Best Indian Restaurants in Reykjavik, Iceland (2026)
Authentic Indian Food in Iceland — From Gandhi Indian Restaurant to Hidden Gems
7 Restaurants Reviewed | Reykjavik & Beyond | Updated 2026
Craving a plate of butter chicken while watching the Northern Lights dance outside your window? You are not alone. Iceland may be famous for its volcanic landscapes and midnight sun, but its food scene has quietly been transformed by one of the world’s most beloved cuisines — Indian food. And the good news is that finding a great Indian restaurant in Reykjavik is far easier than most visitors expect.
Whether you are an Indian traveller missing the flavours of home, or a curious foodie looking to add some spice to your Icelandic adventure, this guide covers every Indian restaurant in Iceland worth knowing about — with honest descriptions, opening hours, must-try dishes, and tips to help you get the most out of each visit.
From the legendary Gandhi Indian Restaurant near the Reykjavik Parliament to a surprising hidden gem in Akureyri, here is the definitive 2024 guide to Indian food in Iceland.
- Quick Comparison
- Why Indian Food Thrives in Iceland
- Gandhi Indian Restaurant, Reykjavik — The Gold Standard
- Austur Indíafélagið — Where Indian Cuisine Gets Creative
- Hraðlestin — Four Locations, One Consistent Quality
- Bombay Bazaar — Mumbai Street Food Comes to Reykjavik
- Indian Curry House, Akureyri — Iceland’s Favourite Hidden Gem
- Shalimar — Where India Meets Pakistan at Your Table
- Himalayan Spice — When Nepal Arrives in Iceland
- Frequently Asked Questions — Indian Food in Iceland
- Indian Food Has Found Its Place in Iceland
- People Also Ask (FAQ)
Quick Comparison
| Restaurant | Location | Best For | Price Range |
| Gandhi | Central Reykjavik | Authentic S. Indian | 💰💰💰 |
| Austur India | Laugavegur | Creative & Seafood | 💰💰💰💰 |
| Hraðlestin | 4 Locations | Everyday & Takeaway | 💰💰 |
| Bombay Bazaar | Ármúli | Mumbai Street Food | 💰💰 |
| Indian Curry House | Akureyri | Vegans & Ring Road | 💰💰 |
| Shalimar | Austurstræti | Indian–Pakistani | 💰💰 |
| Himalayan Spice | Geirsgata | Nepalese & Indian | 💰💰 |
Why Indian Food Thrives in Iceland
It might seem like an unlikely pairing — the cold, volcanic island nation of Iceland and the warm, spice-laden cuisine of India. But the connection makes perfect sense when you think about it. Iceland’s winters are long, dark, and biting. Nothing cuts through that chill quite like a slow-cooked lamb curry, a fragrant biryani, or a bowl of creamy dal. Indian food, with its deep layers of spice, warmth, and comfort, has found a devoted audience among Icelanders and expats alike.
Today, Reykjavik — the world’s most northerly capital city — boasts a surprisingly diverse range of Indian restaurants, some of which have been serving authentic cuisine for nearly three decades. Let’s explore them, one by one.
Gandhi Indian Restaurant, Reykjavik — The Gold Standard
If you ask any local or long-time visitor to name the best Indian restaurants in Reykjavik, the answer is almost always the same: Gandhi Indian Restaurant. And after one visit, you will understand exactly why.
Positioned just a few metres from the Icelandic Parliament building in the heart of Reykjavik’s old town, Gandhi occupies a location as historic as the food it serves. Step inside and you are immediately wrapped in warmth — warm lighting, warm aromas, and the kind of warm hospitality that reminds you why Indian cuisine is celebrated the world over.
Why Gandhi Stands Out
What truly sets Gandhi apart is its kitchen team. The chefs are primarily from Kerala — a southern Indian state renowned for its bold, coconut-rich, and extraordinarily aromatic cuisine. This is not generic ‘curry house’ food. These are people who grew up eating and cooking the dishes they now serve in Reykjavik, and that authenticity is unmistakable in every plate that arrives at your table.
The menu covers a solid range of South Indian classics — fragrant Pulao Rice, silky Raita, house-made Mango Chutney, and a rotating selection of curries and breads. One of the most appreciated features here is the personalised spice level — speak to your server before ordering and the kitchen will calibrate the heat of your dish precisely to your preference. It is a small detail that makes a big difference, especially for first-timers.
