Updated: November 17, 2023
Hello everyone again, the holiday season is coming up soon, and we noticed that this post recently received a lot of traffic. Just for your information, we have now started updating the list of the restaurants that confirm the opening during the holidays, so if it’s marked Confirmed, you can trust the information and make the reservation directly with the restaurant. Some restaurants might respond later or even closer to the holiday time, we try to update the information as soon as we receive it from them. You might wonder why we don’t publish the confirmed list now, one of the main reasons is that restaurant owners have a hard time finding employees to work during the season. We know that everyone likes to stay at home and spend time with family during Christmas.
Christmas in Iceland is the most important holiday for Icelandic people. Around this time all banks, shops, and most restaurants shut down so people could spend quality time with their families and friends.
But what if you’re traveling to Iceland around that time and you want to have a pleasant Christmas dining experience?
Don’t worry, there are some restaurants that will be open around that time. The only thing you would have to do is to reserve it ahead of time.
To make it easier for you, we have contacted various restaurants and checked their opening times.
The following list includes those that will be open on Christmas Eve and the first day of Christmas. It also contains the list of restaurants that will be closed – so you won’t waste your time contacting them.
When it comes to food, most restaurants will have a special Christmas menu. Some of the restaurants have confirmed that they will serve vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. If you have some dietary restrictions, it is always good to let the restaurant know about them beforehand.
If you have already made a decision about which restaurant to go to around Christmas time or New Year’s Eve, make sure that you pre-book the table. The closer it gets to the date, the more difficult it will be to find availability.
This list will be updated on November 15, when we have the confirmations from the local restaurants.
The list includes restaurants that are open on 24, 25th, 26th, 31st December & 1 January. On other days in between restaurants have their usual opening times.
This list contains over 50 restaurants. Please note that most of the restaurants have not confirmed their opening hours yet. The ones that did are marked with “Confirmed“.
Fiskfélagið (Fish Company) – Confirmed
Cuisine: Seafood / International. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Closed: 24th and 25th December
Opening: 26th Dec and 1st Jan from 5 PM – 10:30, and from 5 PM – 9 PM on 31st December.
Website: www.fiskfelagid.is
Matarkjallarinn (Food Cellar) – Confirmed
Cuisine: Icelandic / International, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free friendly.
Closed: 24th and 25th December
Opening: 26th, 31st December, and 1st Jan – for dinner 5 PM – 10:30 PM
Website: www.matarkjallarinn.is
Kopar Restaurant – Confirmed
Cuisine: International. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Closed: 1st Jan
Opening: 24th & 25th and 31st (6 PM – 11:30 PM), 26th (5 PM – 10 PM)
Website: www.koparrestaurant.is
Lóa Restaurant – Confirmed
Cuisine: Modern Icelandic. Vegan and gluten-free options.
Open: 24th, 25th, 26th, 31st December, and 1st Jan
December 25th: Guests can choose to have dinner at 5 PM or 8 PM
December 26h: Guests can choose to have dinner at 5 PM or 8 PM
Menu: Only set menu on 31st December
Book here
Smokehouse
Cuisine: grill & pizza. Vegetarian & Gluten-free options.
Open: 24th & 25th – (5 PM to 9 PM) , 26th (11 AM – 9 PM), and 31st December (5 PM – 10 PM)
Closed: 1st January
Website: www.smokehouse.is
Perlan restaurant
Cuisine: Icelandic food. Vegetarian options.
Closed: 24th, 25th, 31st, and 1st January
Open: 26th from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Website: www.perlan.is/en-gb/veitingar
Nauthóll restaurant
Cuisine: Icelandic. Vegan & gluten-free options.
Closed: 24th, 25th, 31st, and 1st January
Open: 26th from 17:00
View website – Book a table
Jómfrúin Scandinavian kitchen – Confirmed
Cuisine: Scandinavian style
Close: 24th, 25th, and 1st January
Open:
- 26th from 12:00 to 22:00
- 30th from 12:00 to 22:00
- 31st from 11:00 – 13:30
Website: https://www.jomfruin.is/
Dill
Cuisine: Icelandic. Vegan & gluten-free options.
