What should I eat in Reykjavik? It’s a good question, as the food in Iceland is so…foreign. Don’t worry – we have tips for the best things to eat in Reykjavik that are absolutely delicious!
In fact, the best foods in Iceland are simple: Hot dogs, fish, soup, yogurt, tomatoes and orange soda. We know it doesn’t sound like much, and we don’t recommend eating them all together!
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6 Best Things To Eat in Reykjavik
Our list of things to eat while visiting Iceland includes a wide range of cuisine. For each item, we have included the Reykjavik restaurant where we ate.
At the end of the post, we share other tips on eating in Iceland, including Reykjavik food tours and cost-saving advice.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Reykjavik Foodie Guide for your Vacation to Iceland!
#1 Icelandic Hot Dogs
The fascination is bewildering, but it’s really no joke: hot dogs are one of the best things to eat in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Unlike in North America, the links here are made with a blend of lamb, pork and beef and have natural casings. Still, it’s more than just the Reykjavik hot dog that makes this wiener a winner.
Specifically, it’s the toppings that takes it from ordinary to extraordinary. Ordering one with ‘The Works’ means it will be covered in ketchup, sweet mustard, fried onions, raw onions and remoulade sauce.
Best Hot Dogs in Reykjavik: Baejarins Beztu Pylsur
While it seems odd to put a street food stand on the list, there is no denying Baejarins Beztu Pylsur. In fact, they have numerous locations around Reykjavik.
Of all the places to eat in Reykjavik, a line of tourists and locals are sure to be found here. Each one costs about $7 – which ranks it as #1 for Cheap Eats Reykjavik. We got two each and called it dinner!
#2 Reykjavik Fish and Chips
Unlike the odd popularity of hot dogs, it’s easy to understand why Icelandic fish and chips are found on nearly every Reykjavik menu.
The entire population lives on the coast and fishing is one of the top industries. We learned that part of the reason Iceland does not want to join the EU is because they are intent on protecting their fishing industry.
There are more than 300 species of fish found off the coast of Iceland. Some of the most common are cod, arctic char, halibut, haddock and herring (along with 3 varieties of salmon in the country’s rivers).
Best Fish and Chips in Reykjavik: Kaffivagninn
For Reykjavik fish and chips, Kaffivagninn was one of the Reykjavik restaurants recommended to us by locals.
Located on the old harbor, it was established in 1935 and is consistently rated one of the best restaurants in Reykjavik. However, it’s not cheap, as an order costs about $30.
#3 Icelandic Lamb Soup: Kjotsupa
We don’t believe there is anything better than a hearty, rich soup on a frigid, overcast day – and Icelandic meat soup, called Kjotsupa, fits the bill.
A staple of Iceland cuisine, the flavorful stew is a concoction of lamb, root vegetables, rice and herbs. I could have consumed an entire vat all on my own!
Lamb has long been the meat of choice in Iceland. In fact, Icelandic Sheep rank as the most common farm animal in the country.
The meat is considered a delicacy and the distinct taste is attributed to the lambs being raised without grain feed or hormones.
Where to Taste Icelandic Meat Soup: Geysir Center
Icelandic meat soup is widely available and we are pretty sure it is all amazing. Where we enjoyed it is somewhat of an unlikely place: The Geysir Center across from Strokkur Geyser.
We made a stop here on our Golden Circle Tour and wanted something to warm up. However, one portion cost nearly $20! Did we not mention it’s difficult to find cheap food in Iceland?
#4 Skyr Yogurt
Skyr is a very popular food in Iceland…as it has been since the Vikings brought the recipe here more than 1,000 years ago.
It is produced using Original Icelandic Skyr Cultures and skim milk from family-run farms. This traditional Iceland food is packed with protein – and it’s unlike any yogurt we’ve ever tried. Likely because it’s technically a soft cheese.
The best way to describe Skyr is thick and creamy, but not heavy. Best of all – it’s low in fat compared to traditional yogurts.
