Meals is a crucial a part of how we journey. We’re greater than keen to splurge on native specialties (each in energy and finances.) Nonetheless, after we went to Iceland for the primary time, everybody informed us to not count on a lot from the meals. However, 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.
Nonetheless, one bit of recommendation rang true — and that’s that meals is pricey in Iceland (see my submit on how a lot a visit to Iceland prices.) So whereas foodie experiences are there to be discovered, you’ll pay a reasonably penny for it. It’s worthwhile to discover methods to steadiness out these particular splurges with some finances meals as effectively. After three visits and suggestions from mates who’ve visited, I’ve provide you with a go-to record of the place to eat in Reykjavik.
Should Attempt Meals in Iceland
When you are in Iceland, the menu appears completely different than in lots of different elements of the world. Listed below are a number of of the must-try meals in Iceland (and some that solely the vacationers eat today!):
- Lamb – you can find 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 comprised of lamb
- Langoustines – there are occasions when these are exhausting to seek out as overfishing is a matter worldwide
- Icelandic sizzling canines – comprised of a mix of beef, lamb, and pork
- Skyr – thick and creamy dairy product that’s much like a thick yogurt
- Hákarl fermented shark – that is now not eaten by locals however was as soon as used to get by lengthy winters. In the present day it’s fermented with vinegar and different pure elements and is paired with a shot of black loss of life (a transparent, unsweetened schnapps). You may additionally 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 – when you have an opportunity to do this in a fishing village, don’t hesitate!
- Fish together with cod, salmon, haddock, and Arctic char (you could find nice fish and chips!)
- Harðfiskur – which is dried fish
- Mussels – a few of the finest mussels I’ve ever eaten had been within the West Fjords of Iceland
The place to Eat in Reykjavik: Finest Eating places
The place to Eat Breakfast & Brunch in Reykjavik
Eldur and Is
Positioned simply off of the primary procuring avenue, Eldur and Is is an effective cease for crepes — each savory and candy — or ice cream.
Skólavörðustígur 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Sandholt Bakery
One other nice cease for breakfast or a candy snack is Sandholt Bakery, proper on Laugavegur, the primary procuring avenue. Anticipate a line at this bakery for an array of scrumptious pastries, bread, and low. You may as well get a scrumptious sit-down breakfast.
Sandholdt Bakery is situated at Laugavegur 36, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Snaps Bistro
This French-bistro type restaurant is fashionable and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (plus weekend brunch.)
Snaps Bistro is situated at Þórsgata 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, +354 511 6677
The place to Eat Lunch in Reykjavik
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsu
That is probably the most well-known place to get one in all Iceland’s signature sizzling canines. Positioned in a small meals stand close to the Outdated Harbour, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur has been serving sizzling canines since 1937.
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is situated at Tryggvagata 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Kopar
Positioned proper within the Outdated Harbour, Kopar centered on Icelandic seafood and native seafood. The inside is charming and from a comfortable upstairs desk, you have got a gorgeous view of the Harpa Live performance Corridor. On heat days, you possibly can even sit outdoors. I had a scrumptious lobster soup and zucchini pasta.
Kopar is situated at Geirsgata 3, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar/ Tommi’s Burger Joint
This informal burger joint is ideal for lunch once you come off a whale watching boat or puffin cruise.
Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar is situated at Geirsgata Geirsgötu 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Höfnin
One other Outdated 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 situated at Geirsgata 7, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
The Laundromat Cafe
This quirky cafe is standard with vacationers as a result of it’s cheap and provides acquainted choices like hamburgers, salads, ribs, and even chili con carne!
The Laundromat Cafe is situated at Austurstræti 9, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, +354 587 7555
Hlemmur Meals Corridor
Hlemmur Meals Corridor is Reykjavík’s first meals corridor, impressed by the nice European meals markets. Positioned in an previous bus terminal, right here you could find Mexican, Vietnamese, Danish, Italian, French and naturally Icelandic delicacies.
The Hlemmur Meals Corridor is situated at Laugavegur 107, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
Pósthús Meals Corridor & Bar
Newly opened in November 2022, this meals name is situated downtown in a constructing that was the primary submit workplace in Reykjavik. Choices embrace Yuzu Burger, Sushi Social (Djusi sushi), Fuku Mama (Asian grill), and Mossley (tacos and wings.)
Pósthús Meals Corridor is situated at Pósthússtræti 5 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Perlan
In case you are searching for a eating expertise with a view, The Pearl sits above Reykjavik with a viewing platform and a restaurant beneath a glass dome. Simply notice that you just’ll want a cab/automotive to get there however this can be a great place for lunch when you’re visiting a few of the cool displays and points of interest at Perlan.
Perlan is situated at Öskjuhlíð, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
The place to Eat Dinner in Reykjavik
I’ve tried to incorporate a mixture of tremendous eating, fashionable, and budget-conscious choices to my record of the perfect eating places in Reykjavik for guests. Simply take into account that reservations are required on the tremendous eating locations and really useful for a lot of others, particularly for dinner throughout the busy season.
Sushi Social
Sushi Social provides Japanese and South American fusion delicacies (jogs my memory of Sushi Samba in NYC), mixed with Icelandic elements.
Sushi Social is situated at Þingholtsstræti 5, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Hornid
Hornid was the primary Italian restaurant in Iceland. Positioned downtown close to the Outdated Harbour, they provide each pizza and pasta, in addition to seafood and meat dishes.
Hornid is situated 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 fundamental dishes.
Saeta Svinid Gastropub is situated at Hafnarstræti 1-3 / 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Caruso
One other Italian restaurant, this one has beautiful out of doors seating. My mates inform me that the employees is tremendous candy and attentive.
Caruso is situated at Austurstræti 22, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Grillmarkdurrin
One other standard favourite, Grillmarket serves up Iceland fare with European strategies. Reservations really useful and be ready to splurge.
Grillmarkdurrin is situated at 2a,, Lækjargata, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, +354 571 7777
Apotek Kitchen & Bar
Positioned within the Apotek Resort and former pharmacy constructing, this trendy restaurant provides a mixture of Icelandic and European delicacies.
Apotek is situated at Austurstræti 16, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Fiskfelagid
Fiskfelagid Fish Firm got here extremely really useful to us and I’ll admit that I beloved the house and environment (though not particularly “kid-friendly”.) The meals sounded superb nevertheless it under-delivered, particularly for the excessive price ticket. So whereas you can find it on many record of the perfect eating places in Reykjavik, primarily based on my expertise I’d spend my (important quantity of) cash elsewhere.
Fiskfelagid is situated at Vesturgötu 2a, Grófartorg, 101 Reykjavík – Iceland, +354 552-5300
A couple of others which were really useful to me to strive on a future go to embrace:
- Sjavargrill
- Íslenski barinn
- Outdated Iceland
- Tres Locos
- Fjallkonan
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