We’ll start off by saying that we thoroughly enjoyed the food in Reykjavik! While its more expensive to dine out in Reykjavik than it is here in New Jersey, we think it is well worth it! We used a few tricks to keep costs down while still eating well like taking advantage of the free buffet breakfast at our hotel, choosing to share an entrée with an appetizer or trying a few appetizers instead of entree. It also helps that the bread and butter in Iceland is some of the best we’ve ever had & it is typically complimentary with each meal!
Fiskfelagid (Fish Company): Fiskfelagid is located in the cellar of a building dating back to 1884 with a unique interior that is both elegant and comfortable. The menu is carefully curated to showcase the best of Icelandic nature in creative ways. We really enjoyed the Icelandic trout tartare appetizer with horseradish, pickled mustard seeds, fresh herb salad & smoked skyr. Our entree of lamb, prepared two ways with celeriac purré, beer pickled onion, crisp kale, lamb glaze with shallots & chives was also fantastic. But if we had to chose, our favorite item off the menu would be the honey dessert with milk chocolate ganache, honey ice cream, frozen buttermilk, red currant & nut brittle.
Saeta Svinid (Sweet Pig): This gastropub, located in the center plaza of Reykjavik, has over 20 different Icelandic beers as well as a quirky, but delicious cocktail list. The Eggs & Bacon cocktail made with Red Stag, butterscotch, bacon syrup, sour mix, egg whites and bacon was so tasty we could have it for breakfast! While we didn't get to try too much of the menu, we really enjoyed the beer poached Icelandic blue mussels.
Two Dopes Tip: You do not want to leave Iceland without trying Icelandic Blue mussels! We had them at a few different locations and we were never disappointed.
Hofnin: Hofnin overlooks the Reykjavik harbor so if you can get a window seat, take it! We were lucky enough to get a seat with views that were so distractingly beautiful. We tried the cod fishballs, which are a traditional Icelandic dish and it is seriously delicious. The fishballs are pan fried with potato purreé, white cabbage in onion butter, whole cooked leek and roasted carrots.
Dill: Dill has been named the best restaurant in Iceland and if you’re looking for a crash course in New Nordic cuisine, this is the place for you. This small restaurant, with stone walls, dim lighting and exposed wood in the ceiling is the first place in Iceland to receive a Michelin star. Chef Ragnar Eiríksson uses Icelandic traditions, like dung smoking, to create a 7 course menu. You can read our blog about our full experience at Dill here.
3 Frakkar: If you’re looking for traditional Icelandic foods, like fermented shark or puffin, this is the spot you should hit. While you can get these dishes in other locations throughout the city, none of them have the local charm of 3 Frakkar. While we truly enjoyed the smoked puffin served with mustard, we cannot say the same of the fermented shark, but all in all we are happy to have tried it in this Reykjavik institution.
Sægreifinn (Sea Baron): Sægreifinn is located next to the harbor so it’s safe to say you can’t find fresher lobster in Reykjavik. The fish stock has a delightful water-like consistency, but its packed with lots of flavor and filled with large chunks of lobster. Its the perfect cure for the Icelandic winds, which are even more extreme near the water!
Sandholt: This cozy bakery has a wide variety of bread, croissants, breakfast pastries and chocolates! It’s a great spot to pop into if you’re looking for a place to recharge with a cappuccino, grab breakfast or satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. We tried their Danish cinnamon rolls, which were deee-lish!
Apotek: Apotek is an all-around fantastic dining experience. The restaurant is stylish, the food is delicious, and the cocktails are liquid perfection. In fact, the award-winning cocktails were so delicious we had to keep going back to try more! After extensive research, our favorites were the Dillagin with dill infused gin, mango liqueur, lime juice, sugar & bitters, the Hekla with vodka, butterscotch liqueur, grape fruit juice, green tea syrup & yuzu. While this is a great spot to go for a few drinks, the dinner menu should not be underestimated. We had a lovely dinner; our favorite dishes being the tuna with watermelon, the prawns with sliced apples and our dessert, the Skyr Fantasia with skyr fromage, skyr mousse, strawberry gel, lime gel and lime sponge cake.
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur: Hot Diggity Dog, this place is amazing! This walk-up hot dog stand is easily the best street food in Reykjavik. It’s a no-frills stand that offers a choice of ketchup, mustard, raw onions or fried onions on a boiled dog with tons of flavor and a great snap. There always seems to be a line, filled with both locals and tourists, but these dogs are definitely worth the wait!
ROK: If you love champagne, ROK is the place for you. ROK is known around Reykjavik for their tapas style menu, extensive champagne list and great happy hour deals. It’s a great place to pop into during happy hour for a quick bite to eat and a glass of bubbly. We tried the Champagne Happy Hour Special, which was a glass of Moet Chandon paired with cantaloupe and black licorice.
