We drove half the ring road and flew back to Reykjavik from Akureyri in August, 2021. We had a great time, lovely weather, friendly people. Here are some of our favorite restaurants:
Best of trip: Vidvik in Hellissandur is wonderful. It's way out on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, on the north side...a lovely drive across fjords and small fishing villages. What a surprise to find Vidvik there! The food is delicious, the server friendly and helpful, and the ambiance charming.
Best breakfast and lunch in Reykjavik: Sandholt; a bakery with sandwiches and delicious pastries.
Good fish and chips and other seafood in a modest place: Reykjavik Fish Restaurant
Unique lunch in a tomato greenhouse: Fridheimer Tomato Farm Restaurant on Golden Circle drive. A bit touristy but worth a visit. Every item on the menu is made with tomatoes! The food is delicious, the breads are outstanding, and the chance to roam around and visit the green house and see tomatoes growing and learn about greenhouse gardening in Iceland is a real treat.
Best hotel on our route: The Siglo Hotel in Siglufjordur. The hotel is lovely, situated in the center of town on the harbor. It's low-key, comfortable, with friendly, helpful employees. This is a charming fishing village at the end of a fjord. Well worth leaving the ring road for a bit. The ride up here along the fjord is so beautiful; we pulled off the road several times. Driving through the tunnels to get to the town is quite a surprise; like nothing else you've probably seen.