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What to eat in Iceland? It’s a question some visitors ponder – as the food in Iceland is so…foreign. Many travelers have heard the tales of traditional Icelandic cuisine that makes some stomachs turn squeamish. Don’t worry – we have tips for what to eat in Reykjavik (and the rest of Iceland) that are absolutely delicious!
In fact, the best foods in Iceland are simple: Hot dogs, fish, soup, yogurt, tomatoes and orange soda. It doesn’t sound like much (and we don’t recommend eating them all together), but these are the six best things to eat in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Our list of things to eat in Iceland includes the best fish and chips, Reykjavik street food and some of the more interesting eats. All these classic Reykjavik food items should be on your must-eat list of Icelandic cuisine. Plus, we highlight where to eat in Iceland during your trip!
Best Food in Iceland
Due to the isolation and harsh winters, the national cuisine in Iceland ranges from fairly basic and expected, to creative and downright strange. That remoteness also makes finding cheap places to eat in Reykjavik nearly impossible. Nearly.
We attempted to keep our budget in check and still get a taste of traditional Icelandic food – and we believe we succeeded!
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 and how much money we spent.
At the end of the post, we share other tips on eating in Iceland. Including the best restaurants in Reykjavik, Iceland food tours and cost-saving advice concerning food prices. Additionally, we have all the general Iceland travel tips for your trip!
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 hot dogs in North America, the links in Iceland 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 and one of the most popular Icelandic dishes.
Specifically, it’s the toppings that take the Icelandic hot dog from ordinary to extraordinary. Ordering one with ‘The Works’ means it will be covered in ketchup, sweet mustard, fried onions, raw onions and a remoulade sauce.
Best Hot Dog Restaurant in Reykjavik: Baejarins Beztu Pylsur
When talking about Reykjavik Best Restaurants it seems odd to put a street food stand on the list, but there is no denying Baejarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand. In fact, their name translates to Best Hot Dog in Town!
Of all the places to eat in Reykjavik, a line of tourists and locals are sure to be found at Baejarins Beztu Pylsur food cart.
Each Icelandic hot dog costs about $5 – which ranks it as #1 for Cheap Eats Reykjavik. We got two each and called it dinner! MAP and Website.
#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 restaurant menu.
The entire population lives on the coast – and fishing is still one of the top industries in Iceland. We learned from locals 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 and three varieties of salmon are found in the country’s rivers.
Some of the most common fish listed on the menus of restaurants in Reykjavik, Iceland are cod, arctic char, halibut, haddock and herring.
Fish is prepared just about every way imaginable from fresh-out-of-the-sea sushi to savory fish stew to golden fried fish and chips.
Best Fish and Chips Restaurant Reykjavik: Kaffivagninn
For Reykjavik fish and chips, Kaffivagninn was one of the Reykjavik restaurants recommended to us by a local.
Kaffivagninn Restaurant, which is located on the old harbor, was established in 1935 and is consistently rated one of the best restaurants in Reykjavik.
However, it’s not considered one of the cheap restaurants in Reykjavik. A meal of Fish and Chips Reykjavik style costs about $25. That said, the portions are big enough to be shared.
The meal comes with three fried fillets, three dipping sauces, a pile of fries, delicious soup, a fresh side salad, a roll and unlimited hot coffee. MAP and Reviews.
#3 Icelandic Lamb Soup: Kjotsupa
I don’t think 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, which is a concoction of lamb, root vegetables, rice and herbs, is simply divine. 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 we ate Icelandic Meat Soup: Geysir Center Restaurant
Icelandic meat soup is widely available and we are pretty sure it is all amazing. Where we enjoyed it, however, is in somewhat of an unlikely place: The Geysir Center, located across the street from Strokkur Geyser. MAP.
We made a stop there on our Golden Circle Tour and wanted something to warm up. One portion of the a la carte soup cost nearly $20! Did we not mention it’s difficult to find cheap food in Iceland?
However, the taste was exceptional – especially as we were standing outside in the cold waiting for Strokkur Geyser to put on its show!
#4 Skyr Yogurt
Skyr Yogurt is a popular food in Iceland…as it has been since the Vikings brought the recipe to the island more than 1,000 years ago.