Where To Eat Skyr in Iceland
While Skyr Yogurt is now sold nearly anywhere around the world, we feel eating local food in Iceland tastes even better. Because it is so wildly popular, it’s found in supermarkets and nearly all restaurants.
If purchased at a grocery store, a small container of Skyr generally costs about $3. This makes it one of the least expensive and healthy things to eat in Reykjavik.
#5 Greenhouse Tomatoes
Eating fresh-off-the-vine tomatoes in Iceland in the dead of winter was not an experience we had anticipated!
Then we made a stop at the Fridheimar Greenhouse, which uses Iceland’s naturally abundant geothermal resources to grow tomatoes indoors year-round.
While wintertime tomatoes are hardly a typical Icelandic food, they are certainly part of the innovative foodie culture.
Fridheimar Restaurant
One of the unique restaurants in Iceland, they serve tomato-based meals in an atmospheric setting inside the greenhouse.
At their shop, you can also purchase products to-go. We bought a cup of deliciously sweet piccolo tomatoes for about $4. Spices, sauces, salsas and soups are also for sale.
#6 Egils Appelsin
Egils Appelsin is a carbonated orange soda that has been a popular drink in Iceland since the 1950s.
While the beverage is consumed year-round, during the holidays it is mixed with malt to create a non-alcoholic cocktail called Jolaol, or Christmas Ale.
Where To Buy Appelsin
Appelsin is practically the national drink – so it is available just about anywhere. At supermarkets and convenience stores it costs about $2 per bottle. The best-tasting Appelsin is ice-cold and served in a glass.
Don’t Miss Tasting Icelandic Craft Beer!
Food We Didn’t Eat in Reykjavik
When we researched what to eat in Iceland, we were introduced to an array of bizarre foods. However, venturing into the really exotic cuisine didn’t make our list of things to eat in Reykjavik.
Although some of these items are rarely consumed (thanks to refrigeration), many of the places to eat in Reykjavik still feature them for visitors.
Fermented Shark – Hakarl
No longer a staple of Icelandic cuisine, Hakarl is far from the best food in Iceland. In fact, many locals told us they have never even eaten it.
The foul-scented cured meat is said to smell worse than it tastes…still, we weren’t convinced enough to try it. Some residents suggested chasing it with a shot of the potent liquor, Brennivin!
Smoked Iceland Puffin – Lundi
Unlike Hakarl, Lundi – or Puffin – is a local delicacy that actually tastes good. The dark meat is often described as tender, gamy and slightly fishy.
The world’s largest puffin colony resides in Iceland – and the funny-looking bird has provided nourishment since the times of the Vikings.
However, puffins are considered an endangered species. While it is still legal to hunt and serve lundi, we were fine giving it a pass.
Boiled Sheep’s Head
This is one of the Icelandic foods that we couldn’t stomach simply because the presentation is not at all appetizing.
The entire sheep’s head (minus the brain) is boiled, plated and served. You then carve out the tongue, cheeks and eyeballs – all of which are said to be delicious. We will just take their word for it.
Dried Fish – Hardfiskur
Packaged like potato chips, Hardfiskur is hard, dried fish that is similar to jerky. High in protein, it’s a favorite snack of many Icelanders.
Black Licorice
Made from the root of licorice plants, which are quite prevalent in the country, Icelandic licorice is a favorite sweet treat.
Stocked on the shelves of every grocery store, the candy comes plain, coated in chocolate, stuffed with marzipan and as an ice cream topper.
Caviar in a Tube
We usually associate caviar with fine dining, but in Iceland we found it in a squeezable aluminum tube!
Apparently quite popular in Nordic countries, tubed caviar is creamed smoked fish roe and is often used on top of toast, eggs, crackers and cucumbers.
More Top Restaurants in Reykjavik, Iceland
Although we didn’t get a chance to eat at these, they all come highly rated. We are beginning with more affordable options and working our way up to Michelin.
101 Reykjavik Street Food
Serving soups, stews and fish and chips at relatively affordable prices, this is an excellent choice for budget travelers. Especially for those who want a taste of Icelandic soup for under $20.
