík offers far better dining choices than this disappointing spot.
Sushi Social
Sushi Social was a disappointment. Service felt unprofessional, with teenagers running the floor, and the atmosphere seemed outdated. The food offered little value for the high price, leaving the experience feeling highly overrated. Reykjavík has far better dining options, and this one simply does not live up to its reputation.
Höfnin
Höfnin feels like a typical tourist trap—overpriced, underwhelming, and lacking authenticity. The food quality is questionable, and I personally know of two separate instances where diners suffered food poisoning after eating there. With so many genuine restaurants in Reykjavík, this spot is best avoided if you value your evening.
Most of the places on the busy tourist street
The best restaurants in Reykjavík rarely sit on the busiest tourist streets or squares. While those central spots often lure visitors with bright signs and familiar menus, they tend to prioritize foot traffic over quality. In contrast, truly memorable dining experiences are usually found just off the main drag, where chefs focus on ingredients, creativity, and atmosphere rather than quick turnover. Locals know to wander a little further, down side streets or into converted houses, where passion and authenticity thrive. Good food is worth the extra steps—it’s where Reykjavík’s culinary heart truly beats.
There are few exclusion from this rule and you find them under the Dinner page.