Snowy fjords, roaring waterfalls, real-life volcanoes… if you’re looking for adventure, Iceland has you covered. But while there’s a whole camera reel’s worth of eye-popping landscape waiting to be discovered out in the frozen wilds, we’re not hearing nearly enough noise about the gateway city to all that scenery, particularly when Reykjavik’s food scene is having such a moment.

Post-pandemic tax breaks have encouraged a raft of restaurateurs to bring their dreams to life, meaning the food and drink scene has never been more fresh and exciting, and while you’ll probably want to use the city as a launch pad for a bit of Arctic exploration, you could just as easily treat Iceland’s capital as a minibreak destination in its own right. 

The first big tick in its favour is that just about everything is walkable, particularly if you stay somewhere central, and the Iceland Parliament Hotel, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, fits that bill perfectly. Incorporating several historical buildings, including Iceland’s inaugural girls’ school, it makes an excellent weekend base. We stayed in one of the rooms overlooking Austurvöllur square, and it’s worth trying to do the same for the best views of the city and beyond. 

Crucially, you’ll never have to stroll for more than a few minutes from the hotel before finding something delicious to eat or drink. Traditionally, tourists have flocked to the more extreme end of Iceland’s dining culture, and if you’re still keen to tuck in to a plate of fermented shark or dried fish, you can still find it at places like Café Loki. 

However, if you’re after something a bit more Insta-friendly, you’re spoiled for choice. Top of your list should be Brut, whose windows promise ‘Food and wine… or just wine’. With a list offering bottles ranging from ‘plump and reliable’ through to ‘funky shit’, it’s Hackney energy all the way, although the seafood-heavy menu soon reminds you that you’re only a few kilometres from the ocean. 

We loved the snackable North Atlantic shrimps and the note-perfect lemon sole that came swimming in a miso glaze. It’s worth noting before you start that there’s a dessert and cheese trolley because you really don’t want to fill up before tackling that. Note to London: more trolleys, please.

If you’re obsessed with Will Poulter’s episode of The Bear and want to sample some Noma-inspired new-Nordic dining, you could take out a small loan and get on the waiting list for Michelin favourite Dill. Or you could head to chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason’s other restaurant, Tides, which offers a more relaxed, harbourside experience with similarly excellent food. Everything we ate was amazing, but the lobster and langoustine croquettes and lamb fillet with caramelized celeriac puree were next level.

It’s not all fine dining, though, and you could keep it casual throughout and still eat like a queen. Check out the bagels and doughnuts at Deig bakery or do what the city’s chefs do and wander next door to Le Kock for Reykjavik’s best burger. 

A word also for BakaBaka, which serves up elite-level pizza during its dinner service. Add in a craft beer at Skuli or a cocktail at Bingo and you’ve got the makings of a stellar night out.

The city’s most scenic drink, however, is probably to be found in the bubbling waters of Sky Lagoon, a short bus ride away on the outskirts of the city. 

Much more convenient – and less crowded – than the popular Blue Lagoon, these geothermal hot springs boast a swim-up bar where you can grab a wine (in a plastic glass) and take in the views across the ocean. They’ll even sell you a bag to keep your phone dry if you really need to get that social clout…

With Icelandair running flights starting at just £150 from Gatwick, a quick jaunt to the Arctic has never been more convenient. A two-day foodie extravaganza and an outside chance of seeing the Northern Lights? Consider us sold.

Rooms at the Iceland Parliament Hotel Curio Collection By Hilton start from £196 per night and can be booked through Hilton.com.

Icelandair flies from Heathrow to Keflavik 21 times a week, and from Gatwick to Keflavik four times a week. Return economy rate fares from London Heathrow to Keflavik with Icelandair available from £163, and from Gatwick from £150 return.

Images: Visit Iceland; Parliament Hotel; Brut