A Foodie’s Walk: Old Harbor to Harpa

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The walk from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor to Harpa is just a five-minute stroll along the waterfront, packed with a plethora of eateries. Let’s cover some of the best restaurants near Harpa and throughout this compact capital city. This isn’t a comprehensive guide to every restaurant in Reykjavik; these are places you can actually reach on foot without detouring too far from the area.

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Starting Point: Grandi Food Hall

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If you’re starting in the Old Harbor, Grandi Food Hall is a great stop; it’s a food hall that sits in a converted fish processing facility with massive windows overlooking the harbor. The industrial vibe includes high ceilings, communal wooden tables, and the open plan makes it feel spacious. What makes Grandi perfect for groups is the variety. You’ve got several food vendors under one roof, ranging from Korean cuisine to fish & chips to traditional Icelandic dishes. Everyone orders what they want and meets at the communal tables. 

Harbor Views: Kopar Restaurant

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Right on the water at Geirsgata 3, Kopar delivers what you came to Iceland for: exceptional seafood with harbor views. The name means “copper” in Icelandic, and the 

menu changes with what’s available, but expect dishes built around Icelandic fish like Arctic char, cod, halibut, plus lamb and seasonal vegetables. This is the kind of place where locals bring visiting friends to show off Reykjavik’s food scene. Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner, as the harbor-view window seats book up fast.

Exceptional Coffee at Reykjavik Röst

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Sometimes you just need excellent coffee and maybe a delicious pastry while you’re after something light. That’s Reykjavik Röst, a harborside cafe that’s become a local favorite. The coffee is legitimately good, and their hot chocolate has a dedicated following. The pastries and light snacks are solid. What makes Röst work is the harbor view combined with the casual atmosphere. You can grab something quick or sit for a while to appreciate the view. 

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The Old Guard: Kaffivagninn

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Kaffivagninn is one of the city’s oldest restaurants, and it hasn’t gotten old. Located right in the Old Harbor, it still serves the hearty, no-nonsense food that has kept fishing crews fed since 1935. This is authentic Icelandic food without pretension. You can expect fish balls, fish stew, plokkfiskur (a traditional fish-and-potato dish), and lamb soup. These are dishes that prioritize substance over style. Tourists are welcome, but you’ll eat alongside locals who’ve been coming here for years.
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Small-Plates Dining at Forrettabarinn

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Forrettabarinn is a small-plates restaurant that brings international flavors to the Old Harbor. Think beef carpaccio, juicy burgers, Caprese salads, and pumpkin soup; the menu bounces around the globe while using Icelandic ingredients where possible. The small plates format works well for sharing and trying multiple dishes. Order several, share with your group, and you get a more complete picture of what the kitchen can do. The set menus offer value if you want a structured meal.

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Inside Harpa: Hnoss Bistro

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Hnoss Bistro sits on the ground floor with the highest ceiling of any restaurant in Iceland; you’re literally dining inside that architectural marvel. The varied menu uses fresh Icelandic ingredients with vegetarian options available. What makes Hnoss convenient for Volcano Express visitors is the location and hours. You can grab lunch before the show or stop in afterward for coffee and dessert. 

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Being inside Harpa means you can explore the building before or after eating. The architecture alone is worth the visit, and Hnoss gives you a legitimate reason to spend time inside. 

Special Occasion: La Primavera

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Also in Harpa, on the top floor, La Primavera brings northern Italian cuisine to Iceland. This is the special occasion option; think anniversaries, celebrations, or just treating yourself after a long week of traveling. The harbor view from the 4th floor is spectacular, and the atmosphere is refined without being stuffy. La Primavera is open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, as well as for special concerts and events. Make reservations, as this isn’t a walk-in kind of place. 

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Next Door to Harpa: Tides at The Reykjavik EDITION

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Tides is the signature restaurant of The Reykjavik EDITION Hotel, right next door to Harpa. The menu showcases Icelandic ingredients through modern culinary techniques, featuring Arctic char, lamb, locally sourced vegetables, and fresh seafood. Everything is beautifully plated, the service is impeccable, and the modern interior matches the high-end atmosphere. This is where you go when you want the best restaurants near Harpa. It’s not cheap, but it delivers on quality and experience. 

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The Pizza Exception: Flatey

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In the Grandi area near the Old Harbor, Flatey serves true Neapolitan-style pies made with on-site sourdough. The menu stays relatively traditional with toppings, though the weekly special pizza gets creative. Why mention pizza in an article about Icelandic food? Because sometimes you just want pizza. And if you’re going to eat pizza in Reykjavik, you might as well eat good pizza. Flatey delivers that. It’s casual, relatively quick, and won’t break the budget. Good for families with picky kids or anyone who’s had their fill of seafood and lamb for a few days. 

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The Walking Route

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The best part of this foodie walk is that everything is genuinely walkable. From Grandi Food Hall to Harpa is about 800 meters, a 10-minute walk. Every restaurant mentioned sits along or very close to this route. You’ll walk along the harbor with boat views the entire way. The Sun Voyager sculpture sits roughly halfway. The path is flat, paved, and scenic. In good weather, it’s one of the best urban walks you’ll do in Iceland.

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You can literally eat your way from the Old Harbor to Harpa, stopping at multiple places for different courses or just reconnaissance for the rest of your trip. 

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What About Dietary Restrictions?

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Every place mentioned has vegetarian options. Grandi Food Hall has multiple vendors specifically offering vegetarian and vegan dishes. Most sit-down restaurants clearly mark vegetarian items and can accommodate vegan requests. Gluten-free is trickier but manageable. Ask servers directly, as Icelandic restaurants are used to dietary restriction questions and handle them professionally.

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Perfect for the Active Foodie

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The Old Harbor district to Harpa offers a wide range of flavorful culinary options in a compact, walkable area. The best restaurants near Harpa aren’t just near Harpa, they’re part of a larger food scene that makes this waterfront walk one of the best in Reykjavik. Experience thrilling attractions, then explore the capital through excellent food. It’s the complete Icelandic experience in one perfect afternoon.

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