The Best Places to Eat in Reykjavik, Iceland: From Fearful to Foodie
Recommendations of what to eat in Reykjavik from someone who was once afraid of Icelandic cuisine
When I first arrived in Reykjavik, Iceland, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the food scene. I had heard plenty of stories about adventurous eats like fermented shark, but I wasn’t rushing to try them.
I’ve always loved exploring new cuisines, but Icelandic food was a new challenge. However, after some trial and error—and a few unforgettable meals—I’ve fallen in love with Reykjavik’s unique culinary offerings.
If you’re like me, someone who started hesitant but embraced the incredible food Iceland has to offer, this guide is for you. From street food to fine dining, these are my top recommendations for anyone visiting Reykjavik. Let’s look at the best places to eat in Reykjavik, and maybe you, too, will get excited about trying Icelandic cuisine.
Seabaron – The Best Chowder in Town
I am a native New Englander, so chowder flows through my veins. I was excited to try this destination, and it did not disappoint.
Their world-renowned lobster soup is the dish that has genuinely put Seabaron on the map. Often hailed as the best lobster soup in the world, this rich, creamy, and flavorful dish is a must-try for anyone visiting Reykjavik.
Nestled in the heart of Reykjavik’s old harbor, Seabaron is a beloved seafood spot you can’t miss when visiting Iceland. Initially founded in 2003 by a retired fisherman, Kjartan Halldórsson, Seabaron began as a humble fish store.
Tourists would flock to the harbor, drawn by the fishmonger’s fresh seafood and charm, snapping photos of the day’s catch. Kjartan soon saw an opportunity and began grilling fish spears and serving lobster soup during lunch.
Since then, Seabaron has grown into a popular seafood restaurant. It is open almost daily from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM and serves locals and tourists alike.
Seabaron’s menu features fresh, locally sourced seafood. Their fish spears are made with the best Iceland offers, including salmon, shrimp, scallops, redfish, catfish, and blue ling, all grilled to perfection.
I can’t forget to mention that bread! It is simple yet unforgettable.
Seabaron’s charm lies in its simplicity and authenticity. The small, rustic restaurant features communal seating, creating a cozy, friendly atmosphere. You might find yourself sharing a table with travelers from all over the world.
Location: Geirsgata 8, 101 Reykjavik (By the harbor and walking distance from the Opera House)
Fish and Chips at Vagninn – Street Food at Its Finest
I’ve always had a soft spot for fish and chips, and Reykjavik’s Fish and Chips Vagninn does not disappoint. This food truck near the harbor is one of Reykjavik’s best-kept secrets for quality street food. The fish is caught fresh daily and fried to crispy perfection in a light batter. Paired with thick-cut chips (fries) and various dipping sauces, this meal is simple and satisfying.
One of my favorite things about this spot is its no-frills approach. You can grab your food and continue exploring Reykjavik’s waterfront. The portions are generous, and the flavors are spot-on. I recommend the classic cod fish and chips with a side of garlic sauce—it’s comfort food at its finest, and you’ll feel like a true local enjoying your meal with views of the harbor.
The story of Fish and Chips Vagninn, a beloved fish and chip stall in Reykjavík, began with three dedicated Icelandic seafood professionals: Benedikt Sveinsson and Höskuldur Ásgeirsson, both critical figures at Icelandic Seafood Ltd. in Hull, and Pétur Björnsson, who ran his own seafood sales company, Ísberg.
In the summer of 2015, they custom-built a portable stall in the UK and brought it to Reykjavík’s Vesturbugt harbor. It quickly became a hit among locals and tourists alike.
The stall offers high-quality fish and chips from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
It is owned by the family-run Fiskkaup Ltd., which catches and processes the fish served! It doesn’t get any fresher than this!
They are the unmistakable red truck; you can find more about them here.
Location: Mýrargata 14, 101 Reykjavík:
The Fish & Chips Stall is located at the Vesturbugt (the westernmost part) of Reykjavík‘s main harbor, just off the shipyard. However, when the opportunity arises, it may be relocated. For instance, during the Iceland Airwaves music festival, you will find the stall by the Harpa concert hall.
Braud & Co. – Heavenly Cinnamon Rolls Worth the Hype
If you’re looking for a quick bite to fuel your Reykjavik explorations, Braud & Co. is a must-visit. They make a very popular sourdough bread, but they are known primarily for their decadent cinnamon rolls.
This bakery has made quite a name among tourists and locals. Their cinnamon rolls are sticky, sweet, and served warm, perfect for a quick breakfast or mid-morning snack.