Close: 24th, 25th, 31st, and 1st January
Open: 26th from 17:00
Website: www.dill.is
Mathöll Hlemmur – Confirmed
Cuisine: Foodcourt with various options, veggie options
Closed: 24th, 25th, 31st December, and 1st January
Opened: 26th December
Website: www.hlemmurmatholl.is
Flame Restaurant– Confirmed
Cuisine: Japanese. Vegetarian and Vegan options
Menu: Christmas buffet
Closed: 24th December & 1st January
Opened: 25th & 31st Dec from 6 PM – 11 PM
Website: www.flamerestaurant.is
Bastard Brew & Food
Cuisine: Micro Brewery
Closed: None
Opened: Every day, open on 24th, 25th, and 31st December until 1:00 AM
Website: www.bastard.is
Grandi Mathöll
Cuisine: Foodcourt with various options, veggie options
Closed: Dec 24. – 26. and Dec 30. – Jan 02.
Opened: every other day
Website: www.grandimatholl.is
Matur og Drykkur
Cuisine: Icelandic. Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-free friendly.
Closed: 24, 25, 26, and 31st December
Open: 1st January (18:00 – 23:00)
Menu: Only set menu.
Website: www.maturogdrykkur.is
The Steakhouse Steikhús – Confirmed
Cuisine: Steak and BBQ
Menu type: Only set menus
Opening: 24, 25th & 31 Dec
Notes: Seating is only available either at 6 PM or 8:30 PM
Website – Book a table
Fjallakonan – Confirmed
Cuisine: International, vegetarian-friendly
Closed: 24th & 25th December
Opening: 26th and 31st
Website: www.fjallakonan.is
Finsson Bistro
Cuisine: Icelandic / International. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free friendly.
Closed: 24th, 25th, 31st December & 1 January.
Opening: 26th (11:30 – 21:00)
Website: www.finnssonbistro.is – Book a table
Pho Vietnamese Restaurant
Cuisine: Vietnamese Food
Opening: Everyday
Website: www.pho.is
Scandinavian Restaurant
Cuisine: Scandinavian
Closed : TBA
Opening TBA
Website: www.scandinavian.is
101 Street Food Reykjavík
Cuisine: Street food
Opening: Everyday
Website: www.101streetfood.is
Geiri Smart – Confirmed
Cuisine: Modern Icelandic
Opening: All days. Christmas menu. With the exception of the 24th of December, 25th of December, and the 31st of December only the set menu. On 24th, 25th & 31st only two reservations time are available: 5:30 pm & 8 pm.
Website: www.geirismart.is
Sky Lounge
Cuisine: International, vegetarian-friendly
Opening: 24th, 25th, and 31st December
Website: www.skylounge.is
VOX Brasserie – Confirmed
Cuisine: Scandinavian a la carté. Vegan, Vegetarian, and Gluten-free options.
Menu type: Regular and set menus
Opening: Every day from 11:30 AM to 11 PM
Website – Book a table
Íslenski Barinn – Confirmed
Cuisine: International. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options.
Menu: Standard
Closed: 24th, 25th December
Opening: 26th Dec & 1st Jan 5 PM – 11 PM. 31 Dec 11:30 AM – 11 PM
Book a table: via postur@islenskibarinn.is or calling +3545176767
Forréttabarinn – Confirmed
Cuisine: International. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free are friendly.
Closed: 24th & 25th December
Open: 26th (4 PM – 10 PM) – a la carte, 31 December (5 PM – 10 PM), and 1st January (5 PM – 10 PM).
Menu: Set menu and single dishes. Only set menu on 31st December,
Website: www.forrettabarinn.is – Book a table
Ráðagerði Restaurant- Confirmed
Cuisine: Pizza
Closed: 25th December
Open: 24th, 31st December, and 1st Jan
Book here:
Jörgensen Kitchen & Bar – Confirmed
Cuisine: International. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
Opening: Every day from 11:30 AM – 12 AM (kitchen closes 10 PM)
Menu: Regular menu on all days except the 24, 25, and 31st of December where we will be having a buffet only.
Website: www.jorgensenkitchen.com
Book a table: jorgensenmanager@centerhotels.com
Grillmarket (Grillmarkaður)
Cuisine: Steakhouse. Vegan, Vegetarian, and gluten-free friendly.
