Food & culture · Reykjavik
What to Eat in Reykjavik: A Food Guide
A food guide to Reykjavik: the dishes worth seeking out, what to drink, dining etiquette and the neighbourhoods to eat in.
Updated 2026-07-01
What to eat in Reykjavik
Lamb (kjötsúpa + lambakjöt)
Free-range Icelandic lamb — Grillmarkaðurinn, Matur og Drykkur, Snaps ISK4,000–7,000.
Plokkfiskur (fish stew)
Traditional cod + potato + béchamel — Kaffi Loki, Café Loki ISK2,500.
Skyr (Icelandic yoghurt)
Higher protein than Greek — every supermarket ISK300–500.
Pylsa (hot dog) at Bæjarins Beztu
Icelandic institution since 1937 — ISK700 with 'eina með öllu' (one with everything).
What to drink
Brennivín (caraway 'Black Death' spirit), Reyka vodka, Einstök white ale, Gull + Víking + Thule lagers. Coffee culture strong (Reykjavík Roasters, Kaffibrennslan, Stofan). Tap water world's cleanest — never buy bottled (locals will judge).
Dining etiquette and practicalities
Tipping NOT expected — service included; round up for excellent.
Shower NAKED with soap before entering any public pool or Blue Lagoon (health rule, strictly enforced).
Never walk on moss in nature — it's centuries old + damaged easily; stay on marked paths.
Where to eat in Reykjavik
101 Reykjavík (Downtown)
Laugavegur main street + Hallgrímskirkja + Harpa — Sand Hotel, Kvosin Downtown, Hótel Borg, Ion City Hotel.
Old Harbour (Miðbær west)
Whale watching + Grandi food hall + Marshall House art — Sæmundur, Reykjavik Marina, ODDSSON.
Laugardalur
Botanic garden + geothermal pool + zoo — Grand Hótel Reykjavík, Radisson Saga.
Vesturbær
University + Vesturbæjarlaug pool + Aegisíða seafront — Loft Guesthouse, boutique apartments.
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