Tjöruhúsið

Set in an 18th-century timber building in Neðstikaupstaður, the oldest preserved cluster of houses in Iceland, Tjöruhúsið is one of the Westfjords’ most celebrated dining experiences. The family-run restaurant has no fixed menu; instead it serves whatever the local boats land that day, typically wolffish, cod, halibut, redfish and spotted catfish, often presented in cast-iron pans for the table to share.

Diners also rave about the tomato-based fish soup and traditional Icelandic fish stew. Tables fill quickly and the kitchen frequently sells out, so reservations by phone, email or Facebook are strongly recommended, ideally several days ahead.

The restaurant is seasonal, generally operating from late spring through summer, with set lunch and dinner sittings. Its rustic communal atmosphere and emphasis on hyper-fresh fish make it a destination in its own right for visitors to Ísafjörður.