Christmas dining in Reykjavik: Festive buffets & holiday menus

In Reykjavík, Christmas celebrations begin long before Christmas Eve, especially when it comes to food. From mid-November through December, restaurants across the city embrace the festive spirit with traditional Icelandic Christmas buffets, seasonal tasting menus, festive brunches and special holiday dinners.

Whether you're visiting for a winter weekend, exploring Reykjavík during Advent or spending Christmas in Iceland, the festive dining season offers plenty of opportunities to experience Icelandic Christmas traditions around the table.

Food is at the heart of Christmas celebrations in Iceland. One of the most beloved traditions is the jólahlaðborð, or Christmas buffet, where colleagues, friends and families gather to enjoy generous spreads of traditional holiday dishes.

Expect to discover some classic Icelandic Christmas favourites:

• Hangikjöt – Traditional smoked lamb, often served with potatoes, peas and creamy white sauce.
• Hamborgarhryggur – Glazed smoked pork, a favourite on many Icelandic Christmas dinner tables.
• Laufabrauð – Delicate, crispy flatbread decorated with intricate patterns, traditionally made by families in the weeks before Christmas.
• Graflax and smoked salmon – Popular starters, often served with mustard or dill sauce.
• Risalamande – A creamy Danish-inspired rice dessert with almonds and cherry sauce, found on many festive menus.
• Malt og Appelsín – A uniquely Icelandic Christmas drink combining malt soda and orange soda.

And for the adventurous, there's skata – fermented skate traditionally eaten on 23 December, known as Þorláksmessa (St. Thorlak's Day). Its unmistakable aroma is as much a part of Icelandic Christmas as the food itself.

The Icelandic jólahlaðborð is all about abundance, tradition and good company. Restaurants offer these festive feasts on selected dates throughout the season, with options ranging from weekend buffets to weekday lunches and Christmas brunches.

Please note that some Christmas buffets are available only on selected dates or for larger groups. Check individual restaurants for availability and booking requirements.

Looking for something a little different from the traditional Christmas buffet? Many Reykjavík restaurants offer specially created seasonal menus, combining Icelandic ingredients, international influences and creative culinary touches.

Christmas Eve is the most important evening of the holiday season in Iceland. At 6 PM on 24 December, families traditionally gather for Christmas dinner before exchanging gifts.

For visitors spending the holidays in Reykjavík, selected restaurants offer special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menus. Availability is more limited than during the Advent season, so booking ahead is essential.

From traditional Christmas buffets to modern seasonal tasting menus, Reykjavík offers plenty of ways to discover Icelandic holiday flavours.

Explore the city's festive restaurants, find your favourite Christmas dishes and enjoy a delicious taste of the season.

Menus, dates, opening hours and availability may vary. Please check with each restaurant for the latest information and reservations.