Quick Info
| 📍 Address Pósthússtræti 17, 101 Reykjavík (Near Parliament Building) |
| ⏰ Hours 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM, Daily |
| 🍽️ Must Try Kerala-style Curries, Pulao Rice, Mango Chutney |
| 💡 Best For Authentic South Indian cuisine, romantic dinners, solo travellers |
| 🌶️ Spice Fully customisable — just ask your server |
Austur Indíafélagið — Where Indian Cuisine Gets Creative
The name translates to ‘East India Company’ in Icelandic — and the spirit of exploration very much carries through to the food. Austur Indíafélagið, located on the vibrant Hverfisgata street near Laugavegur, is one of the best the Indian restaurants in Reykjavik that consistently surprises even seasoned fans of Indian cuisine.
Open since 1994, this is one of the oldest and most established Indian restaurants in Iceland, and it has earned its longevity by refusing to stand still. The menu here blends the culinary traditions of multiple Indian regions with imaginative twists — including a standout signature dish: a crispy edible rice bowl serving as the vessel for a beautifully spiced filling, sometimes accompanied by Basmati rice served on banana leaf instead of a plate. It is the kind of presentation that turns a meal into an event. Best Indian Restaurants in Reykjavik, Iceland (2026)
The seafood selection is another highlight. Prawns, lobster, and other seafood dishes prepared with Indian spices are rare even within India’s restaurant scene, making this something genuinely special. The Kali Mirch Lobster — black pepper lobster with a South Indian accent — is one of the most talked-about dishes on the Reykjavik dining circuit.
The Ambience
Austur India offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Indoors, the lighting is low and warm, the décor is rich and atmospheric, and the overall mood is ideal for a long, unhurried evening meal. It is a favourite for date nights and celebratory dinners.
Quick Info
| 📍 Address Hverfisgata Street, Laugavegur, 101 Reykjavík |
| ⏰ Hours Sun–Thu: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Fri–Sat: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| 🍽️ Must Try Kali Mirch Lobster, Masala Jhinga, Signature Edible Rice Bowl |
| 💡 Best For Date nights, adventurous foodies, seafood lovers |
| 🏆 Since 1994 — one of Reykjavik’s longest-running Indian restaurants |
Hraðlestin — Four Locations, One Consistent Quality
For Indian food in Reykjavik that is reliable, well-priced, and widely accessible across the city, Hraðlestin (often called the ‘Indian Express’ by regulars) is the go-to choice. With four locations spread across Reykjavik and the surrounding area, it is also the most convenient Indian restaurant chain in Iceland for travellers staying in different parts of the city.
What makes Hraðlestin stand out is the consistency. The chefs are Indian, the spices are imported directly from India, and the recipes have been refined over 16 years of operation. The restaurant has built a loyal local following — rare for any restaurant, let alone an ethnic cuisine restaurant in a country as small as Iceland. Best Indian Restaurants in Reykjavik, Iceland (2026)
The menu leans heavily into non-vegetarian dishes, with a solid lineup of meat-based curries, tikkas, and grills. The Chicken Thali and Vegetarian Thali are particularly popular — offering a well-rounded, generous spread that gives you a complete taste of Indian home cooking in a single sitting. The Samosa, crispy and fragrant, is a perennial crowd-pleaser as a starter.
Several locations offer a weekly takeaway service and rotating special offers, making this a practical choice if you want to enjoy Indian food in the comfort of your hotel or Airbnb.
Locations & Hours
| 📍 Hverfisgata 64a 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM Daily |
| 📍 Lækjargata 8 Mon–Fri: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM | Sat–Sun: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| 📍 Hlíðasmári 8, Kópavogur Mon–Fri: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM | Sat–Sun: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| 📍 1st Floor, Kringlan Mall Mon–Wed: 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM | Thu: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Fri: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Sat: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed Sun) |
| 🍽️ Must Try Samosa, Chicken Thali, Vegetarian Thali |
| 💡 Best For Families, quick lunches, takeaway, budget-conscious travellers |
Bombay Bazaar — Mumbai Street Food Comes to Reykjavik
The name says it all. Bombay Bazaar brings the bold, street-food-influenced flavours of Mumbai (formerly Bombay) to the quiet streets of Reykjavik’s Ármúli district. It sits slightly further from the city centre than the other restaurants on this list, but the journey is absolutely worth making.
