Understanding Icelandic restaurant hours can be a little confusing for visitors, especially if you’re used to late-night dining or grabbing a quick bite at any hour. In Iceland, meal times tend to follow a slightly different rhythm, shaped by long summer days, dark winter nights, and a strong local food culture. Knowing what to expect will help you plan your days better—especially when you’re exploring the west of Iceland and staying with Ourhotels.is.
In most of Iceland, restaurants typically open for lunch around 11:30–12:00 and close the lunch service by 14:00–15:00. Many places then shut their kitchens for a few hours before reopening for dinner, usually around 18:00. Dinner service often runs until 21:00 or 22:00, but in smaller towns and rural areas, kitchens may close earlier, even if the bar or reception area stays open longer. This is important to keep in mind when you’re out sightseeing at waterfalls, hot springs, or coastal viewpoints and planning to eat when you return.
In the west of Iceland, where Ourhotels.is operates Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes), Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, restaurant hours can vary by season. During the busy summer months, you’ll usually find longer opening hours and more options, especially in popular towns like Stykkishólmur and Ísafjörður. In winter, however, many restaurants reduce their hours or close on certain days of the week, so planning ahead becomes essential.
Around Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, you’re in a beautiful countryside area where services are more spread out. Nearby Borgarnes has several restaurants and cafés, but many of them follow traditional Icelandic hours: lunch until mid-afternoon and dinner starting around 18:00. It’s wise to check opening times in advance, especially if you’re returning from a day trip to places like Hraunfossar, Deildartunguhver, or the surrounding lava fields. Guests at Hvítá Inn often appreciate having a clear idea of where and when they can enjoy a good meal after a day on the road.
In Stykkishólmur, a charming fishing town on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, restaurant hours are influenced by both tourism and the local fishing schedule. During summer, you’ll find several restaurants and cafés open into the evening, particularly around the harbor. However, even here, kitchens may close earlier than you might expect if you’re used to big-city dining. When you stay at Stykkishólmur Inn, it’s a good idea to ask at reception about that day’s restaurant hours and whether you should reserve a table, especially on weekends or when the town is busy with tours and boat trips.
Farther north and west, Ísafjörður is the main hub of the Westfjords and has a surprisingly vibrant food scene for its size. Still, restaurant hours can be quite seasonal. In summer, you’ll find more flexible hours and several places open for both lunch and dinner. In winter, some restaurants may only open a few days a week or focus on evening service. When staying at Ísafjörður Inn, checking daily opening times will help you avoid arriving hungry to find a closed kitchen—something that can be frustrating after a long day exploring the dramatic fjords and mountain passes.
A few practical tips can make dining in Iceland much smoother. First, try to align your main meals with local times: lunch around 12:00–13:30 and dinner between 18:00–20:30. Second, always check hours online or ask your accommodation, especially if you’re traveling outside Reykjavík. Third, consider making reservations in smaller towns, particularly in high season, as there may only be a handful of restaurants and they can fill up quickly.
Ourhotels.is staff at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn are used to helping guests navigate local restaurant hours. They can recommend nearby places that match your preferences—whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, traditional Icelandic lamb, or a cozy café—and let you know the best times to go. They can also point out grocery stores and bakeries, which often have different and sometimes longer opening hours than restaurants, giving you more flexibility for snacks and light meals.
Understanding Icelandic restaurant hours isn’t just about logistics; it’s also a way to slip into the local rhythm. Meals tend to be unhurried, with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and seasonal dishes. By planning around typical opening times and using the local knowledge available at Ourhotels.is properties like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, you can spend less time worrying about where to eat—and more time enjoying the landscapes, culture, and flavors of west Iceland.
