Reykjavik, Iceland’s vibrant capital, is not only known for its stunning landscapes and rich history but also for its unique and delicious culinary scene. From cozy cafes serving traditional breakfasts to bustling food halls and seafood restaurants, Reykjavik offers a diverse range of dining experiences. Join us as we explore some must-visit spots for experiencing authentic Icelandic Street Food Reykjavik, and beyond.
Our day of culinary exploration began before embarking on a ‘Funky History Walking Tour’. Like any good adventure, it started with breakfast, and for that, we chose a local gem known for its traditional fare.
A cozy corner in Cafe Loki, Reykjavik, showcasing traditional Icelandic breakfast items.
Cafe Loki: A Taste of Traditional Iceland
Located in the heart of Reykjavik, Cafe Loki is more than just a cafe; it’s an institution for homemade, traditional Icelandic food. If you’re looking to dive straight into the local flavors, this is the perfect place to start your day.
A bagel with cream cheese and chives, a lighter breakfast option at Cafe Loki in Reykjavik.
For a lighter start, a bagel with cream cheese and chives is a classic choice, offering a familiar comfort with quality ingredients.
Homemade rye bread topped with egg and herring or smoked fish, a traditional Icelandic breakfast at Cafe Loki, Reykjavik.
However, to truly experience Icelandic breakfast, opt for their homemade rye bread. Served with various toppings like egg and herring or smoked fish, it’s a hearty and flavorful introduction to Icelandic cuisine.
Homemade rye bread with cold-smoked trout, a flavorful and authentic Icelandic breakfast dish at Cafe Loki.
The rye bread with cold-smoked trout is another excellent choice, showcasing the fresh, high-quality fish that Iceland is famous for.
Posthus Matholl Food Hall: A Modern Icelandic Culinary Hub
For a taste of Reykjavik’s contemporary food scene, Posthus Matholl Food Hall is an essential stop. More than just a typical food hall, it’s a vibrant space where culinary diversity and local flavors come together. Both locals and tourists gather here, creating a lively atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner.
The bustling interior of Posthus Matholl Food Hall in Reykjavik, showcasing diverse food vendors and seating areas.
One of the great advantages of a food hall like Posthus Matholl is the variety it offers. Everyone in your group can find something to satisfy their cravings, from traditional Icelandic dishes to international flavors.
A juicy hamburger with golden fries, a popular choice at Posthus Matholl Food Hall in Reykjavik.
Even something as seemingly simple as a hamburger can be elevated in a Reykjavik food hall. And the fries? They were undeniably addictive, a testament to the quality of ingredients and preparation.
A delicious-looking pizza, freshly made at Posthus Matholl Food Hall in Reykjavik.
Pizza lovers will rejoice at the options available. Freshly made and bursting with flavor, it’s a comforting choice that doesn’t disappoint.
Perfectly cooked salmon dish, a healthy and delicious option at Posthus Matholl Food Hall in Reykjavik.
For those seeking seafood, the salmon at Posthus Matholl is a standout. Cooked to perfection, it highlights the fresh, high-quality seafood Iceland is renowned for.
Wine and beer glasses on a table, complementing a meal at Posthus Matholl Food Hall in Reykjavik.
No meal is complete without the right beverage. Wine and local Icelandic beers are readily available to complement your chosen dishes at the food hall.
Brewery Stop: Local Brews and Salty Snacks
After a day of exploring Reykjavik’s streets, a stop at a local brewery is a welcome respite, especially on a cold and windy day. It’s a chance to warm up and sample some Icelandic brews.
A cozy brewery interior in Reykjavik, featuring local beer selections and a bowl of salty snacks.
Iceland boasts a thriving craft beer scene, and local breweries are the perfect place to discover unique flavors. Paired with salty snacks, it’s a quintessential Icelandic experience. And like everywhere in Iceland, expect to be offered refreshing Icelandic water.
A close-up of a bowl of salty snacks, a perfect accompaniment to Icelandic beer at a Reykjavik brewery.
These simple salty snacks are often surprisingly delicious and moreish, perfectly complementing the local beers.