What makes Bombay Bazaar unique is its deliberate approach to spice levels. The kitchen has thoughtfully calibrated its recipes to be more accessible to the Icelandic palate — meaning the heat is gentler and more approachable — while ensuring the depth of flavour and the integrity of the recipes remain completely intact. You are not eating a diluted version of Indian food. You are eating Indian food that has been thoughtfully introduced to a new audience.
The Chana Masala is outstanding — thick, tangy chickpea curry with a smoky undertone that lingers long after the meal. The Chicken 65, a South Indian deep-fried classic, is served with a punchy seasoning that disappears from plates embarrassingly fast. Their Turmeric Rice, fragrant and perfectly cooked, is a worthy companion to virtually any dish on the menu. Best Indian Restaurants in Reykjavik, Iceland (2026)
Quick Info
| 📍 Address Ármúli 21, 108 Reykjavík |
| ⏰ Hours Mon–Fri: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Sat–Sun: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| 🍽️ Must Try Chana Masala, Chicken 65, Samosa, Lamb Curry, Turmeric Rice |
| 💡 Best For First-timers to Indian food, Mumbai cuisine lovers, lunch breaks |
Indian Curry House, Akureyri — Iceland’s Favourite Hidden Gem
Most visitors to Iceland never make it beyond Reykjavik’s Golden Circle. Which means most visitors to Iceland never discover the Indian Curry House in Akureyri — and that is genuinely their loss.
Located in Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city in the north of the country, the Indian Curry House holds a very special distinction: it is the only Indian restaurant outside of Reykjavik in the entire country. For travellers doing the full Ring Road, or exploring Iceland’s dramatic north coast, this restaurant is a genuine oasis. Best Indian Restaurants in Reykjavik, Iceland (2026)
The interior is refreshingly unconventional — think funky, colourful décor that feels more like a neighbourhood haunt than a tourist trap. The menu is compact but excellent, with particular strength in vegetarian and vegan options. The Indian Curry House has built a devoted following among Iceland’s plant-based community, who often cite it as one of the few places in the country where a vegan can eat lavishly and contentedly.
The special weekday lunch is exceptional value — a rotating menu of freshly made Indian dishes at a price that will seem almost impossibly reasonable by Icelandic standards. Indian tourists in particular have left reviews saying the food here genuinely transported them back to home.
Quick Info
| 📍 Address Ráðhústorg 3, 600 Akureyri |
| ⏰ Hours Tue–Fri: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM & 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Sat–Sun: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Closed Monday) |
| 🍽️ Must Try Veg Korma, Lamb Curry, Weekday Lunch Special, Fluffy Basmati Rice |
| 💡 Best For Ring Road travellers, vegans & vegetarians, Indian diaspora |
| ⚠️ Note The only Indian restaurant outside Reykjavik — plan your stop accordingly! |
Shalimar — Where India Meets Pakistan at Your Table
Walk past Shalimar on Austurstræti and you might mistake it for an Italian pizzeria. The exterior gives little away. But step inside, and you enter a world of tandoor-baked breads, slow-cooked curries, and a warmth of hospitality that draws equally from Indian and Pakistani traditions — both of which share a deep culinary heritage.
Shalimar is proudly a desi restaurant. Its menu of around 50 items spans both Indian and Pakistani classics, making it a natural meeting point for South Asian travellers in Reykjavik who want the comforting flavours of the subcontinent, regardless of which side of the border they call home. The Tandoori Naan — blistered, chewy, and fragrant from the clay oven — is among the best bread you will eat in Iceland, full stop.
The Lamb Saagwala (lamb slow-cooked in a spiced spinach gravy) is a winter-perfect dish that feels made for Reykjavik evenings. The Shish Kebab, charred and smoky from the grill, is another crowd favourite. The menu also has a respectable vegetarian section for those avoiding meat.
