Updated: December 11, 2023

Kindly note that we do not assist with table reservations. For reservations, please contact the restaurants directly. Thank you for your understanding!

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

Website - Book a table

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