People enjoying drinks and conversation at a Reykjavik brewery, creating a relaxed and social atmosphere.
Breweries in Reykjavik are often relaxed and social spaces, ideal for unwinding and perhaps even planning your next culinary adventure.
Messinn Seafood Restaurant: Indulging in Fish Pans
When the Reykjavik weather turns damp, seeking refuge in a cozy seafood restaurant is the perfect plan. Messinn Seafood Restaurant, located along one of the main roads, is a fantastic choice. Having been part of a food tour years prior, a return visit was a must.
People enjoying drinks and conversation at a Reykjavik brewery, creating a relaxed and social atmosphere.
Messinn specializes in ‘fish pans’, a delightful concept where freshly cooked fish is served straight from the kitchen in a pan, accompanied by butter-fried potatoes and vegetables.
A 'Cod Tung' fish pan at Messinn Seafood Restaurant in Reykjavik, featuring cod cheeks, potatoes, and vegetables.
For the adventurous eater, the ‘Cod Tung’ fish pan, featuring cod cheeks, is a must-try. The cold Icelandic waters contribute to the meat’s rich, fatty texture, a delicacy for seafood lovers.
An Artic Char fish pan at Messinn Seafood Restaurant in Reykjavik, showcasing fresh Arctic Char with potatoes and vegetables.
The Arctic Char fish pan is another excellent option, highlighting the delicate flavor of this local fish.
Fresh bread in a basket, served alongside langoustine soup at Messinn Seafood Restaurant in Reykjavik.
On a damp day, the langoustine fish soup is incredibly comforting. Topped with a dollop of cream and served with a bread basket, it’s a warming and flavorful choice.
Icelandic Street Food: Authentic Flavors, Reasonable Prices
Finally, for a truly authentic and budget-friendly Icelandic street food Reykjavik experience, look no further than Icelandic Street Food. Conveniently located, it’s billed as offering flavorful food at reasonable prices in downtown Reykjavik.
The storefront of Icelandic Street Food in Reykjavik, advertising traditional Icelandic meat soup and affordable prices.
This family-owned business prides itself on being the first fast-food concept in Iceland to serve traditional Icelandic food, using recipes passed down from their grandmother.
The counter area of Icelandic Street Food in Reykjavik, showing vats of soup and a casual dining atmosphere.
Ordering is simple and straightforward at the counter. You can even watch the vats of soup simmering, adding to the anticipation.
A person holding a glass of Einstok White Ale at Icelandic Street Food in Reykjavik, alongside the soup serving area.
Pair your meal with a local beer like Einstok White Ale for a complete Icelandic street food Reykjavik experience.
Lamb soup served in a bread bowl at Icelandic Street Food in Reykjavik, a hearty and traditional Icelandic dish.
The lamb soup, a staple of Icelandic street food Reykjavik, is a must-try. Served in a bread bowl, it’s a hearty and flavorful combination of lamb, potatoes, carrots, and root vegetables.
Shellfish soup at Icelandic Street Food in Reykjavik, featuring langoustine broth, Icelandic scallops, and shrimps.
For seafood lovers, the shellfish soup is an excellent alternative, made with langoustine broth and filled with Icelandic scallops and shrimps.
A sign indicating free refills at Icelandic Street Food in Reykjavik, adding to the value and customer satisfaction.
And the best part? Refills are free, making it an incredibly budget-friendly and satisfying meal.
Waffles topped with sugar and jam at Icelandic Street Food in Reykjavik, a sweet and complimentary treat.
Don’t miss the complimentary waffles! This popular self-service station offers freshly made waffles with sugar or fruit jam, a sweet ending to your Icelandic street food Reykjavik experience.
While our Northern Lights tour was unfortunately cancelled, the culinary delights of Reykjavik were certainly not. Exploring the Icelandic street food Reykjavik scene is an adventure in itself, offering delicious and authentic tastes around every corner. Whether you’re seeking traditional breakfasts, modern food hall experiences, fresh seafood, or classic street food, Reykjavik’s food scene has something to offer every palate.
