Black Box Pizzeria

Akureyri is not a city you visit for the pizza. You come for the whale watching, the northern lights, or the gateway to Husavik and Myvatn. But when you are here and you want pizza, Black Box is where you go — and the pizza is genuinely good enough to justify the visit on its own terms.

The Pizza

Black Box takes its pizza seriously. The bases are thin and crispy, fired in a wood oven that gives them the kind of char and texture that separates proper pizza from the reheated variety. The toppings are applied with restraint — this is not a more-is-more operation — and the quality of ingredients is noticeable. Icelandic touches appear throughout the menu: smoked lamb, local cheeses, and seasonal vegetables that reflect what is available rather than what is expected.

The margherita is the benchmark, and it passes with ease. Good tomato sauce, quality mozzarella, and a base that has genuine character. The more creative options are worth exploring — the Icelandic lamb pizza, in particular, offers something you will not find in Italian pizzerias elsewhere.

The Setting

Strandgata is Akureyri's main street, running along the harbour with views across Eyjafjordur. Black Box occupies a comfortable spot on this strip, with an interior that is casual and unpretentious. Dark walls, simple furnishings, and an open kitchen where you can watch the pizzas being assembled and fired. The atmosphere is relaxed — equally suitable for a family dinner or a couple looking for an easy evening out.

Beer and Pizza

The beer selection, while not extensive, is well-chosen. Icelandic craft beers feature prominently, and the staff can recommend pairings if you ask. A good pizza and a cold Icelandic beer after a day of exploring North Iceland is one of those simple pleasures that does not need embellishment.

North Iceland Context

Akureyri's restaurant scene has improved considerably in recent years, but the options remain limited compared to Reykjavik. Black Box fills an important role: reliable, quality food at reasonable prices, without the formality or expense of the town's finer dining options. For travellers on the Ring Road, it is a welcome alternative to another lamb stew or fish of the day.

Practical Tips

Walk-ins are usually fine, but weekend evenings in summer can be busy. The location on Strandgata is central to everything in Akureyri. Parking is available nearby. Combine a visit with a stroll along the harbour or a pre-dinner drink at one of the neighbouring bars. Prices are fair for Iceland, and the portions are satisfying — one pizza per person is typically enough.