A Culinary Adventure Through Iceland's Capital
Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of Iceland lies Reykjavik, a city bursting with culinary treasures waiting to be discovered. From hearty traditional fare to innovative gastronomic creations, Reykjavik offers a diverse array of culinary experiences that tantalize the taste buds and showcase the rich flavors of this Nordic nation.
Forrettabrinn Restaurant Nykendugata 14, 101 Reykjavik on the harbour
At Forrettabarinn, the menu is a celebration of Iceland's rich culinary heritage, showcasing the finest locally sourced ingredients and expertly crafted dishes. From tender lamb and horse raised on the country's lush pastures to succulent seafood plucked from its pristine coastal waters, each dish reflects the bounty of Iceland's natural landscape.
For those seeking an unforgettable dining experience, Forrettabarinn offers a culinary haven where flavors come to life and memories are made. Whether enjoying a leisurely meal with loved ones or savoring a romantic dinner for two, a visit to Forrettabarinn is sure to leave a lasting impression.
We sampled the grilled fillet of horse with potato puree, carmalized onions, bacon, brussel sprouts, and bearnaise sauce. Delicious!
Baejarins Beztu Pylsur Tryggvagata 1, 101 Reykjavik
Known as the best hot dog stand in Iceland. Made famous by a visit from Bill Clinton during his presidency. This tiny hot dog stand is always busy, serving up to 2000 hotdogs per day. It’s the crispy french fried onions and secret sauce that make these lamb hotdogs so good!
Fresh lamb hotdog with raw onions, french fried onions, secret sauce (vals tomatsosa, sweet mustard and remoulade). A must stop in downtown Reykjavik.
Sjavargrillio Skolavoroustigur 14, 101 Reykjavik
Located in the vibrant culinary scene of Reykjavik, Sjavargrillio stands out as a beacon for seafood aficionados seeking an unforgettable dining experience. With its prime location overlooking the bustling streets of the city, this charming restaurant beckons guests to embark on a culinary journey through Iceland's bountiful coastal waters.
For those craving the succulent flavors of Icelandic seafood, langoustine tacos offer a tantalizing fusion of Icelandic ingredients with a global twist. Tender langoustine tails are grilled to perfection and nestled in soft tortillas, then topped with garlic mayo, spinach, pickled red onion, date puree, coriander, parmesan cheese, and a slice of lime.
Fermented shark and black death offer a uniquely Icelandic culinary adventure. Hákarl, fermented shark, is an acquired taste with its pungent aroma and sharp flavor, while black death, a traditional Icelandic schnapps, adds a fiery kick to the experience. Together, they create a cultural encounter that challenges the senses and leaves a lasting impression of Iceland's culinary heritage. Definitely an acquired taste but a must try when in Iceland.
Solon Bankastraeti 7a, 101 Reykjavik
Solon is a cozy and stylish restaurant nestled in the heart of Reykjavik. With its inviting ambiance and chic decor, Solon offers a welcoming space for guests to indulge in a diverse menu featuring modern Icelandic cuisine, international favourites, and vegetarian delights. Whether enjoying a leisurely meal with friends or sipping cocktails at the sleek bar, Solon promises a memorable dining experience.
Solon Bistro
The lamb shank showcases the exceptional quality of Icelandic lamb, celebrated for its tender texture and delicate flavor. Grilled to perfection and served with a drizzle of savory sauce, this dish is a testament to the island's lush pastures and pristine natural environment, which impart a distinctively rich and nuanced taste to the meat.
And for those seeking a taste of Iceland's freshwater bounty, baked arctic char fillet offers a delicate and flavorful option. Sourced from pristine Icelandic rivers and lakes, arctic char is renowned for its buttery texture and subtle sweetness. Baked to perfection and served with a vibrant array of seasonal vegetables, this dish is a celebration of Iceland's natural abundance and culinary craftsmanship.
While my husband tried the lamb and baked char, I selected a vegetarian dish. Stracciatella cheese is a creamy delight, boasting a luscious texture and subtle flavor. Made from fresh Icelandic milk, it offers a delightful contrast of smoothness and richness, making it a must-try for cheese lovers seeking a taste of local Icelandic delicacies. It included pickled tomatos, basil oil, and fresh basil. So good!