The yogurt is produced using Original Icelandic Skyr Cultures and skim milk produced by family-run farms. This traditional Iceland food is packed with protein – and it’s unlike any other 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. If you are looking for fast food in Iceland that is not a hot dog, a cup of Skyr Yogurt is an excellent choice!
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, this Iceland favorite food is found in supermarkets and in nearly all restaurants.
If purchased at a grocery store, a small container of Skyr generally it costs about $3 – making 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 Iceland foodie culture.
Greenhouse Restaurants Iceland: Fridheimar Restaurant
Using geothermal energy, the greenhouse at Frideimar grows and cultivates tomatoes and cucumbers. Plus, they have on-site restaurant featuring their freshly grown foods in Iceland.
One of the unique restaurants in Iceland, they serve tomato-based meals (rather than typical Iceland cuisine) in an atmospheric setting inside the greenhouse. MAP and Website.
At the Little Tomato Shop, visitors can purchase greenhouse 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 drink that is ingrained in the Iceland food culture. The drink is produced by the mega-beverage company, Olgerdin.
The orange soda has been a popular Icelandic drink 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 in Iceland – 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 Great Icelandic Craft Beer!
Food We Didn’t Eat in Reykjavik, Iceland
When we researched what to eat in Iceland, we were introduced to an array of bizarre foods. However, venturing into the exotic cuisine of Iceland didn’t make our list of things to eat in Reykjavik.
In modern times, some of the funky food seemed more like a tourist novelty than a common local meal. While we were intrigued by Iceland’s history of food, we couldn’t stomach consuming some of it. Besides, most of the unusual food in Reykjavik tends to be extremely expensive.
Unique Food of Iceland
While we took a pass on eating some of the truly unique Iceland food, it is certainly worth mentioning a few iconic Icelandic dishes that once provided sustenance through the harsh winters.
Although some of these items are rarely consumed now (thanks to refrigeration), many of the places to eat in Reykjavik will feature these Iceland traditional dishes (but it’s often just for the tourists).
Fermented Shark – Hakarl
No longer a staple of Icelandic cuisine, Hakarl is far from the best food in Iceland. In fact, many locals have never even eaten it. The foul-scented cured meat is said to smell worse than it tastes…still many adventurous eaters can’t get it down.
Locals say the ideal – or perhaps only – way to eat fermented shark in Iceland is to chase 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 to the people of Iceland 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 not eating this Iceland famous food.
Boiled Sheep’s Head
Sheep’s Head is one of the Icelandic foods that we couldn’t stomach simply because the presentation is not at all appetizing.
At restaurants in Reykjavik, Iceland the entire sheep’s head (minus the brain) is boiled, plated and served. Diners then carve out the tongue, cheeks and eyeballs – all of which are said to be delicious. We will just take their word for it!
More Popular Food in Iceland
One of the best ways to really understand what locals eat is to stroll around the grocery store. As we perused the goods for sale, it revealed some other odd habits of eating in Iceland.
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 and one of the foods from Iceland that is regularly consumed by locals and visitors alike.
Black Licorice
Made from the root of licorice plant, which is 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 an aluminum tube. Apparently quite popular in Nordic countries, the tubed caviar is creamed smoked fish roe and is used on top of toast, eggs, crackers and cucumbers, among other foods.
Restaurants in Reykjavik, Iceland
Although we didn’t get a chance to eat at these Reykjavik, Iceland restaurants, they come highly rated by fellow travelers.
These Icelandic food Reykjavik spots are listed by categories – Cheap, Mid-Range and Iceland Michelin Star Restaurants.
Cheap Reykjavik Restaurants
The cost of food in Iceland is rarely called cheap, but there are some less expensive places to eat than others.
We believe the best inexpensive Iceland fast food is a Reykjavik hot dog. However, budget travelers can also seek out cheap Reykjavik food at these top-rated restaurants.
101 Reykjavik Street Food
Serving soups, stews and fish and chips at relatively affordable prices, 101 Reykjavik Street Food is an excellent choice for budget travelers. Especially those who want a taste of Icelandic soup!
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. MAP.
Fish & Co Reykjavik
Fish & Co is a Reykjavik Food Truck that doles out dishes of pan-fried cod that is cooked to perfection. Their fish platters are served with fries or a salad of spinach and baby tomatoes for just about $20.
The food truck gets high marks as one of the most affordable places to eat in Iceland – and many claim they make the best fish and chips in Reykjavik. MAP.
