Icelandic cuisine.
Start with a taste.

WHAT TO EAT

Local dishes, explained.

These are specialties from our featured city guides. Regional styles and availability vary.

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Pylsa

Icelandic hot dog with optional onions and sauces; the sausage can contain several meats.

Planning estimate: ISK 800–1,200

Where to look: Bæjarins Beztu, Tryggvagata

Find Pylsa in Reykjavík ↗Find Pylsa in Akureyri ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Plokkfiskur

Comforting fish-and-potato preparation, often served with rye bread.

Planning estimate: ISK 3,000–4,500

Where to look: Icelandic kitchens

Find Plokkfiskur in Reykjavík ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Kjötsúpa

Lamb-and-vegetable soup.

Planning estimate: ISK 2,500–4,000

Where to look: Traditional Icelandic restaurants

Find Kjötsúpa in Reykjavík ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Skyr

Cultured dairy product served plain, with fruit or as dessert.

Planning estimate: ISK 300–1,500

Where to look: Supermarkets and cafés

Find Skyr in Reykjavík ↗Find Skyr in Vík ↗Find Skyr in Grindavík ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Local fish

Choose the day’s cod, haddock or other catch and ask how it is prepared.

Planning estimate: ISK 3,500–6,500

Where to look: Harbour and central restaurants

Find Local fish in Reykjavík ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Lamb soup

A warming Icelandic choice after a windy outing.

Planning estimate: ISK 2,500–4,000

Where to look: The Soup Company; check the day’s soups

Find Lamb soup in Vík ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Fish and chips

Fried fish with potatoes; ask which fish is being served.

Planning estimate: ISK 3,000–4,500

Where to look: Vík bistros

Find Fish and chips in Vík ↗Find Fish and chips in Grindavík ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Icelandic lamb

Look for a seasonal lamb main at a sit-down restaurant.

Planning estimate: ISK 4,000–7,000

Where to look: BERG or Drangar; check menu

Find Icelandic lamb in Vík ↗Find Icelandic lamb in Grindavík ↗Find Icelandic lamb in Akureyri ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Black-crust pizza

A modern local restaurant speciality, rather than a traditional Icelandic dish.

Planning estimate: ISK 3,000–4,500

Where to look: Black Crust Pizzeria

Find Black-crust pizza in Vík ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Lobster soup

A harbour-style seafood soup; confirm the day’s ingredients.

Planning estimate: ISK 2,500–4,500

Where to look: Café Bryggjan, when operating

Find Lobster soup in Grindavík ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Fresh seafood

The catch and preparation depend on supply.

Planning estimate: ISK 3,500–6,000

Where to look: The Fish House, when operating

Find Fresh seafood in Grindavík ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Bakery pastry

A simple breakfast or takeaway snack.

Planning estimate: ISK 700–1,500

Where to look: Hérastubbur Bakarí, when operating

Find Bakery pastry in Grindavík ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Fish soup

A warming bowl whose fish and dairy ingredients vary by kitchen.

Editorial planning allowance: 2,500–4,500 ISK; verify current menu.

Where to look: Seafood restaurants around the harbour

Find Fish soup in Akureyri ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Fresh fish of the day

Choose the landed fish rather than assuming the same species every evening.

Editorial planning allowance: 4,000–7,000 ISK; verify current menu.

Where to look: RUB23 or Strikið

Find Fresh fish of the day in Akureyri ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Skyr dessert

Cultured dairy served as a dessert or breakfast component.

Editorial planning allowance: 1,000–2,200 ISK; verify current menu.

Where to look: Cafés and restaurant dessert menus

Find Skyr dessert in Akureyri ↗

GO STRAIGHT TO THE TABLE

Find restaurants by city.

Different places. Different flavours.

Compare the specialties and food neighbourhoods in our featured destinations. This is a starting selection, rather than a complete map of every regional cuisine.

Plan your food budget.

Examples from the city guides below. Planning estimates are per dish or stated portion, not a full-day allowance. Check service charges, drinks and current menus separately.