Updated: December 11, 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, some restaurants 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 decided 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 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“.
Kaffi Loki – Confirmed
Cuisine: Traditional Icelandic. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Open:
24th December: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
25th December: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
26th December: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
31st December: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
1st January: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Website: loki.is
Pósthús Foodhall– Confirmed
Cuisine: Various food stands. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Menu: Only regular menu
Open: 31st December: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM, 1st January: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Closed: 24th, 25th, and 26th December
Salka Valka – Confirmed
Cuisine: Traditional Icelandic. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Open: 26th December: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM, 31st December: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Closed: 1st January
Booking: Via dineout, website, or email.
Email: sumac@sumac.is
Website: salkavalka.is
Sumac – Confirmed
Cuisine: Middle Eastern. Vegan and gluten-free options.
Cuisine: Regular & Set menu options
Open: 26th December
December 26h: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Closed: 24th, 25th, 26th, 31st December, and 1st Jan
Website: sumac.is
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
KRÖST – Confirmed
Cuisine: Only set menu. Vegan and gluten-free options.
Open: 26th December
December 26h: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Closed: 24th, 25th, 26th, 31st December, and 1st Jan
Website: krost.is
Forsetinn – Confirmed
Cuisine: Only set menu, Regular & Set menu options
Open:
24th & 25th December: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
26th December: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
31st December: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Closed: 1st January
Website: Forsetinncafe.is
Matarkjallarinn (Food Cellar) – Confirmed
Cuisine: Icelandic / International, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free friendly.
Open:
26th December: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM (the kitchen)
31st December: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM (only set menu)
1st January: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM (the kitchen)
Closed: 24th, 25th, and 26th December
Booking: Website, email, and phone +354 558 0000
Additional Info: Live Music on the piano all day from 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Website: www.matarkjallarinn.is
Kopar Restaurant – Confirmed
Cuisine: International. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Open:
24th & 25th December: 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
31st December: 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Closed: 26th December, 1st January
Website: www.koparrestaurant.is
Lóa Restaurant
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
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
Menu: Only regular menu
Open:
26th December: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
31st December: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
1st January: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Closed: 24th & 25th December
Website: fjallakonan.is Book a table
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 – Confirmed
Cuisine: Steakhouse. Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free
Open: 26th December: 5:30 PM to 1:00 AM, 31st December: 5:30 PM to 12:00 AM
Closed: 1st January
Website: www.rvkmeat.is Book a table
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.
Open:
26th December: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
31st December: Lunch from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Dinner, special menu only available through email
1st January: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Closed: 24th & 25th December
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 December: 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM (only for dinner)
26th December: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM (regular opening)
31st December: 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM (only for dinner)
1st January: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM (regular opening)
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
Hjá Jóni
Cuisine: Modern Icelandic. Vegan and gluten-free options.
Open: every day
December 24th, 25th and 31st guests can have dinner at 6 PM
Menu: Regular menu, set menu only 24th, 25th and 31st
Book here: Dineout | Hjá Jóni restaurant
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 – Confirmed
Cuisine: Pub food
Closed: 24th, 25th, and 31st December
Opening: 26th December
Specialty: Live music
Website: www.frederiksen.is
Book a table: +3545710055
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
Open: 26th December: 5:30 PM to 1:00 AM, 31st December: 5:30 PM to 12:00 AM
Closed: 1st January
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 Fusion. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options
Menu type: Regular & Set menu options
Open:26th December: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
31st December: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM & 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
1st January: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Closed: 24th & 25th December
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 & Set menu options
Open:
26th December: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
31st December: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
1st January: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Closed: 24th & 25th December
Website – Book a table
Lamb Street Food – Confirmed
Cuisine: Icelandic Fusion. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free friendly.
Menu: Regular menu.
Closed: 24th, 25th, 31 December & 1 January.
Opening: 26th December: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
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
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
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