The smell alone will draw you in from the street! This bakery is famous for its perfectly spiced, gooey cinnamon rolls, and believe me, they live up to the hype. This was an unexpected but welcome discovery!
Located just a stone’s throw away from Hallgrímskirkja, this is the perfect stop after sightseeing. Grab a roll and a cup of coffee, and savor the soft, sugary goodness while strolling through the city. You can’t miss it. Look at the brightly painted tie-dye facade with the bakery bike out front!
I can smell that smell just thinking about these pastries!
You can check out their website here.
Location: Frakkastígur 16, 101 Reykjavik Braud & Co.
Reykjavik Chips – A Quick Snack to Fuel Your Adventures
Iceland’s capital is a city for walking and exploring, and when you need a quick pick-me-up, Reykjavik Chips is the place to go.
I first learned about this gem of a snack by wandering by and going in to check it out, taking a break from the cold. I am so glad I did! These are some of the best French fries I’ve ever had.
Serving up perfectly crispy fries with a variety of sauces, it’s a simple but delicious snack to keep you going. The fries (Belgin style) are golden and crunchy, and the dipping sauces—ranging from garlic aioli to spicy ketchup—take them to the next level. The sweet potato fries are the bomb as well. I’ve only experienced the fries here, but burgers, fried fish, and milkshakes are also on the menu.
It’s the perfect snack when you need some fuel but don’t want a full meal at a reasonable price. Their website is here.
Location: Vitastígur 10, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
6. Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur – The Iconic Icelandic Hot Dog
If there’s one thing you must eat in Reykjavik, it’s an Icelandic hot dog from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. This little hot dog stand is legendary, serving Reykjavik’s best dogs for decades. Made with a blend of lamb, beef, and pork, Icelandic hot dogs are unlike any hot dog you’ve had before. They’re typically topped with crispy fried, raw onions, ketchup, mustard, and a creamy remoulade sauce.
Even though it’s a tiny stand, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is a cultural institution in Reykjavik. Everyone from locals to tourists to celebrities (including former U.S. President Bill Clinton, although he did it won’t and ordered only mustard) has stopped for a bite.
It’s the perfect snack to grab as you explore Reykjavik’s bustling downtown, and you’ll likely find yourself returning for a second round.
To learn about this Icelandic staple, visit their website here, or read our article “The Iconic Icelandic Hot Dog.”
Location: Tryggvagata 1, 101 Reykjavík
Traditional Icelandic Food with a Side of Mythology at Loki Cafe
To experience conventional Icelandic cuisine in a unique atmosphere, you must visit the restaurant across from Hallgrímskirkja.
Inside, you’ll find an eclectic menu featuring classic Icelandic dishes like lamb and fish and even more adventurous local options.
My daughter, who is not the most adventurous eater, opted for a bagel. We were a bit more adventurous, trying the Icelandic Plate Loki.
This consisted of Rye bread slices with mashed fish ( Plokkfiskur) and smoked trout, flatbread with smoked lamb, dried fish with butter, and the taste of fermented shark.
We also had the Icelandic Plate Baldur, which consisted of two rye bread slices, one with mashed fish and the other with egg and herring.
Loki’s unique Rye bread ice cream was a highlight of this meal, although I am glad I tried the interesting traditional Icelandic food.
But the real showstopper is the murals on the wall painted by a local artist named Siggi Valur. The part of the mural I sat facing depicted Loki’s punishment by the other gods. It was cool but a bit gory. Yes, those are dead bodies everywhere. Luckily, it takes more than a bit of gore to ruin my appetite.
The other half of the mural is literally rainbows and unicorns, but I unfortunately wasn’t seated at that part.
It’s a bit of a conversation starter, especially when you’re enjoying dishes tied to Iceland’s rich history and culture.
You can check out more about the restaurant and its menu here.
Location: Lokastígur 28, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. Located across the street from Hallgrímskirkja church in downtown Reykjavik
Valdís – Ice Cream Heaven
Speaking of rye bread ice cream, after experiencing it during my meal at Loki, I had to find more; that is how I discovered this gem!
Valdis is known for its inventive and delicious flavors, ranging from classic chocolate and vanilla to more daring options like licorice and rye bread (*rúgbrauðsís*)
A visit to Reykjavik wouldn’t be complete without trying the ice cream at Valdís. Even though Iceland’s climate might not scream “ice cream weather,” Valdís’ creamy, flavorful scoops will make you forget the chill.
