Best Places for Food and Drink on the Golden Circle

Time to read: 5-7 min | Tags: food, drinks, café, culinary, bistro, snacks.

Best Places for Food and Drink on the Golden Circle

Few things elevate a road trip quite like delicious food—and along Iceland’s Golden Circle, the culinary experience is as rewarding as the landscapes themselves. Between the famous waterfalls and geothermal fields, you’ll find farm-to-table restaurants and countryside cafés where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the scent of moss and rain. From homegrown lamb and freshly caught Arctic char to homemade rye bread baked in the ground, the Golden Circle reveals an authentic taste of Iceland—rustic, pure, and deeply satisfying.

Friðheimar

A stop at Friðheimar offers something genuinely unique on the Golden Circle. Located in Reykholt (in Bláskógabyggð), this greenhouse restaurant focuses entirely on tomatoes grown on-site using geothermal heat. The menu features a range of tomato-based dishes—from soups and pasta to fresh salads and stews—all made with tomatoes farmed inside the greenhouse. The setting is relaxed and bright, giving visitors a glimpse into Icelandic greenhouse farming in action. Guests can also sample Friðheimar’s homemade tomato juice or purchase their homemade sauces, chutneys, and jams to take home. It’s a popular stop that showcases sustainable Icelandic food culture in a simple, authentic way. Reservations are highly recommended; they should be made beforehand.

Vínstofan

Hidden among the tomato vines and warm glow of Friðheimar’s historic greenhouses lies a charming little haven—the Wine Lounge. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, sink into a comfortable chair, and savor a glass of wine surrounded by the scent of earth and greenery. Stop by for lunch or dinner, meet friends for a relaxed drink, or bring your laptop and let inspiration flow. No need to book ahead unless you’re arriving with a group of more than six. It’s easy to lose track of time here with a glass of wine in hand and Icelandic nature just outside the window.

Geysir Restaurant – Hotel Geysir

For those seeking a refined dining experience on the Golden Circle, the restaurant at Hotel Geysir is a standout choice. Centered on Icelandic ingredients, it serves everything from tender lamb to fresh seafood. The à la carte menu features dishes such as Icelandic fish stew and grilled lamb, while the tasting menu presents smaller portions that highlight local flavors. A carefully curated wine list complements the food perfectly, making this restaurant an excellent stop for anyone who appreciates thoughtful cuisine.

Glíma Restaurant & Geysir Bistro – Geysir Center

At the Geysir Center, Glíma Restaurant focuses on Icelandic ingredients and simple cooking—fresh fish, lamb, soups, and daily specials. Three kinds of soup are served each day, with bread baked on-site. Geysir Bistro, located within the same complex, is a fast-service restaurant that has a more contemporary feel and serves lighter dishes, coffee, and drinks throughout the day.

Gullfoss Café

Just a short stroll from the roaring Gullfoss waterfall, Gullfoss Café offers a simple yet satisfying stop on the Golden Circle. Warm soups, hearty sandwiches, and homemade cakes make it an inviting place to pause after exploring the falls—and the traditional Icelandic lamb soup here is especially tasty. It’s a straightforward, welcoming café, perfect for a quick bite and a moment of warmth before continuing your journey.

Efstidalur Farm

Located between Laugarvatn and Geysir, Efstidalur II is a family-run farm that gives visitors a direct taste of rural Iceland. The restaurant serves dishes made with ingredients produced on-site, including dairy and beef. Guests can enjoy homemade ice cream made from the farm’s own milk, which comes in unique flavors like honey and cinnamon, rhubarb, and chocolate, as well as traditional Icelandic meals served with a view of the stables below. With its simple, genuine atmosphere and charming countryside setting, Efstidalur II offers travelers an authentic glimpse of Icelandic farm life and a memorable stop along the Golden Circle.

Ölverk Pizza & Brewery

In the geothermal town of Hveragerði, Ölverk Pizza & Brewery has become a popular stop for travelers on the Golden Circle. The restaurant serves wood-fired pizzas alongside its craft beers, brewed on-site with geothermal energy. Each pizza is made with high-quality Icelandic ingredients and features both classic and inventive toppings—from a simple Margherita to bold seasonal creations. Ölverk combines excellent food, character, and a touch of local ingenuity, making it a rewarding stop after a day of exploring.

Hvönn Restaurant – Skálholt

Located near the historical Skálholt Cathedral, Hvönn Restaurant offers a warm and inviting ambiance that blends traditional Icelandic flavors with contemporary cooking techniques. Lamb, seafood, and root vegetables take center stage in their dishes, all of which are sourced locally. From fresh fish to smoked lamb, the flavors here capture the essence of Icelandic cuisine. Skálholt is a wonderful place to enjoy authentic Icelandic cuisine with a twist, along with regional beers and spirits.

Lindin Restaurant

Set by the shores of Lake Laugarvatn, Lindin Restaurant offers locally inspired Icelandic dishes. The menu highlights ingredients from the surrounding area. From fresh fish to smoked lamb and reindeer burgers to homemade desserts, the flavors here capture the essence of Icelandic cuisine. With its calm setting and focus on simple, well-prepared food, Lindin offers a genuine taste of the countryside along the Golden Circle.

Mjólkurbúið

Once the town’s working dairy, Mjólkurbúið Mathöll has been transformed into a vibrant food hall in the center of Selfoss. Inside, visitors can explore a mix of small restaurants and bars showcasing the region’s ingredients and culinary talent. The atmosphere is lively but relaxed—a popular gathering place for locals and travelers to enjoy good food, craft drinks, and a taste of South Iceland’s growing food scene. Just a short detour from the Golden Circle, it’s an effortless and rewarding stop for anyone heading through Selfoss.

Mika Restaurant – Reykholt

In the small village of Reykholt, Mika Restaurant offers a distinctive blend of gourmet dining and artisanal chocolate-making. Known for its creative dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, the restaurant serves Icelandic lamb, seafood, and homemade pasta alongside its signature handmade chocolates and desserts. The atmosphere is warm and personal, with attentive service that reflects the restaurant’s family-run roots. Mika is a rewarding stop on the Golden Circle for anyone who appreciates thoughtful food and a touch of indulgence.

Farmers Bistro

Situated in Flúðir, Farmers Bistro is located on the grounds of a mushroom farm, Flúðasveppir. The menu is centered around mushrooms and vegetables grown on-site: think mushroom soup and courses, homemade breads, and inventive vegetable dishes. For visitors curious about food production, the restaurant also offers farm tours of the mushroom cabins and greenhouses. It’s a memorable stop to explore Icelandic agriculture through dining, blending local ingredients with a fresh, focused concept.

Græna Kannan – Organic Café

At Sólheimar Eco-Village, one of Iceland’s oldest sustainable communities, Græna Kannan Café serves wholesome, organic food made from locally grown ingredients. The café is known for its vegetarian and vegan options, freshly baked bread, soups, and cakes prepared in harmony with the village’s eco-friendly philosophy. Surrounded by greenhouses and artisan workshops, it offers a peaceful atmosphere that reflects Sólheimar’s focus on sustainability and community living. Græna Kannan Café is a meaningful stop on the Golden Circle—a place to enjoy honest food and a glimpse of Iceland’s pioneering environmental culture.

Kaffi Krús Bistro

Housed in one of the oldest buildings in Selfoss town, Kaffi Krús is a charming café and restaurant loved for its homely feel and hearty dishes. The menu features comfort food, from freshly baked cakes and pizzas to soups and fish courses. Warm lighting, wooden beams, and friendly service give the place a welcoming character that feels both local and familiar.