Iceland’s eclectic capital may have seen a surge of visitors in recent years, but while most people use Reykjavik as a base for exploring the country’s impressive collection of waterfalls, gushing geysers and dramatic landscapes, there’s more to this city than its epic scenery.
Still more famous for its monuments than its menus, underneath its picture-perfect exterior, Reykjavik is fast becoming a gastronomic paradise, with a line-up of incredible eats popping up around every corner. Wondering where to eat traditional Icelandic food in Reykjavik? Here are the city’s best bites to have on your radar.
What are the Must-Eat Foods in Reykjavik for First-Timers?
Icelandic cuisine is rather diverse, offering a wide range of options from fresh Atlantic seafood to free-range lamb, nutrient-dense dairy, and freshly baked pastries. If you’re travelling to Iceland for the first time, start by reading our Ultimate Guide to Iceland for a breakdown of each gem this stunning country has to offer. In terms of food, stray out of your comfort zone and try some of the region’s delicacies, from Hákarl to Kjötsúpa, Pylsa, and more.
Best Place to Try Fermented Shark in Reykjavik
Hákarl is an Icelandic delicacy, made by a specific curing process where Greenland shark meat is buried in gravel to ferment for weeks, then hung to dry for months. It’s an acquired taste for most but a must-try when visiting Reykjavik.
The best place to try fermented shark in Reykjavik is Kaffi Loki, a charming restaurant located across Hallgrimskirkja Church, which serves traditional Icelandic cuisine. The Hákarl is served in their ‘Braveheart’ tasting platter and comes alongside a shot of local Brennivín schnapps, dried fish, butter, and rye bread.
If you prefer to grab a quick sample on a budget, visit the Kolaportið Flea Market near the harbour. Vendors here sell small, inexpensive takeaway tubs of shark, letting you try it at your own pace.
Where to Find Traditional Icelandic Lamb Soup (Kjötsúpa)?
Kjötsúpa is Iceland’s beloved national soup made from braised lamb and winter root vegetables. It’s the ultimate comfort food in the country, hearty and rich from the wild-grazing flavour of Icelandic lamb. You can find Kjötsúpa in most Icelandic restaurants, but the best place to try it is Icelandic Street Food, a family-owned restaurant aiming to offer visitors traditional Icelandic food at an affordable price.
They serve several types of soups, including Kjötsúpa, in bread bowls, and you can even get free unlimited soup refills! After your meal, you can also help yourself to free, freshly-made waffles.
Where to Find Icelandic Skyr?
What clotted cream is to Cornwall, Skyr is to Iceland. A cultured dairy product that’s been a staple of locals for over 1,000 years, a visit to Reykjavik isn’t complete without tasting this much-loved delicacy for yourself. Like a creamier, thicker yoghurt, it’s made by adding active cultures to heated milk to give it a whole host of gut-boosting properties and a super creamy taste before being combined with fruits like strawberries or blueberries for added flavour.
Icelanders take their Skyr seriously, so you’ll find plenty of places that serve up this delicious treat around the capital, often as a dessert, drizzled with evaporated milk for a splash of syrupy sweetness. You can even take a tour of a Skyr factory to see how it’s made.
<h2>Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Reykjavik</h2>
Reykjavik has a booming and hyper-diverse plant-based scene, so vegetarians and vegans won’t have to worry about eating well during their stay in Iceland. Head to Mama Reykjavik, a cosy 100% plant-based restaurant in the city centre known for hearty dahls and soups, and Vegan World Peace, offering an extensive meat-alternative menu of Pan-Asian cuisine. Fast-food lovers can check out plant-based spot Junkyard Burgers or grab a vegan Icelandic hot dog near Hallgrímskirkja at the Víkinga Pylsur stand.
Late-Night Food Options in Reykjavik City Centre
Have a late-night craving? It’s the perfect occasion to try pylsa, Iceland’s famous national hot dog. With kerbside vendors popping up throughout the city, this cheap, no-frills dish is perfect after a night out or for those midnight cravings.
The best can be found at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, a globally lauded recipe that’s been tried and tested by Bill Clinton and Ben Stiller, no less. Topped with a fragrant blend of raw and fried onions plus generous helpings of ketchup, mustard and remoulade, it’s not unusual for a queue of tourists to snake around the block to get their hands on one during a busy season. Trust us: one bite and you’ll be hooked.
Is Food Expensive in Reykjavik?
Yes, eating out in Reykjavik can be pretty expensive, as most food has to be imported to the island and the cost of living is quite high. Fish dishes are typically cheaper than anything else, but for a casual sit-down meal, you can expect to spend between £30 and £50, and over £100 for three-course meals and fine dining.
Best Budget-Friendly Dinner Options in Reykjavik
You can eat well in Reykjavik on a tighter budget if you’re willing to stick to smaller eateries and fast-food options. Head to Icelandic Street Food for some unlimited traditional soup served in a soup bowl for 3000 ISK; they also offer complimentary coffee or waffles for dessert. Located right in the city centre at Veltusund 3 is Mandi – a local favourite for affordable, flavourful Middle Eastern food. Their generously portioned chicken and fish kebabs, plus a side of fries, will typically run you 2,000–3,000 ISK.
2Guys, situated at Laugavegur 59, is the ultimate spot for hefty, juicy smash burgers. You can pick up their popular combo meals (smash burger, fries, and a soft drink) for roughly 1,990 ISK. Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar, located on Geirsgata 1 near the harbour, is a retro burger shop that offers a highly revered ‘deal of the century’ combo consisting of a burger, fries, and a soda for around 1,990 ISK.
Discover the Best of Reykjavik with Secret Escapes Deals on Iceland Holidays
Wanting to book a foodie trip to Reykjavik? Secret Escapes’ unmissable deals on Iceland holidays offer up to 60% off incredible stays, so you can have that ‘pinch yourself’ trip without penny-pinching. Opt for one of our contemporary city hotels or a package holiday deal, including flights, accommodation, and excursions at one low price. Prepare your itinerary with our Secret Guide to Reykjavik to make the most of your time away.