Quick Info
| 📍 Address Austurstræti 4, 101 Reykjavík |
| ⏰ Hours Mon–Thu: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM | Fri: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM | Sat: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Sun: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| 🍽️ Must Try Tandoori Naan, Lamb Saagwala, Shish Kebab |
| 💡 Best For Indian & Pakistani cuisine fans, group dinners, bread lovers |
Himalayan Spice — When Nepal Arrives in Iceland
The most unique entry on this list, Himalayan Spice on Laugavegur brings something no other restaurant in Iceland offers: authentic Nepalese cuisine alongside its Indian menu. If you have never tried Nepalese food before, this is a wonderful gateway — the flavours share DNA with North Indian cooking but carry their own distinct identity, rooted in the Newari culinary tradition of the Kathmandu Valley.
The star of the show here is the Momo — Nepalese steamed dumplings filled with spiced meat or vegetables, served with a fiery dipping chutney. They are addictive in the most dangerous way possible, and ordering just one portion is a discipline very few visitors manage. The Himalayan Platter gives you the full experience — a spread of Nepalese and Indian dishes that together tell the story of the Himalayan subregion.
The service is genuinely warm and the staff are happy to guide first-time visitors through the Nepalese dishes. With a wide range of options across vegetarian, vegan, and non-vegetarian categories, Himalayan Spice accommodates almost every dietary preference.
Quick Info
| 📍 Address Geirsgata 3, 101 Reykjavík |
| ⏰ Hours Mon–Sat: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Closed Sunday) |
| 🍽️ Must Try Momos, Himalayan Platter, Vegetable Pakora |
| 💡 Best For Curious foodies, first-time Nepalese cuisine visitors, vegetarians & vegans |
Frequently Asked Questions — Indian Food in Iceland
Is there good Indian food in Reykjavik?
Yes — Reykjavik has a surprisingly vibrant Indian food scene. Gandhi Indian Restaurant and Austur Indíafélagið are among the most celebrated, but each of the seven restaurants in this guide offers its own distinct take on Indian cuisine.
What is the best Indian restaurant in Reykjavik?
Gandhi Indian Restaurant, located near the Icelandic Parliament on Pósthússtræti, is consistently rated the best Indian restaurant in Reykjavik for its authentic South Indian cuisine cooked by Kerala-trained chefs.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options at Indian restaurants in Iceland?
Absolutely. Indian cuisine is naturally rich in vegetarian dishes. The Indian Curry House in Akureyri is particularly well-regarded by vegans, and Himalayan Spice on Laugavegur also has an excellent plant-based selection. Most other restaurants on this list also offer strong vegetarian menus.
Is there Indian food outside of Reykjavik in Iceland?
Yes — the Indian Curry House in Akureyri is currently the only Indian restaurant outside Reykjavik in Iceland. It is a great stop for travellers exploring Iceland’s north on the Ring Road.
How spicy is the Indian food in Iceland?
Spice levels vary by restaurant. Gandhi Indian Restaurant allows you to specify your preferred spice level with every order. Bombay Bazaar is known for a gentler heat profile suited to those new to Indian food. Most restaurants are happy to adjust spiciness on request.
Do I need to book a table at Indian restaurants in Reykjavik?
For Gandhi and Austur Indíafélagið, booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially on weekends. For Hraðlestin and Bombay Bazaar, walk-ins are usually possible, but a reservation is still advisable during peak tourist season (June–August).
Indian Food Has Found Its Place in Iceland
There is something deeply comforting about the fact that no matter how far you travel — even to the edge of the Arctic Circle — a warm, spice-filled bowl of Indian curry is never too far away. The Indian restaurants in Reykjavik and beyond have built something genuinely special: a community of flavour, a bridge between cultures, and a reliable source of comfort in one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.
Whether you choose the culinary prestige of Gandhi Indian Restaurant, the creative innovation of Austur India, the convenience of Hraðlestin, or the northern adventure of Indian Curry House in Akureyri — you are in for a memorable meal.
Now go eat. Iceland’s cold will be waiting for you outside — but inside, it is deliciously warm.
— Bon Appétit & Happy Travel
People Also Ask (FAQ)
Which is the best Indian restaurant in Reykjavik?
Gandhi Restaurant and Austur Indiafélagið are among the most popular Indian restaurants in Reykjavik known for authentic Indian cuisine and traditional dishes.
Are there vegetarian Indian restaurants in Reykjavik?
Yes. Most Indian restaurants in Reykjavik offer vegetarian options such as paneer curries, dal, samosas, and vegetable korma.
Is Indian food popular in Iceland?
Indian cuisine has become increasingly popular in Iceland due to its rich spices, vegetarian options, and comfort food appeal.
