Discover the Best Food Places in Iceland

Explore the Unique and Delicious Icelandic Cuisine

If you are looking for a culinary adventure, Iceland is the perfect destination for you. The Icelandic cuisine is a fusion of traditional Nordic dishes, modern European flavors, and the country’s unique ingredients. From seafood delicacies to hearty meat dishes, Iceland has something to offer for every food lover. In this article, we will take you on a journey to discover the best food places in Iceland, where you can experience the country’s authentic culinary culture.

🍴 Reykjavik’s Best Restaurants

Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, is a food lover’s paradise. Here are some of the best restaurants to try:

1. Dill Restaurant 🌿

Dill Restaurant is one of Iceland’s most renowned restaurants, known for its innovative Nordic cuisine. They use locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that reflect Iceland’s unique flavors. The tasting menu changes regularly, but you can expect dishes like lamb tartare, arctic char, and angelica leaf ice cream.

2. Fish Market 🐟

Fish Market is a seafood restaurant that offers a modern twist on traditional Icelandic dishes. Their sushi and sashimi plates are particularly popular, as well as their grilled fish dishes. They also offer vegetarian and vegan options, making it a great choice for groups with different dietary requirements.

3. Grillmarkadurinn 🍖

Grillmarkadurinn is a restaurant that specializes in grilled meat dishes, using high-quality Icelandic ingredients. They offer a variety of meat options, including lamb, beef, and reindeer, as well as vegetarian dishes. The restaurant has a cozy and stylish ambiance, and the staff is attentive and knowledgeable.

🍦 The Best Icelandic Ice Cream

Icelandic ice cream is famous for its rich and creamy texture, and there are many places to try it. Here are some of the best:

1. Valdis 🍨

Valdis is a family-owned ice cream parlor that has been serving delicious ice cream for over 30 years. They offer a variety of flavors, including traditional Icelandic flavors like skyr and liquorice. Their ice cream is made with high-quality ingredients, and they also offer vegan and dairy-free options.

2. Joylato 🍦

Joylato is a small ice cream shop that offers unique and creative flavors. They use organic ingredients and offer many vegan options. Some of their most popular flavors include caramel with sea salt, blueberry with Icelandic thyme, and dark chocolate with raspberry.

3. Ísbuð Vesturbæjar 🍧

Ísbuð Vesturbæjar is a classic Icelandic ice cream parlor, located in a colorful house in the Vesturbær neighborhood of Reykjavik. They offer a variety of flavors, including soft serve, scoops, and popsicles. The shop has a nostalgic and charming atmosphere, making it a great spot for a sweet treat.

🍺 The Best Icelandic Beer

Iceland has a growing craft beer scene, with many breweries offering unique and flavorful beers. Here are some of the best places to try Icelandic beer:

1. Mikkeller & Friends Reykjavik 🍻

Mikkeller & Friends is a craft beer bar that offers a wide selection of Icelandic and international beers. They have 20 rotating taps and a large bottle selection, so you can try a variety of different beers. The bar also has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff is knowledgeable about beer.

2. Reykjavik Brewing Company 🍺

Reykjavik Brewing Company is an independent brewery that offers a variety of beers, from traditional lagers to experimental IPAs. They have a taproom where you can try their beers and learn more about the brewing process. The brewery also offers tours and tastings, making it a great option for beer enthusiasts.

3. Bryggjan Brugghús 🍻

Bryggjan Brugghús is a brewery and restaurant that offers locally brewed beers and delicious food. They have a variety of beers on tap, including seasonal and limited edition brews. The restaurant also offers a range of dishes, from fish and chips to lamb burgers, so you can enjoy a meal along with your beer.

🐟 The Best Seafood Restaurants in Iceland

Iceland is known for its fresh and flavorful seafood, and there are many restaurants that specialize in seafood dishes. Here are some of the best:

1. Fiskfélagið 🦐

Fiskfélagið is a seafood restaurant that offers a tasting menu of Icelandic seafood dishes. The menu changes every day, based on the availability of the freshest ingredients. The restaurant has a stylish and modern atmosphere, and the staff is knowledgeable about the dishes and the ingredients used.

2. Sægreifinn 🐠

Sægreifinn is a casual seafood restaurant located in Reykjavik’s Old Harbor. They offer a variety of seafood dishes, including grilled fish and lobster soup. The restaurant has a charming and laid-back atmosphere, and the prices are reasonable.

3. Matur og Drykkur 🦑

Matur og Drykkur is a restaurant that offers a modern twist on traditional Icelandic dishes, including seafood dishes. They use local and seasonal ingredients to create dishes that reflect Iceland’s culinary heritage. The restaurant has a cozy and elegant atmosphere, and the staff is attentive and friendly.

🍔 The Best Fast Food Places in Iceland

When you are on the go, there are many fast food places in Iceland that offer quick and tasty options. Here are some of the best:

1. Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur 🌭

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is a hot dog stand that has been serving delicious hot dogs since 1937. The hot dogs are made with Icelandic lamb and served with ketchup, mustard, fried onions, and remoulade. The stand has become a popular tourist attraction, and you can often find celebrities and politicians grabbing a hot dog.

2. Nings 🍱

Nings is an Asian fusion fast food restaurant that offers a variety of dishes, including sushi rolls, rice bowls, and bao buns. The restaurant has a modern and colorful atmosphere, and the prices are reasonable. They also offer vegetarian and vegan options.

3. Hlölla Bátar 🍔

Hlölla Bátar is a fast food chain that offers burgers, fries, and shakes. The burgers are made with high-quality ingredients, and you can customize your burger with toppings like bacon, cheese, and jalapeños. The chain has locations throughout Iceland, making it a convenient option for a quick meal.

🍸 The Best Cocktail Bars in Iceland

If you are looking for a place to enjoy a delicious cocktail, Iceland has many bars that offer unique and creative drinks. Here are some of the best:

1. Pablo Discobar 🍹

Pablo Discobar is a cocktail bar that offers a variety of drinks, including classic cocktails and signature creations. The bar has a funky and colorful interior, and it often has live music or DJ sets. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they can recommend drinks based on your preferences.

2. Slippbarinn 🍸

Slippbarinn is a bar located in the Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina. They offer a variety of cocktails, as well as a selection of Icelandic beers and spirits. The bar has a nautical theme, and it overlooks the harbor, making it a great spot to enjoy a drink with a view.

3. Kex Hostel Bar 🥃

Kex Hostel Bar is a bar located in a former biscuit factory that has been converted into a trendy hostel. The bar has a cozy and eclectic atmosphere, and it offers a variety of cocktails, as well as a selection of craft beers and wines. The bar often hosts live music or DJ sets, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists.

FAQs

1. What is traditional Icelandic food?

Traditional Icelandic food includes dishes like fermented shark, smoked lamb, and skyr, which is a yogurt-like dairy product. Other popular ingredients in Icelandic cuisine include seafood, wild berries, and herbs like Icelandic moss and angelica.

2. Is Icelandic food expensive?

Icelandic food can be expensive, especially in restaurants that use high-quality and locally sourced ingredients. However, there are also many budget-friendly options, like hot dog stands and fast food places.

3. What is the best time of year to visit Iceland for food?

The best time of year to visit Iceland for food depends on your