Reykjavik is a city that truly comes alive when the sun sets, offering a surprising variety of dinner experiences that pair Icelandic cuisine, stunning scenery, and unforgettable moments. What makes Reykjavik stand out is its ability to combine local flavors with natural phenomena like the Northern Lights, creating memorable nights that go beyond just a good meal. We especially like the Private Northern Lights Adventure With Secret Lagoon and Dinner for its intimate setting and relaxing thermal dip, plus the chance to chase the auroras right after dinner. For lovers of fine dining and a bit of adventure on the water, the Kopar Fine Dining Dinner and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik offers a gourmet experience combined with a scenic boat ride. If you prefer a luxurious private experience with spectacular countryside views, the Private Northern Lights Adventure With Lobster Dinner takes you into remote Icelandic landscapes to increase your chances of seeing the northern lights, topped with a delicious lobster feast.
Below, you’ll find a selection of Reykjavik’s best dinner experiences—each with its own unique appeal—ranging from cozy geothermal soak-and-dine outings to elegant seafood cruises. Whether you’re after a private night under the stars or a gourmet meal on the water, this list will help you choose a memorable Icelandic evening.
1. Private Northern Lights Adventure With Secret Lagoon and Dinner
This private tour combines a soothing soak in the Secret Lagoon, a traditional Icelandic hot spring, with a private hunt for the northern lights. The experience begins with a luxury Jeep ride to Flúðir, a small town on the Golden Circle route, where you’ll enjoy a dip in the mineral-rich waters of the Secret Lagoon. After relaxing in the warm waters and taking in the quiet beauty of the Icelandic countryside, you’ll head to a family-run restaurant for a delicious dinner that highlights local ingredients. Once nourished, your guide will take you away from city lights to hunt for the aurora borealis, making this tour perfect for couples or small groups seeking intimacy and authenticity.
What makes this tour stand out is its personalized nature—you’re not part of a large crowd, but instead, have a dedicated guide and private vehicle. The tour lasts about 6 to 7 hours, and the value is evident with the price of $915.90 per person, which includes all transportation, the hot spring entry, dinner, and northern lights chasing. During the winter, the chances of seeing the lights are high, and the personalized approach, combined with the relaxing lagoon experience, makes this a top pick for those who want an all-in-one Icelandic night.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers looking for an exclusive, relaxed evening that combines thermal waters, local cuisine, and a good chance of aurora viewing, all in a private setting.
2. Kopar Fine Dining Dinner and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik
This tour offers a rare blend: a gourmet six-course dinner at the renowned Kopar restaurant in the Old Harbour, followed by a boat cruise to search for the northern lights. The dinner features Icelandic ingredients expertly prepared, making it ideal for food lovers who want to taste local flavors in an elegant setting. Afterward, you’ll transfer to a cozy sightseeing boat, where you can enjoy a warm coverall and the chance to see the auroras from the water—a different perspective from land viewing.
What makes this experience special is its combination of fine dining and Aurora viewing in a relatively short time. Guests consistently praise the high quality of the meal and the comfortable boat, with reviews noting the opportunity to see the lights from the water as a major highlight. The tour lasts about 5 hours and costs $199, which offers good value considering the comprehensive experience and the gourmet meal.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who value excellent food and a scenic, intimate northern lights experience—plus, the added thrill of viewing the auroras from a boat.
3. Private Northern Lights Adventure With Lobster Dinner
For those seeking a luxurious and private experience in Iceland’s countryside, this tour offers an exclusive opportunity to satisfy your culinary and aurora-chasing desires. Your adventure begins with a pickup from your Reykjavik hotel and a scenic drive to the south coast, specifically to the seaside village of Stokkseyri. Here, you enjoy a three-course lobster dinner in a charming setting, savoring fresh seafood that Iceland is famous for. After dinner, your private guide takes you into the countryside, away from city lights, to hunt for the elusive Northern Lights.
This tour is unique because it maximizes your chances of seeing the auroras by heading out of the light pollution and into remote landscapes. With only two reviews, both rating it a perfect 5.0, the tour’s exclusivity and personalized service stand out. At around $983.29 per person, it’s an investment, but one that’s well worth it if you want a private, gourmet experience with a high likelihood of seeing the lights.
Bottom Line: Ideal for couples or small groups wanting a highly personalized, luxury experience with excellent food and a good shot at spotting the Northern Lights in peaceful surroundings.
How to Choose
When deciding between these Reykjavik dinner options, consider your priorities: are you after an intimate adventure that combines thermal baths and Aurora hunting? Or do you prefer a gourmet meal followed by a scenic boat ride? Budget is also an important factor—the private tours tend to be pricier but offer more exclusivity, while the boat cruise provides fantastic value for those who enjoy dining with a view on the water. If spotting the Northern Lights is your main goal, the private countryside tour offers the best chance, whereas the Reykjavik-based options are more accessible and flexible.
For further options, check out the Private Northern Lights Adventure With Secret Lagoon and Dinner, Kopar dinner and cruise, and the Lobster Dinner private tour. Booking early in the winter months is advisable, as Northern Lights tours tend to fill up quickly during peak season.
Final Thoughts
Reykjavik offers a surprising variety of evening dining experiences that combine Icelandic cuisine, stunning scenery, and the chance to see the Northern Lights. For a private, cozy night that pairs thermal waters with aurora hunting, the Private Northern Lights Adventure With Secret Lagoon and Dinner is hard to beat. If you want a high-end culinary experience with the thrill of a boat cruise, the Kopar dinner and lights tour makes an excellent choice. And for those who prefer a private, countryside adventure with a lobster feast, the Private Northern Lights Adventure With Lobster Dinner delivers a luxurious, personalized experience.
No matter your choice, booking early and considering your interests will ensure you enjoy an Icelandic evening full of flavor and wonder.