The Ultimate Reykjavik Food & Travel Guide
If you're visiting Iceland, this guide has everything I wish I knew before my trip. From the best restaurants and bars to grocery stores, viewpoints, hot springs, and useful travel resources, here's everything I'd recommend.
My Favorite Food Tour Stops
Forréttabarinn
📍 Nýlendugata 14, 101 Reykjavík
Must order:
Horse fillet with caramelized onions, béarnaise, and potatoes
Lamb ribeye with caramelized onions, béarnaise, and potatoes
Tapas Barinn
📍 Vesturgata 3B, 101 Reykjavík
Must order:
Icelandic ling with mini potatoes and lobster sauce
Marinated lamb tenderloin with licorice sauce
Matarkjallarinn (Food Cellar)
📍 Aðalstræti 2, 101 Reykjavík
Must order:
Slow-cooked cod with noisette hollandaise, almonds, and smoked lamb
Fermented shark, if you're feeling adventurous
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
📍 Tryggvagata 1, 101 Reykjavík
Must order:
One with Everything
Includes:
Lamb hot dog
Ketchup
Sweet mustard
Fried onions
Raw onions
Remoulade
Tívolí
📍 Ingólfsstræti 1A, 101 Reykjavík
Must order:
Rhubarb crumble with whipped cream and coffee
My Favorite Restaurants
Matarkjallarinn
Apótek
Fiskfélagið
Kol
Íslenski Barinn
Sjávargrillið
Forréttabarinn
Messinn
Skál
Favorite Bars & Pubs
📍 The Irishman Pub
Klapparstígur 27, 101 Reykjavík
📍 Kaldi Bar
Laugavegur 20A, 101 Reykjavík
📍 The English Pub
Austurstræti 12, 101 Reykjavík
📍 The Danish Pub
Ingólfsstræti 3, 101 Reykjavík
📍 Lebowski Bar
Laugavegur 20A, 101 Reykjavík
Favorite Cocktail Bars
Daisy
Jungle
Bingó Drinkery
Tipsý
Best Happy Hour Deals
Check out:
https://bjorlagid.is
This website keeps an updated list of happy hour specials all over Reykjavik and helped me save a lot on drinks.
Best Scenic Views in Reykjavik
📍 Hallgrímskirkja
Hallgrímstorg 1, 101 Reykjavík
One of the best panoramic views of the city.
📍 Harpa Concert Hall
Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík
Head to the 5th floor for incredible harbor views.
📍 Perlan
Öskjuhlíð, 105 Reykjavík
One of the best viewpoints overlooking Reykjavik.
Where to Buy Icelandic Wool
📍 Handprjónasamband Íslands
Skólavörðustígur 19, 101 Reykjavík
📍 Álafoss
Laugavegur 8, 101 Reykjavík
📍 Farmers Market
Laugavegur 37, 101 Reykjavík
Hólmaslóð 2, 101 Reykjavík
Grocery Stores
Krónan
Best overall selection.
Bónus
The cheapest grocery store in Iceland.
Hagkaup
Largest selection but usually the most expensive.
Favorite Ice Cream Shops
Huppa
Valdís
Vesturbæjarísbúð
Brynju ís
Favorite Public Pools
Laugardalslaug
Vesturbæjarlaug
These geothermal pools are a great way to relax after a day of exploring.
Favorite Stops Around Iceland's Ring Road
Akureyri, great food and nightlife
Stuðlagil Canyon
Höfn, known as Iceland's lobster town
Vök Baths near Egilsstaðir
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Kirkjufell
Ásbyrgi
Mývatn Nature Baths
Flúðir
Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)
Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Skaftafell
Svartifoss
Hallormsstaður
Hrísey
Hofsós
Stykkishólmur
Seljavallalaug
Paradísarhellir
Hrunalaug
Landbrot
Reykjadalur Hot Spring
Helpful Iceland Travel Resources
Road Conditions
If you're driving around Iceland, check this every morning before heading out. Road closures and weather can change quickly.
Aurora Forecast
https://en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts/aurora/
The official Icelandic forecast for viewing the Northern Lights.
Travel Safety
Essential information about weather, hiking conditions, volcanic activity, and staying safe while exploring Iceland.
Iceland quickly became one of my favorite countries to visit. I hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip, eat some incredible food, and discover a few hidden gems along the way.
Safe travels!
