Top Akureyri Food & Drink Spots: A Delicious Guide

Akureyri, sometimes it’s viewed as the “Capital of the North” in Iceland, boasts some seriously cool scenery and a food scene that’s actually getting a lot of attention these days, a perfect location for a delightful food adventure. Now, whether you’re after some pretty outstanding traditional Icelandic eats or perhaps some global tastes, Akureyri really seems to have something up its sleeve that hits the spot. We are gonna check out some truly amazing places that, in some respects, should make your stomach pretty thrilled when you swing by.

Strikið Restaurant: Dining with a View

Strikið, it often shows up as one of the shining stars in Akureyri’s restaurant offerings, and for good reason. You’ll find that this establishment, which in a way is placed right in the center of town on the top floor, presents what you might describe as really amazing panoramic views of the fjord and the city itself, especially panoramic views of the fjord. Is that super amazing or what? You should totally ask for a window table, since they tend to give you that extra bit of visual feast alongside what I consider their delicious menu.

Their menu, now, seems to focus, perhaps mostly on Icelandic and international fusion cuisine. So you can see dishes that apparently make use of fresh, seasonal ingredients, so too you should anticipate flavorful masterpieces. First, their seafood dishes—things like the pan-fried cod or even the arctic char—apparently get some major kudos for being super delicious and served just right. For those really interested in some meat, the lamb dishes I think are rather good, sometimes with some cool Icelandic twists. To be honest, they’re usually tender and taste amazing, in that case maybe it’s best to try them.

Their desserts? Do they matter? Of course they matter, and that, you know, Strikið, I feel, pulls out some pretty impressive stops. Maybe the skyr cake tends to be something people chatter about—it’s really light, somewhat tangy, and definitely screams Iceland, like your favorite song on repeat. Anyway, you should probably end your meal just like that. By the way, Strikið’s cocktail options often complement the food quite handsomely. Is that their drinks list? So they always create unique mixtures, which often spotlight some local Icelandic spirits.

Rub23: Sushi with an Icelandic Twist

Alright, so you really want sushi with a kind of Nordic nudge? Like it sounds rather odd. Yet, Rub23 kinda hits it right, actually sitting on Kaupvangsstræti. Is that a pretty cool spot to hang in Akureyri? The spot seems to win prizes for mixing Icelandic ingredients in what could be some really novel sushi rolls. It’s actually pretty tasty if you ask me, in some respects something to try if you dig sushi but are really hoping for a local slant, local twist on foods.

Their menu? So, it includes a super cool blend of sushi, maki, and grilled goodies, using some incredibly fresh Icelandic fish like salmon, trout, and, alright, even some puffin in certain recipes (seasonal only, please). Maybe I like the “Arctic char maki” when that happens, or the salmon nigiri. They really often nail that balance that exists somewhere between that familiar sushi vibe and the totally fresh Icelandic taste. Do you like grilled meals? Alright, they’ve actually got some excellent seafood and meat from the grill—certainly that’s something you can try should raw fish not really ring your bells.

Rub23 is very popular thanks to its crazy awesome food, plus they have a kinda buzzy atmosphere and I’m thinking, great drinks. Did you see those spices, anyway? Their spice blends aren’t only what I call ingredients—they’re what apparently bring to the cooking that memorable kick, so that’s kinda their namesake, very Rub23. And clearly they don’t miss the mark. In short, get there! Enjoy!

Bryggjan Brugghús: A Brewpub by the Harbor

Now, imagine chilling in Akureyri harbor and wanting, perhaps, to find a cozy pub? That, Bryggjan Brugghús kind of wins. Apparently it’s known far and wide as the very first microbrewery found in Iceland and it actually dishes out fantastic brews as well as some seriously soul-happy comfort grub, great pub comfort food.

Want some of their brews? That’s where the spot becomes extremely good, as they seem to come in all shades. Maybe you like lighter ales or bolder stouts—this place seems to have something for all beer taste levels. Do you sample their local beers? Right now I feel you should absolutely aim towards “Sæla” (Happy) when it shows up—it gives a smooth Icelandic experience. First, if suds simply don’t really ring your bells, this place apparently also mixes wicked cocktails. It’s that something you may want to consider? Anyway it feels very chill and smooth. I enjoy it and perhaps you too?

Their meals, well, Bryggjan doesn’t mess around, serving exactly what they brand “gastropub food”. Basically, it goes pretty nicely with all the brewed stuff there. That, what you gotta dig on seems their burger, the fish and chips meal and mussels cooked in brew—apparently that’s a hit around there. Oh, also: live gigs over there can be extremely good, particularly across those milder months! Very Icelanding thing to say? I find it cool!

Te & Kaffi: Cozy Cafe Culture

Want to find that favorite go-to spot? You know: for what they call the amazing coffee experience or cozying yourself somewhere chill, maybe to read stuff, then just know that Akureyri does give you this option! Often, a very cool stop would totally seem to be at Te & Kaffi—that coffee house that apparently pops up pretty well all across Iceland. And there, expect tasty brews plus loads of Icelandic warmth!

What drinks might tempt you? I kinda like that you can snag a great cup from a straightforward, long black to what can appear to be more “spiffed-up” lattes. Are you kind of watching out for Icelandic-brand stuff? Usually they show up, showcasing things you simply won’t snag elsewhere, something they call a real “Icelandic cup,” or just to kick it, to hang, or what not, grab a coffee to get cozy. Are you the “tea” guy (or girl)? So, tons to explore there as well! In the main, pretty solid picks abound!

You aren’t digging drinks? Like eating is also key! Often you find simple light snacks, to boot! Want, apparently, that crazy-famous Icelandic “skyr?” To be frank, try this there if nothing has yet grabbed you so far, since that should prove delightful—it just shows to exemplify why that Te & Kaffi shop makes all such amazing and cozy feelings in Akureyri.

Bautinn Restaurant: A Taste of Iceland

And now, about sampling real local foods; so Bautinn usually crops up in food chats round Akureyri; and what’s this all about? I am thinking it all boils down to their real goal, which seemingly remains: dishing some real classics native-wise while they kick that super pleasant sensation round back as visitors chow there. Now this? Just see Kaupvangsstræti once more; because that way it probably works great!

So the stuff being sold often seems pretty awesome (maybe like all classic recipes can prove in Akureyri!). You see things going right back to the soup as “kötusúpa?” Anyway, like with this dish here I truly guess you taste lamb and also loads of vegetable material combined into just what grandma in Iceland had used when cooking, really! Really you can explore super delicious fish when doing that? Apparently that often is what happens and that you have all the freedom, since most just get really jazzed, maybe digging in deep and trying super “fishy” meals done so well. Anyway this shows how things actually operate with meals served about!

Then that desert! They give one to the customers, basically with crazy nice and really great foods that end their meals! Maybe you like them, in fact; possibly the spot ends up seeming kinda “no-nonsense”. Really and honestly—you eat up, simply know just that a classic old dish looks all prepared well! Actually for just knowing “meal land” inside all this then? Do plan toward that time whenever close towards Bautinn!