best-places-to-eat-in-Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik’s Best Eats: A Guide to Street Food and Local Favorites

Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, may be small, but its food scene is big on flavor and variety. From traditional Icelandic cuisine to international street food, here are the best places to eat in Reykjavik:

Street Food Favorites

  • Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar: This humble hot dog stand has been a Reykjavik institution for over 30 years. Try the famous Icelandic hot dog, made with lamb-based sausage and topped with fried onions, tomatoes, and remoulade sauce.
  • Reykjavik Street Food: Located in the heart of the city, this street food market offers a variety of international cuisine, including Mexican, Italian, and traditional Icelandic dishes.

Local Eats

  • 3 Frakkar: This cozy restaurant is known for its traditional Icelandic comfort food. Try their famous fish stew or lamb soup, made with locally-sourced ingredients.
  • Café Loki: This charming café serves up classic Icelandic pastries, sandwiches, and soups. Don’t miss their delicious laufabrauð (a thin, wafer-like flatbread) and kleina (a sweet, flaky pastry).
  • Matur og Drykkur: This innovative restaurant offers a modern take on traditional Icelandic cuisine. Their menu changes seasonally, but be sure to try their famous lamb ribs or fish of the day.

International Flavors

  • Gló: For a taste of international cuisine, head to Gló, which serves up delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes inspired by global flavors.
  • Kaffi Vinyl: This unique café combines great coffee with a vinyl record store. Their menu features a variety of international sandwiches and salads.

Desserts

  • Valdís: This popular ice cream shop offers unique flavors made with Icelandic ingredients, such as skyr (a type of yogurt) and rhubarb.
  • Brauð & Co: This bakery and café serves up delicious pastries, cakes, and sandwiches. Try their famous chocolate cake or a traditional Icelandic kleina.

Insider Tips

  • Be prepared for variable weather in Reykjavik, and don’t be afraid to try new foods – Icelandic cuisine is all about experimentation!
  • Many restaurants offer happy hour deals or discounts, so be sure to ask your server.
  • Don’t miss the Reykjavik Food Festival, which takes place annually in March.

Getting Around

Reykjavik is a small city and easily walkable. You can also use public transportation or take a taxi to get around.

Prices

  • Street food: 500-1,000 ISK ( approx. $4-$8 USD)
  • Mid-range restaurants: 2,000-5,000 ISK (approx. $15-$40 USD)
  • High-end restaurants: 5,000-10,000 ISK (approx. $40-$80 USD)

Enjoy exploring the food scene in Reykjavik!