Where to eat when photographing Iceland’s ring road
It’s no secret that Iceland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Laced with countless waterfalls, iconic views and colorful horses. Iceland should be on the bucket list of anyone remotely interested in photography. The Ring Road (Highway 1) circles the island while providing access to countless high-quality photography locations. While, Iceland is well known for photographic opportunities, it also happens to be rich in quality food experiences as well. In this article I will pair Iceland’s most iconic photography locations with the best places to eat while traveling on Iceland’s Ring Road.
On a side note, I lead small group photography yours in Iceland and I'd love to show you around the country some time.
Food Budget In Iceland
Iceland is one of the most expensive countries that you will ever visit. Everything is expensive and food is certainly no exception. You should budget $80 - $150 dollars a day if you plan to eat out for every meal while photographing the island. Most menus start out around 3.500 ISK (about $29 USD) for a meal and have a high end of 6.500 ISK - 9.500 ISK ($53 - $78 USD).
Drinks and deserts also cost much more than most of Europe and the U.S., the average cost for a beer is about 1.400 ISK ($11.50 USD) and cocktails typically cost around 3.000 ISK - 3.500 ISK ($25 - $29 USD) Deserts are usually 2.000 ISK - 2.500 ISK ($16 - $20.50 USD). Lastly, a latte will run you 700 ISK - 950 ISK ($5.75 - $8).
The best places to eat when photographing
Get ready to take a photographic and culinary adventure around Iceland! In this article we will start in Reykjavik and work our way around Iceland in the counter clockwise direction. Are you ready? Good! Let’s dive in!
Reykjavík - The Sun Voyager, Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrimskirkja gothic church
Starting off on our photo & foodie journey we will begin in Reykjavik, Iceland’s largest city. The city has quite a bit to offer in the terms of photography. The most popular photography spots include the Sun Voyager sculpture, the Hallgrimskirkja church and Harpa concert hall.
Perhaps the most iconic man-made structure in Iceland is the Hallgrimskirkja Church.
Directly across from the church is Cafe Loki. Open the door of the cafe and head up to the second floor where you will find a vibrant and slightly disturbing mural. You’ll also find one of the best treats in town. The Rhy bread ice cream is not to be missed when in Reykjavik. It sounds strange but it is a delicious blend of flavors that are both salty and sweet.
Don’t underestimate the photo opportunities at the Harpa concert hall. The modern architecture is certainly a sight to see and only a few blocks away is another classic seafood restaurant called Messin. The Arctic Char at this restaurant is buttery sweet and out of this world! Arctic char has a simple taste to salmon but is more mild.
Located on the Reykjavik waterfront, the Sun Voyager is a large metal sculpture that makes for an excellent subject at sunrise and sunset. If you happen to be photographing the sculpture in the evening be sure to check out Mar Restaurant. It is only a few blocks away and has a great selection of local fish dishes. I suggest trying the Cod cheeks. The dish comes served in a pan with a delicious mildly spicy butter sauce.
The Golden Circle - Reykjavík (Gullfoss & Bruarfoss)
Driving an hour and twenty minutes out of Reykjavik, you will find a gorgeous turquoise river cascade known as Bruarfoss. It is easily one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.
If you find yourself exploring the Golden circle, don’t forget to check out Geysir Restaurant in the little village of Geysir. The restaurant is about a twenty minute drive up the road from Bruarfoss and has a very nice dining room.
Further up the road you will find one of Iceland’s most visited waterfalls. Gullfoss is a massive cascade of water that seemingly flows right into the earth’s crust. In my opinion, the best photo opportunities are along the path to the waterfall looking down river as the waterfall’s pour off disappears into the earth and shoots up a heavy cloud of mist.
Haifoss - Sellfoss
Haifoss is located at the end of a long and bumpy dirt road. The seemingly endless drive is well worth it once you reach the end and see Haifoss and the massive canyon that it flows into. Don’t forget the camera on this one because you’re going to want it! There are a number of great locations to photograph Haifoss from. You can use the whole gamut of lenses from ultra wide to telephoto here. Wide lenses are great to capture the grandeur of the entire scene while short telephoto lenses can be useful to capture the texture of the waterfall.
Haifoss, Iceland
Since Haifoss is located in the middle of nowhere, there are no food options nearby. If you plan on going to Haifoss, be sure to stop in the town of Sellfoss for a bite to eat on your way. Mjolkurbu Floamanna is great little food hall with a wide range of options including Italian, tacos , Thai, burgers, coffee, beer and more.
Seljaksndsfoss & Skógafoss - Vik
If Skogafoss or Seljalandsfoss is on your photography hit-list, don’t forget to pop into the Skogar museum for a delicious latte.
From behind the curtain of Seljalandsfoss, the world glows with quiet wonder. Evening light pours through the falling water, setting it ablaze in a golden hue, while dark blue clouds gather on the horizon—casting a rich, moody contrast across the Icelandic sky. This fine art photograph captures the rare and intimate perspective of standing within the waterfall’s embrace, where color, motion, and atmosphere align in perfect harmony.
Further up the road, in the town of Vik, you'll find some of the best pizza on the island. Black Crust pizza serves up a great wood fired pie with a variety of unconventional toppings including duck, languistine and spicy tuna. The duck and tuna are my favorites. Gluten-free and vegan options are also available.
If pizza is not what you’re looking for, head across the street to the Berg Restaurant in the Vik Hotel for a classy dining experience with excellent food.
