Food in Reykjavik: 10 Quintessentially Icelandic Dishes and Where To Eat Them
You might not think of this cold capital as a big foodie destination, but Icelandic cuisine in Reykjavik has flourished during the past decade. Fully embracing the New Nordic movement and taking inspiration from new influences arriving on the shores of this small island, Iceland’s chefs are in the throes of creating fantastic new dishes, with nods to tradition, using the surprising bounty of ingredients on offer in Iceland.
But still, the staples remain. Most of the authentic Icelandic meals below have been around since the Settlement Age—literally standing the test of time. From fish and lamb to the famous fermented shark, here are 10 of the best Icelandic specialties to try, including where to eat them in Reykjavik.
1. Plokkfiskur (fish stew)
Hearty and flavorful, this beloved Icelandic fish stew is perfect for chilly days.
Fish, potatoes, and onions—three staple ingredients in Icelandic cuisine—come together with a creamy béchamel sauce and some herbs to create plokkfiskur, a popular local dish. This hearty fish stew has been a staple for centuries, originally made by Icelanders as a way to use their leftover fish. As a comforting and filling favorite to this day, it tops the list for our Reykjavik food guide.
Where to try fish stew in Reykjavik: Try the traditional plokkfiskur at Café Loki near Hallgrim's Church (Hallgrímskirkja), or join one of the food tours in Reykjavik for a taste alongside other Icelandic staples.
2. Icelandic lamb and hangikjöt
Icelandic lamb is a year-round favorite that's transformed for the holidays.
Feeling brave? While most local restaurants in Reykjavik serve Icelandic lamb drizzled in gravy (delicious!), you might want to take things a step further and try hangikjöt: lamb smoked over birch trees ... or dried sheep dung. If we didn’t lose you at dried sheep dung, know that hangikjöt is often served cold, thinly sliced, and accompanied by potatoes and drowned in a creamy béchamel sauce. It’s especially popular in Reykjavik at Christmas time.
Where to try Icelandic lamb and hangikjöt in Reykjavik: At Þrír Frakkar you'll find a delicious version of this Icelandic classic, or you can get a taste on a Christmas walking tour around Reykjavik.
3. Pylsur (Icelandic hot dogs)
One of Iceland’s most famous foods is the humble hot dog.
Hot dogs, or pylsur, are one of the must-try Icelandic foods. What’s so special about them? In Iceland, pylsur are made from a blend of lamb, pork, and beef, instead of just pork, giving them a distinctive flavor. Order ein með öllu (one with everything)—a hot dog topped with raw onions, crispy fried onions, ketchup, mustard, and remúlaði (a tangy mayonnaise sauce). Alternatively, try the “Bill Clinton,” a hot dog named for the former US president’s mustard-only order during his visit in 2004.
Where to try Icelandic hot dogs in Reykjavik: Reykjavik’s most famous hot dog stand is arguably Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur.
4. Kjötsúpa (meat soup)
This traditional Icelandic meat soup is pure comfort food.
To feel like an Icelandic fisherman just back from a month out at sea, you’ll want to slurp down a bowl of delicious kjötsúpa—a warming lamb and vegetable soup. Served with root vegetables and herbs, the broth is rich and aromatic, and Icelanders have perfected the recipe over generations.
Where to try meat soup in Reykjavik: Stop by 101 Reykjavik Street Food for an authentic bowl of kjötsúpa. It’ll taste even better if you’ve come in to warm up after a Reykjavik whale-watching tour.
5. Salmon
Fresh and flavorful, Icelandic salmon is considered among the best in the world.
Iceland’s pristine rivers and fjords are among the best (and most expensive) in the world when it comes to salmon fishing. Icelanders have fished salmon for centuries, and it’s a mainstay of the local diet. It’s often served simply pan-fried or smoked, alongside potatoes and salad. A popular way to enjoy smoked salmon is on top of a piece of rúgbrauð (rye bread), which is often baked in patches of geothermal earth.
Where to try salmon in Reykjavik: One local restaurant in Reykjavik that serves salmon is Apotek Restaurant, located in a former pharmacy with some of the old decor intact.
6. Harðfiskur (dried fish)
Dried fish is a high-protein snack that’s been an Icelandic staple for centuries.
Harðfiskur, or dried fish, is a nutritious snack eaten out of a bag just like a bag of potato chips. The drying process gives the fish a chewy texture and concentrates its flavor, making it a satisfying snack that’s full of protein. (Icelanders often smear their harðfiskur on sticks of butter, elevating this snack to new heights.) On any day trips out of Reykjavik, keep your eyes open for wooden huts on the outskirts of towns, where fish are hung to dry.
Where to try dried fish in Reykjavik: Most Icelandic grocery stores stock harðfiskur.
7. Skyr
Skyr is the creamy Icelandic yogurt that's been exported around the world.
Skyr is a dairy product technically classified as cheese, but enjoyed like a yogurt. Creamy, rich, and packed with protein, it's become popular around the world. In Iceland, it’s enjoyed at all times of the day, whether it’s for breakfast with some granola and fresh fruits or just as an afternoon snack. Like yogurt, it also comes in a variety of flavors, and many local restaurants in Reykjavik will feature skyr cheesecake on their dessert menus.
Where to try skyr in Reykjavik: This is another Icelandic dish that’s best bought from the local supermarkets, although for skyr cheesecake try Café Babalú on the street Skólavörðustígur.
8. Hákarl (fermented shark)
The dreaded fermented shark meat is (possibly) worth a try.
Hákarl, or fermented shark meat, is one of the most famous Icelandic specialties. An ingredient that dates to Viking times, the shark meat is buried underground, and left to ferment for six weeks. Then, it’s dug up again and hung to dry for four months. None of this makes it necessarily good; expect an overpowering, ammonia-rich aroma and a strange, rubbery texture. (If you're still toying with the idea just keep in mind that the Greenland sharks used for this dish, which can live to be 400 years old, are a vulnerable species.)
Where to try fermented shark in Reykjavik: Head to Íslenski Barinn and pair it with a shot of brennivín (Icelandic schnapps) for one of the most questionable Reykjavik dining experiences.
9. Kleinur (fried donuts)
The kleinur offers an Icelandic twist on the classic donut.
Kleinur are a traditional Icelandic pastry—a fried twisted doughnut, but without any of the sugary coatings found on regular doughnuts. Thanks to the crispy, fried exterior and soft insides, it’s become a popular snack to enjoy alongside coffee at morning or afternoon tea. A bag of kleinur—also the name given to those who get stuck in the middle seat in cars—are also very welcome as snacks for an Icelandic excursion, or something to munch on while on a hiking tour. Simple, fresh, and delicious.
Where to try fried donuts in Reykjavik: Bakeries around Reykjavik, such as Sandholt, serve freshly made kleinur daily.
10. Humar (Icelandic lobster)
Sweet, tender lobster caught in Iceland’s icy waters is a local favorite.
Icelandic humar (lobster) is known for its tender meat and sweet flavor. This prized seafood is usually grilled with garlic and butter, broiled, or baked with simple seasonings, always allowing the natural taste to shine through. There are plenty of other ways to enjoy lobster in Reykjavik as well, from lobster soups to lobster hot dogs. Naturally, it’s one of the must-try Icelandic foods for seafood lovers.
Where to try Icelandic lobster in Reykjavik: One Reykjavik spot known for its lobster soup and grilled humar dishes is Sægreifinn.
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