Menu: Regular and set menu
Closed: 24th December
Opening: Open for dinner on 25th, 26th, and 31st December & 1st January (18:00 – 23:00)
Website: www.grillmarkadurinn.is
Reykjavík Meat
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Closed: 24th December
Opening: 26th, 31st December and 1st January – for dinner
Website: www.rvkmeat.is
Primo
Cuisine: Italian & International
Closed: 24th & 25th December
Opening: 26th, 31st December, and 1st January – for dinner (17:00 – 22:00)
Website: www.primo.is
Apótek Restaurant
Cuisine: Scandinavian a la carté
Closed: 24th December
Opening: 25th and 31st December – for dinner
Website: www.apotekrestaurant.is
Steikhúsið – Confirmed
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Opening: 24th, 25th December, and 31st December
Website: www.steik.is
Sæta Svínið Gastropub – Confirmed
Cuisine: International. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Closed: 24th & 25th December
Open: 26th, 31st December & 1st January (5:30 PM – 10 PM)
Website: www.saetasvinid.is – Book a table
Icelandic Fish and Chips
Cuisine: Seafood
Opening:24th, 25th, and 31st December
Between 11:30 – 18:30 on 31st December
Website: www.fishandchips.is
Reykjavik Fish
Cuisine: Fish and Chips
Closed: 25th, 31st December
Opening: 24th (11:00 – 15:00), 26th December (11:00 – 22:00) and 1st January (11:00 – 22:00)
Website: www.reykjavikfish.is
American Bar
Cuisine: American style
Closed: 24th December
Opening: 25th and 31st December
Website: www.americanbar.is
Hard Rock Café
Cuisine: American Style
Closed: 25 and 31st December
Opening: 24, 26th, and 31st December
Website: www.hardrock.com/reykjavik
Tapas Barinn – Confirmed
Cuisine: Spanish tapas/ Icelandic
Closed: 24th, 25th December
Opening: 31st December & 1st January (17:00 – 22:45)
Website: www.tapas.is
Old Iceland Restaurant – Confirmed
Cuisine: Icelandic. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options
Menu type: Regular and set menu options
Opening: 24th, 25th & 31st Dec 5 – 10 PM, 1st Jan 11:30 AM – 10 PM
Website – Book a table
Höfnin – Confirmed
Cuisine: Icelandic / International. Vegan, Vegetarian, and Gluten-free options
Menu: Regular & set menus
Closed: 24th, 25th, 31 st December, and 1st Jan
Opening: 26th Dec from 5:30 PM – 10 PM
Website: www.hofnin.is
Fishmarket
Cuisine: Seafood.
Closed: 24th & 25th December
Opening: 26th and 31st December & 1st January – 17:00 – 23:00
Food: Only set menu
Website: www.fishmarket.is
Kol Restaurant – Confirmed
Cuisine: International. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Closed: 24th, 25th December
Menu: Regular & set menu options
Opening: 26th, 31st December, and 1st January (from 5:30 PM – 10 pm)
Website: www.kolrestaurant.is – Book a table
Culiacan
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Closed: 24th, 25th December & 1st January
Opening: 26th (11 AM – 9 PM) & 31st December(12 PM – 8 PM)
Website: www.culiacan.is
Rio Reykjavik
Cuisine: South American
Closed: TBA
Opening: TBA
Website: www.rioreykjavik.is
Sushi Social
Cuisine: Brazilian/ Japanese
Closed: 24th and 25th December
Opening: 26th and 31st December – for dinner
Website: www.sushisocial.is
Slippbarinn – Confirmed
Cuisine: International. Vegan and Vegetarian options.
Menu: Regular & set menus
Opening: 24th, 25th from 6 PM – 10 PM, 26th 3 PM – 11 PM, 31st Dec 1 PM – 3 PM & 6 PM – 11:30 PM. 1st Jan 3 PM – 11 PM
Website – Book a table
Reykjavik Kitchen – Confirmed
Cuisine: Icelandic. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Closed: 24th and 25th December.
Open: 26th and 31st December and 1st January from 5 PM – 10 PM.
Website: www.reykjavikkitchen.is
Book a table: https://www.dineout.is/reykjavikkitchen
Konsúlat dining room
Cuisine: Modern Icelandic. Vegan and gluten-free options.
Open: 24th, 25th, 26th, 31st December, and 1st Jan
December 25th: Guests can choose to have dinner at 6 PM or 10 PM
December 26h: Guests can choose to have dinner at 6 PM or 10 PM
Menu: Regular and set menus. Only set menu on 31st.
Book here: www.dineout.is/konsulat?isolation=true&lng=is
Shanghai restaurant – Confirmed
Cuisine: Chinese food.
Open: Dec 24th, 25th, 26th, 31st, and Jan 1st – 11:30 AM – 10 PM
Website: www.shanghai.is
Haust restaurant – Confirmed
Cuisine: Modern Icelandic. Vegan and gluten-free options.
