Reykjavik isn’t just about its striking landscapes and cozy cafés—it’s also a fantastic city for memorable dining experiences that pair local cuisine with unique adventures. Whether you want to chase the aurora borealis while soaking in a geothermal lagoon or enjoy a gourmet dinner paired with a Northern Lights cruise, this city offers options tailored to every taste. Among the many choices, we’re particularly taken with the Private Northern Lights Adventure with Secret Lagoon and Dinner, which combines a relaxing soak, a delicious family-run meal, and an intimate hunt for the Northern Lights, all in one seamless experience.
For a more gourmet approach, the Kopar Fine Dining Dinner and Northern Lights Cruise offers a top-notch Icelandic meal followed by a cozy boat trip to spot the lights, making it ideal for food lovers seeking a blend of culinary and natural wonders. And for those looking for an exclusive, private experience with a focus on seafood, the Private Northern Lights Adventure with Lobster Dinner takes you into the countryside for a lobster feast and the best chances of seeing the Northern Lights away from city lights.
Quick Overview
Our list features three standout experiences that combine cuisine with Iceland’s renowned natural phenomena:
– Private Northern Lights Adventure with Secret Lagoon and Dinner offers an intimate, all-in-one trip with geothermal bathing and Aurora hunting.
– Kopar Fine Dining Dinner and Northern Lights Cruise pairs gourmet Icelandic food with a scenic boat trip under the stars.
– Private Northern Lights Adventure with Lobster Dinner takes you into the countryside for a lobster feast and prime Aurora viewing.
Now, let’s dive into each experience to see what makes them special.
1. Private Northern Lights Adventure With Secret Lagoon and Dinner
At number one on our list is the Private Northern Lights Adventure With Secret Lagoon and Dinner. This tour is perfect if you’re after a truly individualized experience that combines relaxation, good food, and the natural spectacle of the Aurora. The entire trip runs about 6 to 7 hours and includes round-trip transportation from Reykjavik, so no worries about driving or logistics.
The highlight is visiting the Secret Lagoon, Iceland’s oldest geothermal hot spring, located off the Golden Circle route. You’ll ride in a luxury Jeep, enjoy soaking in mineral-rich waters, then savor a homemade meal at a cozy family-run restaurant nearby. Afterward, your private guide takes you into the Icelandic night to hunt for the Northern Lights—a magical finale. This experience stands out because it offers privacy for your party, making it ideal for couples or small groups who want a personalized adventure. The admission to the lagoon is included, and the tour guarantees a hassle-free experience with transportation and dinner included for around $915.90 per person.
Guests love the combination of relaxation and Aurora hunting, with one reviewer saying, “It’s a magical experience, especially being in a private setting.” The value here lies in the all-in-one nature—hot springs, dinner, and Aurora chasing—all handled smoothly.
Bottom line: This tour is best suited for travelers seeking intimacy and comfort, willing to invest in a comprehensive, private experience away from crowds.
2. Kopar Fine Dining Dinner and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik
Number two is the Kopar Fine Dining Dinner and Northern Lights Cruise, a great pick for those who want a sophisticated night out. For roughly five hours, you’ll start with a 6-course gourmet meal at the restaurant Kopar, located in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. This restaurant is celebrated for its Icelandic ingredients and elegant presentation, making it a treat for foodies. After your meal, you’ll head to the nearby Special Tours ticket office to board a boat for the Aurora cruise, which lasts about two hours. The boat trip offers a unique perspective on the Northern Lights, as being out on the water minimizes city light pollution and gives you the chance to see the sky in all its glowing splendor.
The adventure has earned a solid 4-star rating based on 49 reviews, with guests praising the quality of the food and the comfort of the cruise. One traveler shared, “The dinner at Kopar was phenomenal, and the boat was spacious and relaxing. We saw the lights on our second attempt, and it was incredible.” The value lies in combining a gourmet experience with the Aurora opportunity—maximizing your evening without needing extra bookings or travel.
Bottom line: Perfect for food-loving travelers who want a classy dinner paired with a scenic Aurora hunt. Keep in mind, bookings for dinner should be confirmed in advance for smooth timing.
3. Private Northern Lights Adventure With Lobster Dinner
Our third choice is the Private Northern Lights Adventure With Lobster Dinner—a private, countryside escape designed for Aurora seekers and seafood lovers alike. Starting with a three-course lobster dinner in the charming seaside village of Stokkseyri, this tour takes you away from Reykjavik’s city lights into the Icelandic wilderness. After your meal, your private guide will transport you into the black-sand beaches of the South Coast, where, away from urban glow, your chances of seeing the Aurora are higher.
This private tour costs about $983.29 per person and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it both convenient and exclusive. The focus here is on maximizing Aurora visibility, as the countryside offers clearer skies. The lobster dinner is one of Iceland’s best-known seafood experiences, adding a gourmet touch to this adventure. Two reviews mention how the trip provided an excellent chance to see the Northern Lights in a quiet, natural setting, with one noting, “It was worth the trip for the lobster and the Aurora.”
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want privacy, a seafood feast, and the best odds of seeing the Northern Lights away from city lights. This tour suits those willing to splurge for a highly personalized experience.
How to Choose Your Perfect Reykjavik Dining Experience
When deciding between these tours, consider your priorities. If privacy and a full day of geothermal relaxation combined with Aurora hunting appeal, the Secret Lagoon adventure could be your pick. For culinary excellence paired with Aurora viewing from a boat, the Kopar cruise offers a refined night out. If you prefer a private countryside trip with a focus on seafood and the best Aurora chances, the Lobster Dinner tour fits the bill.
Think about your budget, time constraints, and what kind of experience excites you most—whether it’s soaking in geothermal waters, enjoying Icelandic cuisine on land, or heading into the wild countryside for a private hunt. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak Aurora season from September to April, to ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
Reykjavik offers a diverse array of dining experiences combined with unforgettable natural phenomena. The options range from private, intimate tours to gourmet dinners paired with Aurora cruises, catering to different preferences and budgets. For a cozy, personalized adventure, the Private Northern Lights Adventure with Secret Lagoon and Dinner stands out. Meanwhile, the Kopar Dinner and Aurora Cruise appeals to those wanting a sophisticated night out, and the countryside Lobster Dinner offers an exclusive, natural setting.
No matter which experience you choose, booking in advance will ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable Icelandic evenings. Prepare to indulge in local flavors and witness some of the most stunning natural displays nature has to offer.