The Ultimate Guide to Eating (and Drinking) in Reykjavik, Iceland

Everyone who knows me, or follows me on social media, knows I’ve fallen in love with Iceland. My husband and I have spent 5 weeks there over 3 trips…two of which were week-long road trips around the country. We’re in the midst of planning another trip there to visit friends we’ve made there on our previous trips. I’m even in the throes of learning the basics of conversational Icelandic, which is quite the undertaking, but so fun.

I Love You, Iceland!! (PS, this is Gullfoss, and it looks like a slice of pie with white frosting. To me, anyways 😜)

People who know me also know I’m a huge food fiend. I like cheap food, expensive food, sweet foods, salty snacks, predictable and wild food, and every combination of the aforementioned. Whenever people are planning trips to Iceland, they’re sent my way for recommendations, so I thought it about time to create a document for public consumption (see what I did there??).

It can be very pricey to visit Iceland for any period of time — especially if you’re traveling through the countryside, so I’ve broken my recommendations up a bit. First, you’ll see cheaper eats, then a list of some of my favorite spots, and lastly, coffee shops and bars! Enjoy!

Here are some great places for dining on a budget in Reykjavik:

• Noodle Station — This is BY FAR my go-to in Rekyjavik for food. It’s quick, it smells and tastes divine, and you’ll probably even have leftovers.

Noodle Station’s Chicken Pho that blew my MIND!

• Baejarins Beztu Pylsur (hot dogs) — The famous hotdog spot. Any hotdog place in Reykjavik will do the job though, so don’t hesitate! They’re much better than in the States!
• Sandholt Cafe for brunch (not cheap, but not pricey — very good food in Reykjavik)
• Kafitar (Coffee shop) for coffee, pastries, breakfast sandwiches. Free Wifi as well. A breakfast sandwich will run you about $6 USD.

Kafitar coffee and breakfast sandwich with egg, cheese and peppers

• Reykjavik Chips for quick fries and different toppings. It’ll fill you up!
• Devitos for take-away pizza
• [CLOSED] Dunkin’ Donuts — these don’t look or taste like your typical dunkin’ donuts! Love the designs!

• Hlollabatar for quick sandwiches, ice cream, and hot dogs
• Grocery stores around the island. This can be a great way to eat on a budget! http://www.iheartreykjavik.net/2013/07/the-ultimate-guide-to-food-shopping-in-iceland

Alternatively, if you’re looking for great restaurants and drinks not necessarily on a budget, take a look at this (growing) list of some of my favorites:

Food:

• Brauð bakery and pastry shop — SOOO good and so fresh!
• Grillmarkadurinn Market — Upscale dinner that is so good if you’re looking to splurge! http://www.grillmarkadurinn.is/
• Tapasbarinn — for Tapas, of course!
• Icelandic Street Food for some more locally inspired fare
• Matur og Drykkur for the more adventurous meal (think lamb’s head, dried fish, sheep’s dung smoked Trout, etc.)
• Stofan Cafe for sweet treats and great sandwiches! https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189970-d2001638-Reviews-Stofan_Cafe-Reykjavik_Capital_Region.html
• Messinn for cocktails and yummy desserts! Also great for fresh fish dishes.
• SNAPS is SO good http://www2.snaps.is/ Make a reservation!!

French Onion Soup and a Moscow Mule at SNAPS

• Apotek for great drinks and a lovely menu. Upscale and definitely a splurge. Make a reservation!
• KBar for brunch or cocktails http://www.lonelyplanet.com/iceland/reykjavik/restaurants/fusion/k-bar
• Loftið — Upscale meal with great cocktails
• CooCoo’s Nest for Taco Tuesday (all their food is good though!)
• Dill for Michelin star awarded, new Nordic cuisine. Beautifully plated.

Drinks

• Reyjavik Roasters coffee off the beaten path, lots of locals here, great coffee
• Quest BARber shop: Get a haircut, grab a drink, pull up a chair and listen to awesome live music by local (and traveling!) performers

Quest has such a fun vibe!

• Te & Kaffi for… you guessed it. Tea and Coffee!
• Slippbarinn — Reykjavik’s first cocktail bar
• KaldiBar for ambiance and great drinks. This place gets crowded on a weekend!
• Kaffibarinn — It’s Coffee and it’s beer, what more could you ask for?
• MicroBar (pronounced meecro-bar) for local beers in a sub-terranean hidden room
• Geiri Smart for amazing cocktails, sit at the bar!

A pineapple mule-inspired drink at Geiri Smart

• Mikkeler & Friends bar for great beers, cool ambiance, and interesting artwork
• Pablo Discobar for quirky, funky, well-done tackiness that makes for quite the experience. They have amazing bar tenders — Ask for Ivan!

It’s clear Reykjavik has a lot to offer. Don’t hesitate to leave questions in the comments, and if you have something you think should be added to the list, let me know!

Skál and happy eating!