Lamb Street Food Reykjavik
The fast-food Reykjavik Lamb Street Food restaurant focuses on local cuisine with a healthy twist at a budget price.
Lamb wraps start at about $20 – and they offer a range of vegan options, too. It is highly rated as one of the best cheap restaurants in Reykjavik. MAP.
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 popular Icelandic food in a variety of ways, including a delectable Rye Bread Ice Cream.
Other top menu items are traditional Icelandic fare – like smoked lamb, dried fish and hakarl fermented shark. Prices are in the $25 and up range. MAP.
Hlemmur Matholl Food Hall
A fantastic spot for lunch or dinner in Reykjavik, the Hlemmur Food Hall 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 for everyone here. They have Mexican, Vietnamese and Italian. MAP.
Krost is one of the top spots and is well-known for their slow-cooked grilled meats and fabulous wine selection. They use local ingredients and items cost about $25-30.
Fjarhusid is another vendor at the Reykjavik food hall that focuses on delicacies made from lamb. Lamb burgers, skewers, soup and pitas all cost about $20.
Braud & Co Bakery
A charming bakery near Hallgrimskirkja Church, Braud and Co is well known…and much loved! Patrons rave about the cinnamon rolls – and their croissants and blueberry licorice rolls get high praises, too. MAP.
Mid-Range Traditional Icelandic Food in Reykjavik
If you are wondering where to eat in Reykjavik for a sit-down dinner in Iceland that won’t completely break the bank, we have a few suggestions.
Forretta Barinn
Earning rave reviews from fellow travelers, Forretta Barinn offers an upscale dining experience at fair prices. One of the stand outs on their menu is the choice of four set 4-course meals, which start at around $50. MAP.
Sjavargrillid Reykjavik
One of the extremely popular places to eat in Iceland, Sjavargrillid is highly regarded for its quality seafood and local cuisine. The restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere, well-presented dishes and offers a Taste of Iceland value pricing menu. MAP.
Best Restaurants in Reykjavik with Michelin Star
Visitors who want to really splurge can find some of the best food in Reykjavik at one of the city’s Michelin Star restaurants.
As of 2024, there are two Michelin Star dining establishments in Reykjavik, but a few that have earned Michelin mentions.
DILL Reykjavik – Michelin Star Restaurant
Featuring an inventive menu of local cuisine, Dill excels at presentation and personal service. The chefs and sommelier are on hand to give full descriptions of the food and wine. The extensive tasting menu is offered at about $120 and can be paired with a wine experience. MAP.
Ox Iceland – Michelin Star Restaurant
An exclusive restaurant with seats for just 11 people, the private chef experience includes 16 courses of exceptionally prepared traditional food. MAP.
Matur og Drykkur
Operating out of a historical building, the family-run Matur og Drykkur serves traditional Icelandic meals with a modern twist. The menu features multiple course menus with wine pairings. MAP.
Best Restaurants in Reykjavik with a View
Sometimes it is not a question of What to Eat Reykjavik – but Where to Eat. For many travelers, that means the Best Restaurants Reykjavik with a view.
The Perlan Restaurant – Út í Bláinn – features modern European fare, but the venue certainly has the most astounding views of any restaurant in Reykjavik. Better yet, the entire space revolves – so everyone gets a spectacular view! MAP.
Sky Bar at the Centerhotel Arnarhvoll is another great establishment for views. Plus, they have happy hour! MAP.
Icelandic Cuisine Tours
A fantastic way to get a taste of traditional Icelandic dishes and regional specialties is with the help of a local guide.
Icelandic food tours range from a couple of hours sampling the best Reykjavik food to all-day adventures in the countryside.
Food Tour Reykjavik
For a sample of the local cuisine in Reykjavik, join fellow travelers for a small-group tour. The Food Lovers Tour is a highly rated Reykjavik food walk that is limited to 12 participants and features 10 tastings. Reserve your spot!
Beer and Food Tour in Reykjavik
Discover local cuisine alongside craft brew on a Beer and Food Tasting Tour. The pairing meal takes place at a local brewery and includes 9 small plates of Iceland cuisine, as well as samples of 5 different locally-produced beers. Book it now!
