Washitsu.Casa Guide:

Restaurants

World-Class Chefs at the Edge of the Arctic

When people think of remote fishing villages, they usually do not expect elite gastronomy. Astoundingly, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula has one of the highest concentrations of top-tier chefs in all of Iceland. In fact, some of the local restaurants right down the road are actually busier and see higher turnover than top restaurants in the heart of Reykjavík!

The "Hótel Búðir" Effect

Why are there so many incredibly talented cooks in such a remote area? It traces back to Hótel Búðir on the south side of the peninsula. This high-end destination hotel has continually strived for—and achieved—world-class, top-notch gourmet status. Over time, these master chefs have branched out, switching restaurants or starting their own acclaimed spots right in our neighborhood.

If you dine at Hótel Búðir, you are arguably eating at the absolute best restaurant on the peninsula. However, a local word of warning: if you are going to splurge here, we highly recommend getting the magnificent 7-course tasting menu if you can afford it; otherwise, standard fine-dining portions might leave a weary hiker feeling a bit hungry!

Ólafsvík’s Culinary Heartbeat: Matarlist & Sker

Just a short drive away into Ólafsvík, you will find two phenomenally popular dining spots sitting right across the street from one another:

● Matarlist: Started in recent years by elite chefs with that Hótel Búðir pedigree, this restaurant operates out of a beautiful, historic house that actually used to belong to its neighbor across the street. Matarlist deserves a massive "bravo" for their ingenuity. They masterfully execute a dual menu: whipping up highly appealing fast food alongside completely separate, spectacular gourmet dishes.

● Sker Restaurant: The reality is that Sker stays busier than most restaurants in the capital. It enjoys a massive, steady flow of clientele starting with a highly popular lunch buffet. They publish their daily menus online, and while the day-to-day buffet menu might sometimes feel basic, they occasionally offer truly exceptional deals (though keep in mind, incidental tourists usually pay a slightly higher rate for the buffet than the daily regulars).

Whenever you are dining at these premier local restaurants, we strongly recommend ordering the Icelandic lamb or the fresh, locally caught fish.

A Culinary Reality Check: The Strategy for Dining in Iceland

Your expectations for eating out should be based on reality. The truth is that standard fast food (like a simple burger and fries at a restaurant) is outrageously expensive in Iceland. On the other hand, absolute high-end gourmet food is comparatively cheap when compared to fine dining anywhere else in the world.

Therefore, our strategic recommendation for travelers is simple: Eat out less often. Take full advantage of Washitsu.Casa’s fully equipped kitchen for your basic meals and breakfasts. But when you do decide to eat out, choose the more expensive but undeniably better value-for-money gourmet dishes!

Savor the Flavor: Skip the Wine

We strongly recommend enjoying these gourmet dishes completely without wine. Treat yourself to the better dishes on the menu and just enjoy the phenomenal flavors of the food itself without the crutches of wine. In fact, why not start your new life free of alcohol and wine right here in Iceland? Embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle will not only extend your overall life expectancy but also give you many more years of high-quality, vibrant living. Live life to its absolute fullest by keeping all your senses sharply tuned to the fantastic things this world has to offer!

(And as a purely financial reality check: if you do choose to compliment your meal with wine, you should fully expect your restaurant bill to double!)

Gas Station Fare & The Legendary Icelandic Pulsa

To be absolutely complete about the local food scene, we must mention the petrol stations. They serve as essential local hubs and offer familiar staples like pizzas and hamburgers. But more importantly, they are home to Iceland's true national dish: the world-renowned Icelandic Pulsa (or Pylsa).

The Icelandic hot dog is completely unique. Because it is made predominantly from free-roaming, grass-fed Icelandic lamb blended with a bit of pork and beef, it has a rich, snappy flavor found nowhere else. You must order it "eina með öllu" (one with everything). It is served in a warm steamed bun, lined with a layer of both crunchy fried onions and raw onions, and generously topped with ketchup, sweet brown mustard (pylsusinnep), and remúlaði (a tangy, savory herb mayonnaise). It is a relatively inexpensive, culturally mandatory culinary experience!

The Best Value in the Western World: Meat Buffets

If you have a massive appetite, keep an eye out for the "all-you-can-eat" meat lunch buffets. You will occasionally find these at Sker, but if you are passing through Reykjavík during the week, spots like Askur, Múlakaffi (where you simply ask for a second serving), and Potturinn og Pannan (specifically on Fridays) offer what we confidently consider the absolute best meal value in the western world.

South-West Peninsula: Refueling After a Hike

If you are spending the day hiking the cliffs around Arnarstapi and Hellnar on the south-west side of the peninsula, you will find the high-turnover tourist spots Stapinn and Snjófell restaurants. While they cater to massive waves of daily tourists, they offer an OK experience to refuel after a long coastal hike—and Snjófell specifically features a very nice, welcoming selection of cakes!

A Cozy Break Awaits

As you explore the area, it is time to discover another fantastic local surprise. It is truly astounding, but our neighboring village of Hellissandur—which is just a short drive or a pleasant walk from Washitsu.Casa in Rif—boasts an absolutely mind-boggling selection of world-class, charming Cafés. Click on the next section to uncover this vibrant local café scene!