Vestrahorn & Diamond Beach - Hofn
On the south-east side of Iceland’s ring road lies the little town of Hofn. Hofn is a convenient place to spend a few nights when photographing Vestrahorn, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach.
Diamond Beach, Iceland
The tiny fishing village is known for langustine (a lobster-like shellfish) my personal favorite restaurant in town is Otto Matur Dryker. The restaurant is very charming, the food is great and the presentation is beautiful. The Arctic Char, grilled cabbage and cod are wonderful. This restaurant has some of the best bread and butter in Iceland too!
Otto does not take reservations so it may be hard to get a table on some nights. Pakkhaus is directly across the street though and they serve up sone excellent food as well.
Under a vast, cobalt sky, Vestrahorn’s jagged peaks rise like ancient sentinels above a glassy shore where wet sand perfectly mirrors the drifting evening clouds. This monochromatic blue fine art photograph captures a tranquil dialogue between earth and sky—a serene reflection that blurs the boundary between reality and dream. The minimalist composition and cool tones evoke a meditative stillness, inviting quiet contemplation of Iceland’s dramatic coastline.
Borgarfjordur Estri Puffins
Borgarfjordur Eystri is one of the best places in Iceland to photograph Puffins. Make sure you allocate plenty of time in the area because the puffins are cuter than you think. You can easily spend hours photographing the puffins as they come and go from the cliff edges.
Nestled among vibrant green grass and delicate yellow wildflowers, the puffin stands as a lively emblem of Iceland’s rugged coast. This fine art photograph captures the bird’s curious gaze and vivid plumage with tender clarity, framed by the soft embrace of nature’s springtime palette. The interplay of bright colors and gentle textures creates a harmonious scene where wildlife and landscape bloom in quiet celebration.
Luckily there’s a great restaurant just down the road from Borgarfjordur Eystri called Frystiklefinn. Their Pizzas are delicious and so was the capachino ice cream. The restaurant is very cozy but it can get busy so it is a good idea to make reservations ahead of time.
Dettifoss
Dettifoss is the second most powerful waterfall in Europe and it is certainly worth photographing when traveling in the north of Iceland. The raging waterfall makes for excellent detail shots with a telephoto lens.
In this intimate close-up, the fierce energy of Dettifoss, the mightiest waterfall in Iceland, erupts in a wild symphony of water and stone. Cascading torrents collide with jagged rocks, sending mist swirling into the air as textures explode with elemental force. This fine art photograph captures the raw, untamed spirit of nature’s power, frozen in a moment of dynamic intensity and wild beauty.
Even though Dettifoss is located in a relatively remote part of the country you'll be happy to know that there is a cute little cafe called Beitarhúsið that is located not too far from the East Dettifoss turnoff. The menu is limited and the prices are high but the soup is quite good.
Akureyri - Godafoss
Akureyri is the second largest city in Iceland so there is no shortage of food options in town. Strikid is a great restaurant that is conveniently located next to a large public parking lot. The restaurant is located on the 5th floor with a great view of the city and nearby fjord. Strikid is definitely worth paying a visit if you’re in the mood for a good meal with a view while in Akureyri.
After dinner, head over to the east of town on highway 1 to photograph Godafoss at sunset when the crowds have gone home. Godafoss is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland and is a must see spot when you are in the northern part of the country.
Bathed in the golden hush of sunset, Goðafoss—the “Waterfall of the Gods”—unfolds in a breathtaking display of light and motion. Mist rises like sacred breath as molten skies reflect in glacial waters cascading over ancient volcanic rock. This fine art landscape photograph captures the mythic energy and delicate beauty of one of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders, suspended in a fleeting, fire-lit moment.
Hvammstangi - Hvitserkur
Hvitserkur is located on a remote peninsula in northern Iceland. The large rock sea-arch resembles a massive rhino head off the coast. While my description sounds a little wired, Hvitserkur Rock offers many great photo opportunities. Photographers will get the most of of this location with a wide angel lens.
There are no restaurants in its vicinity, but the town of Hvammstangi is about a forty five minute drive away and the Sjávarborg restaurant is a great place to get dinner before heading out to shoot in the evening. The restaurant has one of the best dining rooms in Iceland that is open and modern. Best of all, it’s right on the water and you may even see whales while you dine! Oh, did I mention that they have really good food too?! The salmon dish is one of my favorites to order there.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula - Kirkjufellfoss
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a glorious place and home to Kirkjufellfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic landscapes. This gorgeous waterfall looks out to the ocean and the famous Kirkjufell mountain and is a must visit location for all landscape photographers visiting Iceland.
Bathed in the warm embrace of the golden hour, Kirkjufellsfossar cascades with timeless grace beneath the watchful peak of Kirkjufell—the iconic mountain that crowns Iceland’s dramatic landscape. This fine art photograph captures the harmonious dance of water and light as the sun’s last rays paint the scene in hues of amber and rose, inviting quiet reflection on nature’s enduring beauty.
Just down the road from Kirkjufellfoss is the town of Grundarfjordur. Dining options are somewhat limited in this small village but on the edge of town lies one of Iceland’s hidden gems. Bjargarsteinn Mathús is one of the cutest restaurants in the entire country. The restaurant is in what used to be a quaint house on the water’s edge. It really does feel like your having dinner in someone’s home. The food presentation is a ten out of ten and taste is on par as well.