Cooking Class Iceland Cuisine Tour
Join a local family in preparing a memorable meal in Reykjavik. Participants learn about the food and culture while making traditional Icelandic specialties. Find out more!
Cost of Eating in Iceland
As budget conscious travelers, we always consider (and calculate) the cost of food in the places we visit. We knew the food prices in Iceland were going to be high, but I’m not sure that we were exactly prepared for the exorbitant costs of eating in Reykjavik.
Iceland Food Costs
During our short stay in Iceland, we definitely spent more on food than we usually average – and more than we originally budgeted.
We thought we couldn’t go wrong by ordering a pizza for take-away, but we were hit with sticker shock. A large mediocre-tasting meat pizza cost $30.
The food and drink prices in Iceland were astounding – and finding cheap eats in Reykjavik proved more difficult than we imagined. However, we weren’t prepared to let the cost of eating out in Iceland hinder our experience – and we don’t think other travelers should either.
Some of the top things to eat in Reykjavik are expensive, but also essential Iceland food experiences. We saved money be making our own breakfasts so that we could splurge on a few meals.
Top Budget Tip: Avoid Iceland Restaurants
Since even the most affordable restaurants in Reykjavik, Iceland are not cheap, the best way to save is to buy food at the grocery store. The largest supermarket is Bonus, which is where we should have shopped, but we went to the 10-11 store instead.
How Much is Iceland Food at 1011 Store?
While buying food at the store was a cost saving measure, buying it from the 1011 convenience store was not. We went ultra-basic and bought the essentials for filling breakfasts and mid-day snacks – and were still left with a hefty price tag for what we got.
- Six Eggs cost 589 ISK/$4.65 – which is 77 cents per egg.
- One Loaf of Bread (15 slices) cost 539 ISK/$4.25 – which is 28 cents per slice.
- Four Apples cost 709 ISK/$5.60 – which is $1.40 per apple.
- One Danish Loaf (8 pieces) cost 599 ISK/$4.75 – which is 60 cents per serving.
- Cheese (16 slices) cost 722 ISK/$5.70 – which is 35 cents per slice.
- Total shopping bill: 3,158 ISK/$24
Cost of Homemade Breakfast in Reykjavik
The food that we bought at the store was used to make breakfast in our Airbnb. We broke the price down to calculate how much it cost per meal.
- Egg Sandwich – 1 egg (.77), 2 slices of bread (.56), 1 slice of cheese (.35)
- Half of an apple (.70)
- I piece of Danish (.60)
- Total breakfast cost: $2.98
While I think the 1011 store food prices in Iceland are outrageously high, it was still more cost effective than eating out in Reykjavik.
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 Vacation to Iceland
During our Reykjavik trip, we squeezed as much sightseeing as we could into our time in Iceland. Fellow travelers can use our detailed Iceland Itinerary and tips on How To Plan a European Vacation.
In addition to eating the foods of Iceland, some of our favorite experiences were exploring the island on day tours. We highlight the specifics in the following articles.
- The Best Golden Circle Day Trip
- Discovering the South Coast of Iceland
- Chasing the Northern Lights
Organize Your Iceland Trip
As you make plans, reservations and your Iceland Foods list of things to try, be sure to keep track of all the details! We recommend using our Printable Travel Planner to keep organized.
Where To Stay in Iceland
During our visit to Reykjavik, we stayed in a great Airbnb Apartment. We have found it less expensive than hotel rooms – with the added benefit of a kitchen where we can cook some of our own meals.
Hotels in Reykjavik
For those who prefer staying in traditional accommodations, there are many Reykjavik Hotels to choose from. We recommend searching for properties that offer an included breakfast or cooking facilities.
Check out these top-rated hotels (based on guest reviews) for your upcoming trip.
Use our Tips for Finding the Best Accommodations for more money-saving advice!
Flights to Iceland
Popular US gateways with direct flights to Iceland include Boston, Seattle, Denver, NYC and Chicago. For direct flights from Europe to Iceland search out of London, Frankfurt and Paris. When we purchase plane tickets, we start our search on Skyscanner.
The main Reykjavik airport is Keflavik (KEF), which is a hub for Iceland Air. It takes about 45 minutes to get into the Reykjavik city center – and there are numerous options for making the trip. Visitors can rent a car, book private transportation, ride a shared shuttle or take the Flybus.
Start planning your trip to Iceland! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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