Food is a vital a part of how we journey. We are greater than prepared to splurge on native specialties (each in energy and price range.) However, after we went to Iceland for the primary time, everybody instructed us to not anticipate a lot from the meals. But, that doesn’t imply that there isn’t good meals available, particularly within the capital metropolis of Reykjavik and the smaller fishing villages the place you’re going to get the freshest catch.
However, one bit of recommendation rang true — and that’s that meals is pricey in Iceland (see my submit on how a lot a visit to Iceland prices.) So whereas foodie experiences are there to be discovered, you’ll pay a fairly penny for it. You want to seek out methods to stability out these particular splurges with some price range meals as effectively. After three visits and suggestions from mates who’ve visited, I’ve provide you with a go-to listing of the place to eat in Reykjavik.
Must Try Foods in Iceland
While you might be in Iceland, the menu appears completely different than in lots of different elements of the world. Here are just a few of the must-try meals in Iceland (and some that solely the vacationers eat lately!):
- Lamb – you will discover lamb on most menus in Iceland and it’s the most dominant meat on menus
- Meat soup – this meat soup in broth with greens is primarily comprised of lamb
- Langoustines – there are occasions when these are laborious to seek out as overfishing is a matter worldwide
- Icelandic sizzling canine – comprised of a mix of beef, lamb, and pork
- Skyr – thick and creamy dairy product that’s much like a thick yogurt
- Hákarl fermented shark – that is not eaten by locals however was as soon as used to get by way of lengthy winters. Today it’s fermented with vinegar and different pure substances and is paired with a shot of black demise (a transparent, unsweetened schnapps). You may additionally see puffin or whale meat on some vacationer menus in Reykjavik however these actually aren’t eaten by locals anymore
- Icelandic rye bread – topped with butter, cream cheese, or smoked salmon (you’ll be able to see this baked within the floor utilizing geothermal power at Laugarvatn Spa)
- Fish stew – if in case you have an opportunity to do that in a fishing village, don’t hesitate!
- Fish together with cod, salmon, haddock, and Arctic char (you will discover nice fish and chips!)
- Harðfiskur – which is dried fish
- Mussels – a few of the greatest mussels I’ve ever eaten had been within the West Fjords of Iceland
Where to Eat in Reykjavik: Best Restaurants
Where to Eat Breakfast & Brunch in Reykjavik
Eldur and Is
Located simply off of the principle purchasing road, Eldur and Is is an effective cease for crepes — each savory and candy — or ice cream.
Skólavörðustígur 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Sandholt Bakery
Another nice cease for breakfast or a candy snack is Sandholt Bakery, proper on Laugavegur, the principle purchasing road. Expect a line at this bakery for an array of scrumptious pastries, bread, and low. You may also get a scrumptious sit-down breakfast.
Sandholdt Bakery is positioned at Laugavegur 36, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Snaps Bistro
This French-bistro type restaurant is stylish and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (plus weekend brunch.)
Snaps Bistro is positioned at Þórsgata 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, +354 511 6677
Where to Eat Lunch in Reykjavik
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsu
This is probably the most well-known place to get one among Iceland’s signature sizzling canine. Located in a small meals stand close to the Old Harbour, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur has been serving sizzling canine since 1937.
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is positioned at Tryggvagata 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Kopar
Located proper within the Old Harbour, Kopar centered on Icelandic seafood and native seafood. The inside is charming and from a comfy upstairs desk, you’ve got a gorgeous view of the Harpa Concert Hall. On heat days, you’ll be able to even sit exterior. I had a scrumptious lobster soup and zucchini pasta.
Kopar is positioned at Geirsgata 3, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar/ Tommi’s Burger Joint
This informal burger joint is ideal for lunch once you come off a whale watching boat or puffin cruise.
Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar is positioned at Geirsgata Geirsgötu 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Höfnin
Another Old Harbour possibility with nice views, the menu is a little more adventurous with reindeer, nevertheless, there’s a youngsters’s menu with a hamburger. The shellfish soup is a specialty however you’ll be able to even discover tacos right here.
Höfnin is positioned at Geirsgata 7, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
The Laundromat Cafe
This quirky cafe is fashionable with vacationers as a result of it’s cheap and gives acquainted choices like hamburgers, salads, ribs, and even chili con carne!
The Laundromat Cafe is positioned at Austurstræti 9, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, +354 587 7555
Hlemmur Food Hall
Hlemmur Food Hall is Reykjavík’s first meals corridor, impressed by the good European meals markets. Located in an previous bus terminal, right here you will discover Mexican, Vietnamese, Danish, Italian, French and naturally Icelandic delicacies.
The Hlemmur Food Hall is positioned at Laugavegur 107, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
Pósthús Food Hall & Bar
Newly opened in November 2022, this meals name is positioned downtown in a constructing that was once the principle submit workplace in Reykjavik. Options embrace Yuzu Burger, Sushi Social (Djusi sushi), Fuku Mama (Asian grill), and Mossley (tacos and wings.)
Pósthús Food Hall is positioned at Pósthússtræti 5 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Perlan
If you might be on the lookout for a eating expertise with a view, The Pearl sits above Reykjavik with a viewing platform and a restaurant below a glass dome. Just notice that you simply’ll want a cab/automobile to get there however this can be a great spot for lunch when you find yourself visiting a few of the cool reveals and sights at Perlan.
Perlan is positioned at Öskjuhlíð, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
Where to Eat Dinner in Reykjavik
I’ve tried to incorporate a mixture of effective eating, stylish, and budget-conscious choices to my listing of the most effective eating places in Reykjavik for guests. Just take into account that reservations are required on the effective eating locations and beneficial for a lot of others, particularly for dinner in the course of the busy season.
Sushi Social
Sushi Social gives Japanese and South American fusion delicacies (jogs my memory of Sushi Samba in NYC), mixed with Icelandic substances.
Sushi Social is positioned at Þingholtsstræti 5, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Hornid
Hornid was the primary Italian restaurant in Iceland. Located downtown close to the Old Harbour, they provide each pizza and pasta, in addition to seafood and meat dishes.
Hornid is positioned at Hafnarstræti 15, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Saeta Svinid Gastropub
This gastropub has an incredible number of small plates, snacks, and kicked-up pub favorites as most important dishes.
Saeta Svinid Gastropub is positioned at Hafnarstræti 1-3 / 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Caruso
Another Italian restaurant, this one has beautiful outside seating. My mates inform me that the workers is tremendous candy and attentive.
Caruso is positioned at Austurstræti 22, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Grillmarkdurrin
Another fashionable favourite, Grillmarket serves up Iceland fare with European strategies. Reservations beneficial and be ready to splurge.
Grillmarkdurrin is positioned at 2a,, Lækjargata, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, +354 571 7777
Apotek Kitchen & Bar
Located within the Apotek Hotel and former pharmacy constructing, this fashionable restaurant gives a mixture of Icelandic and European delicacies.
Apotek is positioned at Austurstræti 16, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Fiskfelagid
Fiskfelagid Fish Company got here extremely beneficial to us and I’ll admit that I beloved the area and ambiance (though not particularly “kid-friendly”.) The meals sounded superb nevertheless it under-delivered, particularly for the excessive price ticket. So whereas you will discover it on many listing of the most effective eating places in Reykjavik, primarily based on my expertise I’d spend my (important quantity of) cash elsewhere.
Fiskfelagid is positioned at Vesturgötu 2a, Grófartorg, 101 Reykjavík – Iceland, +354 552-5300
A number of others which have been beneficial to me to strive on a future go to embrace:
- Sjavargrill
- Íslenski barinn
- Old Iceland
- Tres Locos
- Fjallkonan
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