Food is a vital a part of how we journey. We are greater than prepared to splurge on native specialties (each in energy and finances.) However, once we went to Iceland for the primary time, everybody instructed us to not count on 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’ll get the freshest catch.
However, one bit of recommendation rang true — and that’s that meals is dear in Iceland (see my put up 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 steadiness out these particular splurges with some finances meals as properly. After three visits and suggestions from mates who’ve visited, I’ve give you a go-to checklist of the place to eat in Reykjavik.
Must Try Foods in Iceland
While you might be in Iceland, the menu appears to be like totally different than in lots of different elements of the world. Here are a number of of the must-try meals in Iceland (and some that solely the vacationers eat today!):
- Lamb – you’ll 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 constituted of lamb
- Langoustines – there are occasions when these are onerous to seek out as overfishing is a matter worldwide
- Icelandic scorching canines – constituted of a mix of beef, lamb, and pork
- Skyr – thick and creamy dairy product that’s just like a thick yogurt
- Hákarl fermented shark – that is now 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 dying (a transparent, unsweetened schnapps). You may 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 possibly can see this baked within the floor utilizing geothermal vitality at Laugarvatn Spa)
- Fish stew – you probably have an opportunity to do that in a fishing village, don’t hesitate!
- Fish together with cod, salmon, haddock, and Arctic char (you’ll find nice fish and chips!)
- Harðfiskur – which is dried fish
- Mussels – among the greatest mussels I’ve ever eaten have 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 primary buying 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 primary buying road. Expect a line at this bakery for an array of scrumptious pastries, bread, and occasional. You also can get a scrumptious sit-down breakfast.
Sandholdt Bakery is positioned at Laugavegur 36, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Snaps Bistro
This French-bistro model 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 essentially the most well-known place to get one in every of Iceland’s signature scorching canines. Located in a small meals stand close to the Old Harbour, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur has been serving scorching canines since 1937.
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is positioned at Tryggvagata 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Kopar
Located proper within the Old Harbour, Kopar targeted on Icelandic seafood and native seafood. The inside is charming and from a comfy upstairs desk, you’ve got an exquisite view of the Harpa Concert Hall. On heat days, you possibly can 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 while 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, nonetheless, there’s a youngsters’s menu with a hamburger. The shellfish soup is a specialty however you possibly can even discover tacos right here.
Höfnin is positioned at Geirsgata 7, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
The Laundromat Cafe
This quirky cafe is standard with vacationers as a result of it’s cheap and affords 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’ll find 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 primary put up 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 just’ll want a cab/automotive to get there however it is a great place for lunch if you find yourself visiting among the cool displays 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 fantastic eating, stylish, and budget-conscious choices to my checklist of one of the best eating places in Reykjavik for guests. Just needless to say reservations are required on the fantastic eating locations and advisable for a lot of others, particularly for dinner throughout the busy season.
Sushi Social
Sushi Social affords 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 important choice of small plates, snacks, and kicked-up pub favorites as important dishes.
Saeta Svinid Gastropub is positioned at Hafnarstræti 1-3 / 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Caruso
Another Italian restaurant, this one has pretty 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 standard favourite, Grillmarket serves up Iceland fare with European strategies. Reservations advisable 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 affords a mixture of Icelandic and European delicacies.
Apotek is positioned at Austurstræti 16, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Fiskfelagid
Fiskfelagid Fish Company got here extremely advisable to us and I’ll admit that I cherished the area and environment (though not particularly “kid-friendly”.) The meals sounded wonderful however it under-delivered, particularly for the excessive price ticket. So whereas you’ll discover it on many checklist of one of the best eating places in Reykjavik, based mostly on my expertise I might spend my (important quantity of) cash elsewhere.
Fiskfelagid is positioned at Vesturgötu 2a, Grófartorg, 101 Reykjavík – Iceland, +354 552-5300
Just a few others which have been advisable to me to strive on a future go to embrace:
- Sjavargrill
- Íslenski barinn
- Old Iceland
- Tres Locos
- Fjallkonan
PIN THIS