Hressingarskalinn (Hresso) Austurstraeti 20, 101 Reykjavik
One of the oldest restaurants in Reykjavik, established in 1932, Hresso is a vibrant culinary hub offering a fusion of Icelandic flavors and international cuisine. With its cozy atmosphere and friendly vibe, Hressó is the perfect spot for casual dining. We stopped by Hresso for their famous Hresso cake. A delicious velvety sponge cake with whipped and vanilla cream, caramelized nuts, and jam. Yum!
The Laundromat Cafe Austurstraeti 9, 101 Reykjavík
The Laundromat Café is a unique blend of dining and leisure, where guests can enjoy delicious Canadian/American style food and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of a fun neighborhood café. What sets it apart is its quirky concept of combining a laundromat with a café, creating a welcoming space for locals and travelers alike to grab a bite, sip a coffee, and even do their laundry. With its eclectic décor, friendly ambiance, and tasty menu offerings, The Laundromat Café is a must-visit destination for a laid-back dining experience in Reykjavik.
This popular cafe is always busy but a great place for travellers and hikers to do their laundry while enjoying a bite to eat and admiring the funky decor. One load wash & dry is approx $12 CAD. Laundry soap is $4 CAD per load. A little expensive but so worth having clean clothes after our backcountry camping and hiking trip on the Laugavegur Trail.
The Icelandic Phallological Museum ad Cafe Kalkofnsvegur 2, 101 Reykjavík
The Icelandic Phallological Museum is a one-of-a-kind institution dedicated to the study and display of penises from various species, including mammals, birds, and marine life. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the diversity of genitalia in the animal kingdom, making it a unique and unforgettable destination for curious visitors. It houses the world’s largest collection of penises.
If you’re easily offended by male genitalia, then this probably isn’t the place for you. It was a facinating exhibit, while the reactions from visitors were just as facinating. The women giggled and the men rolled their eyes as they strolled through each display. My husband chose to stay in the Phallic Cafe while I enjoyed the museum. The penis themed cafe has a selection of ales along with sweet and savory dishes. My husband sipped on a phallic ale and we shared the chocolate penis waffles. Then we shopped in the penis gift shop for souvenirs for our friends. So fun!
This museum is not included in the city card pass, however if you have a pass, you’ll receive a 10% discount on admission.
We only had 3 days to explore Reykjavik after returning from hiking the Laugavegur Trail, so we didn’t get a chance to try the restaurants listed below. Many of the resturants we visited were apart of a food tour. It’s an inexpensive way to experience traditional Icelandic cuisine in some of the best restaurants in Reykjavik. We did the Reykjavik Food Walk. I highly recommend it. Here is a short list of other restaurants recommended by locals. Reservations are required at most restaurants.
Matarkjallarinn Fine Dining
A Few Things to Know:
Food is expensive. Iceland is an arctic island where food must to be imported, however there is an emphasis on sustainability and connection to nature. Many restaurants in the city pride themselves on sourcing ingredients locally, whether it's freshly caught seafood from Icelandic waters or organic vegetables grown in the surrounding countryside. This commitment to sustainability not only ensures the freshness and quality of the cuisine but also fosters a deeper appreciation for Iceland's pristine natural environment.
Food is healthy, fresh, and very high quality. You will not find fast food restaurant chains such as McDonanld’s or Starbucks in Reykjavik.
Iceland is very vegetarian and vegan friendly. Most restaurants offer a vegetarian/vegan menu along with their regular menu.
Consider staying in a guesthouse vs a hotel when visiting Reykjavik. Most guesthouses have kitchen facilities where you can store your groceries and prepare your meals.
Consider going a food tour. A great way to sample traditional cuisine and visit high end restaurants for a fraction of the cost.
Go grocery shopping. Bonus is one of the least expensive grocery stores. While Kronan and Hagkaup has the best variety. 10-11 is the most expensive grocery store with little variety.
My Final Thoughts:
As I reflect on my culinary adventure in Reykjavik, I'm reminded of the unique way in which food can serve as a gateway to culture, history, and community. From traditional Icelandic dishes steeped in centuries of tradition to avant-garde culinary creations pushing the boundaries of taste and technique, Reykjavik offers a culinary tapestry that is as diverse and captivating as the landscapes that surround it. So whether you're savoring a steaming bowl of Plokkfiskur or embarking on a gastronomic journey through the city's top restaurants, one thing is certain – Reykjavik is a food lover's paradise waiting to be explored.