As expected, my personal favorite is the rye bread ice cream. It sounds strange, but it’s one of the most delicious and unique flavors ever. Valdís takes traditional Icelandic ingredients and spins them into delightful, unexpected treats.
What are the most popular ice cream flavors in Iceland? Some of the most popular flavors revolve around licorice and chocolate combinations, such as salted licorice and chocolate-covered licorice.
Valdis is located near the Old Harbor, so it’s the perfect dessert stop after visiting Sea Baron or Fish and Chips Vagninn. If you’re in Reykjavik during the summer, expect to see locals lining up for their favorite frozen treats no matter the time of day (or night, given the Midnight Sun). It’s a Reykjavik tradition that you won’t want to miss.
Location: Grandagarður, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Fermented Shark – An Icelandic Experience You Can Skip
Everyone says you must try the Icelandic delicacy, fermented shark, called hákarl.
Well, I tried it—and I can confidently say, unless you love the smell of a kitty litter box, this is one food you can skip.
Fermented shark is often served as part of an Icelandic platter, but one bite was more than enough for me. It’s an acquired taste. Save yourself the trouble, and stick to the lobster soup and fresh seafood Iceland is famous for!
Honorable Mention
These are a few additional foods popular in Iceland’s food culture.
Skyr:
Skyr has the consistency of strained yogurt but a milder flavor. It can be classified as a fresh sour milk cheese, similar to curd cheese consumed like yogurt. It is very high in protein and used in many ways, including straight out of the container, in milkshakes and smoothies, as a dessert, for breakfast, or baked into cake.
It has been a part of Icelandic cuisine for centuries. Icelanders are proud of their Skyr, probably because it is one of the few food products the Vikings used to eat that we still eat and enjoy today.
Chocolate:
I didn’t expect to discover chocolate in Iceland, but I got hungry when we stopped for a bathroom break during a tour. There was a massive display of assorted Icelandic chocolate bars. Obviously, how could I resist? I am glad I caved because Icelandic chocolate is like nothing I’ve had before.
Icelandic chocolate is generally considered high-quality, and many people find it delicious. It is made from high-quality cocoa beans and other pure, locally sourced ingredients, such as Icelandic milk, which is known for its creaminess due to the clean and unpolluted environment for the cows.
Licorice (Liquorice):
Icelandic people like licorice. I am not talking about the fruity red ropes in the United States. I am talking about the (in my opinion) stinky black chunks some people call candy. Many of the candy options, including chocolate, have licorice in them.
Due to a history of embargoes and restrictions on foreign candies, licorice was the only candy available to Icelanders for hundreds of years, so the locals had to get creative. As a result, a love of licorice is practically ingrained in the genes of Icelanders.
I have not tried it personally, as I can’t even tolerate the smell of licorice. But for those of you who do, I understand that it is so much better than anything available in the United States.
Water:
Water is not the most exciting culinary topic, but Iceland’s tap water deserves the spotlight. The tap water in Iceland is better than any water I have had anywhere. The taste is so fresh and clean that I could not get enough of it!
Icelandic tap water is very particular since it is one of the cleanest drinking water in the world, free of chlorine, calcium, or nitrate. This natural spring water has been running and filtered through layers of lava and rocks for decades, making it so clean.
So, when you visit Iceland, do not buy plastic bottles in the stores (unless you want to pack some for home) since you can get them for free anywhere in the country, even straight from rivers or glaciers.
Indeed, it’s common to see people filling their reusable bottles with river water. And if you have the chance to go on a glacier hike, your guide will find a clear stream of water and show you how to taste one of the purest water you will get the chance to try out.
Food for Thought
Reykjavik’s food scene is a delightful mix of traditional Icelandic fare and modern culinary innovation. From the rich lobster soup at Sea Baron to the sweet cinnamon rolls at Braud & Co., there’s something here for every palate. I started my journey in Iceland a little hesitant. Still, after diving into the local food culture, I can confidently say that Reykjavik has become one of my favorite foodie destinations.
So go ahead and explore Reykjavik’s culinary treasures—your taste buds will thank you!
To experience a cool walking tour and learn the best places to eat in Reykjavik for yourself, check out Reykjavik Food Walk—a local Foodie Adventure in Iceland. With fourteen thousand five-star reviews, you can’t go wrong!
Another excellent foodie experience is the Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour – Icelandic Traditional, which explores more traditional Icelandic food.
If you would like to plan your next Iceland trip with a travel advisor experienced in Iceland, contact our agents here.
