Eating in Reykjavík on a Budget
It’s no secret that Iceland has some of the most notorious natural wonders of the world. Lesser known are the food costs that sneak up on a budget while trying to reach these magnificent destinations. For the same price as a mediocre meal or two at an expensive restaurant, you could spend an afternoon standing on the edge of massive waterfalls and soaking in geothermal lagoons. Which would you choose?
During my travels I found loads of local eateries that served as affordable hidden gems every traveler could use to keep their food costs low. Long story short: I once ordered deep-fried baby potatoes layered with parmesan cheese, fresh basil, half sour chillies and garlic sauce for $6 and did not regret it. If you get hungry on your walking adventures around the capital city, save yourself a few dollars (or a hundred) and check out my list of budget-friendly places to grab a bite to eat!
Café Babalú
Skólavörðustígur 22, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Starting at the door of the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, walk northwest down Skólavörðustígur street and you’ll stumble upon a bright orange building known as Café Babalú. Eccentric décor warmly invites you into two floors of comfortable seating and an outdoor terrace. Their menu focuses on quality over quantity, and what it lacks in assortment of options is redeemed in its flavor. A perfect stop for light brunch to rest and recharge after a morning walk. Bring your laptop or journal and get some work done using their free wi-fi. I opted for their spinach crêpe which I can highly recommend as a healthy, light meal option for 1,890 krona ($13.27 USD).
Find the menu here: https://babalu.is/
Mai Thai Bistro & Supermarket
Laugavegur 118, Reykjavík, Iceland
As you walk by this storefront, a family of Maneki-neko’s wave out the window of this Market and Bistro to greet you with good luck. Located in Hlemmur square, this is the perfect place to grab fresh, flavorful thai food. A small asian supermarket fills the other half of the store, a great convenience that the locals seemed to take advantage of. Order a pad thai dish with your choice of added protein for 1.990 ISK ($13.55) and you’ll have all the energy needed to continue exploring Reykjavík.
Find the menu here: https://www.maithai.is/menu
Reykjavík Roasters
Kárastígur 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Coffee is a food group, right? My daily prescription for a dose of caffeine was filled at Reykjavík Roasters on more than one occasion. The original location is safely nestled two blocks away from the commotion of popular Laugavegar street. As you sip your morning coffee, natural light floods the cafe and a record player perched in the corner sings a tune hand-picked by another customer. Friendly staff and freshly brewed cappuccinos are a positive way to start any morning and their prices are comparable to local competitors, costing just over 700 icelandic krona ($4.89 USD) for a cappuccino.
Find the menu here: https://reykjavikroasters.is/en/
Bónus
Skipholt 11-13, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
Thirty-one plump, pink pigs are plastered on business fronts around Iceland at each location of Bónus, the discount supermarket. If you were looking for the most cost effective way to feed yourself while navigating the city, this would be your first and only stop. The store is easy to navigate and carries all your food essentials. Take a detour off Laugavegur street and try a selection of Icelandic candy (black licorice anyone?) or stock up on Skyr. The prices were competitively cheaper than 10-11, and Bónus quickly became my hub for restocking on snacks and small meals.
Find locations here: https://bonus.is
Domino’s
Skúlagata 26, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Seek the comforts of home with this familiar pizza chain, but add in a view that could compete with any restaurant. Two large panels of glass make visible the overwhelming mountain that rests in the city background. Conveniently located across the street from Kex Hostel, this pizza chain has arguably one of the best window views for a fast-food restaurant. Take advantage of Tuesday’s offer for a great budget meal: a medium sized 3-topping pizza for 1.000 ISK ($8.10 USD). This deal is takeout only, but no worries - enjoy both the pizza and mountain view outside in the Icelandic, sulfur dioxide abundant fresh air.
Find the deals here: https://www.dominos.is/en/menu/offers
Beztu Baejarins Pylsur
Tryggvagata 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Permanently glued on the corner of Tryggvagata street since the 1960’s and established in 1937 stands the locally treasured Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. Tourists and Icelandic nationals alike wait patiently in a quick-moving line for a taste of arguably the best hot dog in Europe. It’s a cheap eat, quick bite, and late night snack combined into one steamed bun layered with finely diced raw onions, crunchy fried onions, ketchup, sweet mustard “Pylsur”, and a remoulade. Want a taste for local Icelandic cuisine but have yet to summon the bravery to devour fermented shark? Avoid dine-in costs and order one (or two) hot dogs “with everything” for 545 krona each ($3.83 USD). A local tour guide even admitted this is her favorite detour while traversing the downtown Reykjavík bar scene.
Hours of Operation: http://www.bbp.is/information-in-english
Braud & Co.
16 Frakkastígur, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Indulge in sweet, partially caramelized, cinnamon-sugar swirled into a perfectly crafted warm, doughy bun that’s flaky on the outside and lightly dusted with powdered sugar at this treasured local bakery. For those with an affinity for freshly baked cinnamon rolls and about 580 ISK ($3.99 USD) in their pocket, don’t pass on this opportunity. If cinnamon is not the main appeal, an assortment of delectable baked breads stock the tower of remaining trays behind the counter. Whether it’s a quick snack or breakfast, with multiple locations in Reykjavik it should not be too hard to get your fresh bread fix!
Menu is available at: https://braudogco.is/en/
Aktu-Taktu
Skúlagata 15, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Fast-food junkies: if you’re searching for the infamous worldwide fast food chain with giant golden arches, you won’t find it here. Instead, Aktu-Taktu is the go-to fast food chain for a burger and fries. The decor follows a similar color palette to the competition, but with a retro twist. I ordered medium-sized fries and soft drink for $5, more out of curiosity than hunger. While it was not bad I found the classic hotdog stand a mile down the road to serve as a more nutritious meal for the same price.
Find the menu here: https://aktutaktu.is
Le Kock
Tryggvagata 14, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Venture further out from the city center towards the old harbor to enjoy some ocean views, and on your way back stop at Le Kock and grab some deep-fried, loaded potatoes. Choose from Greek, Chipotle, Curry, Parmesan, or Kock flavored. Reasonably priced at 900 ISK ($6 USD). For 1500 ISK ($10 USD) more, add on a burger and soda to complete the meal.
Find the menu here: https://www.lekock.is/le-kock
Friðheimar
Reykholti, Bláskógabyggð IS-806 Selfoss
Escape the city and head an hour east at lunchtime to dip delicious home-baked bread into fresh, hearty tomato soup enclosed in a warm greenhouse. Reservations are required but don’t let that hold you back from dining in a relaxing atmosphere surrounded by nature’s bountiful beauty. Take a detour while exploring the near-by waterfalls for an extremely fresh, locally sourced meal that will cost around 2.000 ISK ($15.96 USD)
Find the menu here: https://fridheimar.is/en/restaurant
Some extra tips while eating in Reykjavík:
Download “Appy Hour” on your phone for the daily Reykjavik drinking specials
Drink tap water. Iceland has some of the best tap water in the world. Save your money and the environment, and use a refillable bottle.
Hit the grocery store early before it closes. They close earlier than the U.S. and shop Saturday as many stores close Sunday.
Bring home the ingredients used on the Icelandic hot dog including Psylur and Remoulade by buying at the airport duty-free store when you depart.
Don’t forget to check out the local craft beer selection.
Iceland may not be on the top of my list as a food destination, however there are plenty of options in Reykjavík to keep you fueled and fed while navigating the capital city. It takes effort to stick to good budget, but can be done with a little extra planning.
*Exact prices likely to change.
Where’s your favorite place to eat in Reykjavík?
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