Sourdough Pizza$$101Mon-Sun 08:00-17:00 (bakery); Sun-Thu 17:30-22:00 (pizzeria); Fri-Sat 17:30-23:00 (pizzeria)
BakaBaka on Bankastraeti is a 1834-house bakery by day and wood-fired sourdough pizzeria by night, central Reykjavik's busiest crossover room steps off.
Signature: Wood-fired sourdough pizza, Cardamom buns
Order: A wood-fired Bianca mushroom pizza in the evening, or a cardamom bun by day.
Tip: Cardamom buns by day, natural wine and sourdough pizza by night in one of central Reykjavik's oldest houses.
Pizza$$105Sun 11:30-01:00; Mon-Wed 10:30-01:00; Thu 10:30-02:00; Fri 10:30-06:00; Sat 11:30-06:00
Devito's Pizza has sold no-frills pies near Hlemmur on Laugavegur since 1994, a Reykjavik late-night staple for cheap, fast slices after the bars close.
Signature: Late-night pizza
Order: A simple pepperoni; this is fuel pizza, not an artisan project.
Tip: Open late and established by the after-hours crowd. Order at the counter; do not expect a sit-down meal.
Asian-fusion Gastropub$$$101Daily 11:30-01:00
Public House on Laugavegur runs a Japanese-leaning gastropub of shareable small plates and cocktails, one of central Reykjavik's busier mid-range tables.
Signature: Bao buns, Japanese small plates
Order: A spread of bao and small plates, built to share across the table.
Tip: Happy hour at the bar is one of the better downtown deals. Loud and lively most nights.
Vegetarian and Vegan$$101Daily 10:30-21:00
Salka Valka on Skolavordustigur runs a relaxed, meat-free Reykjavik kitchen with a daily-changing half-vegan menu of soups, bagels and comfort plates below.
Signature: Soup of the day, Open bagel sandwiches
Order: Whatever soup is on the chalkboard, or an open bagel sandwich from the case.
Tip: Fully meat-free with vegan options every day. Counter service, no reservations needed.
Middle Eastern$$101Mon-Thu 10:00-02:00; Fri-Sat 10:00-06:00; Sun 10:00-02:00
Mandi on Ingolfstorg square serves halal shawarma, kebab and falafel from a fast counter in central Reykjavik, a reliable cheap feed in a pricey city.
Signature: Shawarma, Falafel wrap
Order: A chicken shawarma wrap, or the falafel plate for a meatless option.
Tip: Fully halal and open late around the square. Good value when the sit-down rooms feel out of budget.
Asian-influenced Burgers$$101Mon-Thu 11:30-22:00; Fri 11:30-23:00; Sat 12:30-23:00; Sun 12:30-22:00
Yuzu on Hverfisgata flips Asian-influenced burgers on house-baked buns, a small Reykjavik counter where Japanese-Nordic touches lift a fast-casual order.
Signature: Yuzu cheeseburger, Asian-spiced fries
Order: A signature cheeseburger with the spiced mayo.
Tip: Bun, patty and sauce all made in-house.