Galito

Akranes is not a town that most tourists plan to visit. The small harbour community on the western coast, 50 kilometres north of Reykjavik via the Hvalfjordur tunnel, does not feature in many itineraries. But if you are driving north towards Borgarfjordur or the Snaefellsnes peninsula, Akranes sits right on the route — and Galito gives you a reason to stop.

The Restaurant

This is a family business, 14 years and counting, built on fresh fish, homemade sauces, and the kind of personal service that only a family-run restaurant can sustain. The menu is broader than the small-town setting might suggest — fresh catch of the day, grilled chicken wraps, pasta, burgers, and a handful of dishes that reflect an international curiosity unusual for a town this size.

The fish is the standout. Akranes is a working fishing harbour, and the proximity to the catch shows in the freshness and quality. Whatever the fish of the day is, order it. The kitchen treats it simply and correctly, letting the ingredient do the talking.

The Atmosphere

The interior is clean and modern with a semi-formal feel that sits comfortably between casual and smart. Service is friendly and efficient — the family clearly takes pride in what they do, and that care extends to how they treat their guests. On weekend evenings the restaurant fills with locals, which is always a reliable indicator of quality.

Practical Tips

Getting there. Akranes is reached via the Hvalfjordur tunnel on Route 1 heading north from Reykjavik. The drive takes about 40 minutes and is straightforward. Galito is on Stillholt, easy to find in the small town centre.

Best for. A lunch stop when driving the western route towards Snaefellsnes or Borgarfjordur. Also worth a dedicated visit if you want to experience an Icelandic small-town restaurant that punches well above its weight.

Sunday note. Galito opens later on Sundays (16:00), so plan accordingly if your route passes through Akranes on a Sunday afternoon.

Recommendations. The grilled chicken wrap and the fresh fish are the most consistently praised items. The prawn wrap is also well regarded. The vegetarian pesto pasta offers a solid meat-free option.

Galito is the kind of restaurant that makes you grateful for the detour. It is not a destination in the way that a Reykjavik fine dining restaurant might be, but it is a genuinely good place to eat in a town that deserves more visitors than it gets.