Menu: Brunch & buffet
Closed: 26th December
Open: 24th, 25th, 31st December, and 1st January. Lunch: 11:30 AM – 2 PM, Dinner: 6 PM – 10 PM
Book here: www.haustrestaurant.is/en/big-american-christmas-buffet/christmas-and-new-years-rates
Héðinn Restaurant
Cuisine: Modern Icelandic
Opened: 24 Dec – bookings available at 17:30 and 20:30, 25 Dec table bookings available at 17:30 and 20:30. On 26th Dec regular opening hours & 31sr Dec available at 17:30 and 20:30
Website: www.hedinnrestaurant.is
Sjávargrillið – Confirmed
Cuisine: A la carté (seafood). Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Closed: 24th, 25th December
Menu: On December 31st we are only serving a 4-course set menu.
Open: 26th, 31st December & 1st January – (5:30 PM – 10 PM)
Website: www.sjavargrillid.is
Book a table: www.dineout.is/sjavargrillid
Frederiksen Ale House
Cuisine: Pub food
Closed: 24th, 25th, and 31st December
Opening: 26th December
Website: www.frederiksen.is
Messinn – Lækjargata
Cuisine: Icelandic
Closed: 24th, 25th, and 31st December
Open: 26th December and 1st Jan – for dinner
Website: www.messinn.com
Duck and Rose – Confirmed
Cuisine: International. Vegan, vegetarian, and Gluten-free options
Menu type: Regular, except on 31st Dec & 1st Jan only set menus
Closed: 24th and 25th December
Opening: 26th, 31th December, and 1st Jan 5 PM – 10 PM
Website: www.duckandrose.is
Snaps
Cuisine: International
Closed: 24th, 25st December & 1st January
Opening: 26th & 31 December – for dinner
On New Year’s Eve, they are serving Gala dinner, the house opens at 6 PM.
Website: www.snaps.is
Hereford Steikhús
Cuisine: Steak and BBQ
Closed: 24th, 31st December
Opening: 25th, 26th December and 1st January
Website: www.hereford.is
RVK Meat by Maison – Confirmed
Cuisine: Steakhouse Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options
Menu type: Regular and set menus
Closed: 24-26th Dec & 1st Jan
Opening: 31st December from 5 PM – 1 AM
Notes: Groups of more than 8 people have to go for a 3-course menu. New Year’s Eve is only possible to book by email and Only a Set Menu is Available of 4 courses.
Website – Book a table
Monkeys – Confirmed
Cuisine: Peruvian & Japanese
Menu type: Regular
Closed: 24th, 25th and 31 Dec
Opening: 26th Dec & 1st Jan from 12 PM – 10 PM
Website – Book a table
Public House – Confirmed
Cuisine: Japanese, Tapas, Bar, Brunch, Great for Brunch, Dinner, Sushi, Happy Hour
Menu type: Regular
Closed: 24 & 25th Dec
Opening: 26th, 31st Dec, and 1st Jan from 5 PM – 11 PM
Book a table
Tres Locos – Confirmed
Cuisine: Mexican
Menu type: Regular
Closed: 24 & 25th Dec
Opening: 26th & 31st Dec from 5 PM – 11 PM
Website – Book a table
Lamb Street Food
Cuisine: Icelandic Fusion. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free friendly.
Menu: Regular and set menu.
Closed: 24th, 25th, 31 December & 1 January.
Opening: 26th (11:30 – 21:00).
Website: www.lambstreetfood.is
Pho Vietnam
Cuisine: Asian
Menu: Regular and set menu.
Open: 24th, 25th, 26th, 31 December & 1 January.
Website
Restaurants open during Christmas in the countryside
Þrastalundur Restaurant – on the Golden Circle route – Confirmed
Cuisine: Icelandic
Menu type: Regular
Closed: 25th December
Opening:
- 24. December: 11:00-15:00
- 26th – 30th: 11:00-21:00
- 31st desember 11:00-15:00
- 1sth Jan 11:00-21:00
Láki Harbour Café – in Grundafjordur – Confirmed
Cuisine: International
Menu: Regular
Opening hours:
24, 25, and 26 December, from 8:30 to 13 and 17-21.
27, 28 December, from 8:30 to 13 and 18-21.
31 December, from 8:30 to 13 and 17 to 21.
Website – Book a table