The Seafood Soup and Lobster Soup are two of their best sellers, but they also make an Iceland Meat Soup and Beef Noodle Soup that get rave reviews.
Fish & Co Reykjavik
Fish & Co started out as a Reykjavik Food Truck, but now doles out their dishes from a proper restaurant. Their soups run about $20 and mains start at around $30.
Lamb Street Food Reykjavik
This fast-food spot focuses on local cuisine with a healthy twist at a budget price. Lamb wraps run around $27 – and they offer a range of vegan options, too.
Cafe Loki
Located across from the famed Hallgrimskirkja Church, Cafe Loki focuses on serving traditional food in Iceland.
Their specialty is rye bread – and they serve it in a variety of ways, including a delectable Rye Bread Ice Cream.
Other top menu items are smoked lamb, dried fish and hakarl fermented shark. Prices for mains are in the $40 and up range.
Hlemmur Matholl Food Hall
A fantastic spot for lunch or dinner in Reykjavik, the Hlemmur Food Court offers typical Iceland foods and international fare from a variety of vendors.
Travelers in a group looking for food in Iceland for picky eaters will likely find something acceptable to everyone here.
Krost is one of the top spots and is well-known for their slow-cooked grilled meats and fabulous wine selection. They have a heavy focus on local ingredients and items cost $30-45.
Fjarhusid is another vendor at the Reykjavik food hall that focuses on delicacies made from lamb as well as fish and chips. Lamb burgers, skewers, soup and pitas all run between $25 and $35.
Brauð & Co
This charming bakery is well known for their much loved cinnamon rolls. Their croissants and blueberry licorice rolls get high praises, too!
Forretta Barinn
Offering a sit-down dining experience, one of Forretta Barinn’s stand outs is the choice of 3 set 4-course meals, which start out at around $60.
Sjavargrillid
One of the extremely popular places to eat in Iceland, Sjavargrillid is highly regarded for its quality seafood and regional cuisine. They offer a cozy atmosphere and well-presented dishes. Mains run $50 to $70.
Michelin Star Restaurants in Reykjavik
As of 2026, there are two Michelin Star dining establishments in Reykjavik.
Featuring an inventive menu, Dill excels at presentation and personal service. The chefs and a sommelier are also on hand to give full descriptions of the food and wine.
OX is an exclusive spot with seats for just 17 people. The private chef experience includes 16 courses of exceptionally prepared traditional food.
Icelandic Food Tours
A fantastic way to get a taste of traditional Icelandic dishes and regional specialties is with the help of a local guide.
Foodie Tour Reykjavik
Join fellow travelers on the Food Lovers Tour. This highly rated excursion is limited to 12 participants and features 7 tastings.
Beer and Food Tour in Reykjavik
Discover local cuisine alongside craft brew on this Beer and Food Tasting Tour. You’ll explore many of the prime sights while stopping off for brews and bites along the way!
Cooking Class of Iceland Cuisine
Learn to make local food with locals! This fun experience can be upgraded to include a market tour, too. Get the details!
Travel Tips For Your Trip to Iceland
Now that you know what and where to eat in Reykjavik – and how much it costs – we have a few more tips for your trip!
How To Plan Your Iceland Getaway
During our Reykjavik trip, we squeezed in as much sightseeing as we could. You can read our detailed Iceland 3 Day Itinerary as well as tips on How To Plan a European Vacation.
We also took 3 tours from Reykjavik to better discover Iceland. We share all the specifics in these articles!
Organize Your Iceland Adventure
As you make plans, be sure to keep track of all the details! We recommend using our Printable Travel Planner to stay organized.
Where To Stay in Iceland
During our visit to Reykjavik, we stayed in a great Airbnb. We have found apartments less expensive than hotel rooms – with the added benefit of a kitchen where we can cook some of our own meals.
For those who prefer staying in traditional accommodations, there are many Reykjavik Hotels to choose from. Check out these top-rated properties (based on guest reviews).
Start planning your trip to Iceland! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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