Tips for Dining in Iceland

Dining in Iceland - Our Tips for Icelandic Cuisine, Vegan and Vegetarian.

What do I love most about planning a vacation? The part where I search for the culinary delights of the country. I research cool cafés, especially restaurants or treats that you absolutely must try.

I have traveled around Iceland once in a camper and once with a rental car. Guest author Mandy has traveled multiple times and is also vegan and vegetarian. She reports whether Iceland - the land of grilled sheep heads, fermented shark, and smoked whale meat - has vegan options for her? The research turns out to be a double-edged sword. Experiences varied widely.

Have fun with these tips for good and often affordable food in Iceland. Our food guide includes restaurant tips, great cafés, and information for vegan and vegetarian cuisine.

NEW: My guide to Iceland with the most beautiful places, attractions, waterfalls, campsites, and a food guide with all locations for your phone, desktop, or tablet in Google Maps. With just one click, you can save all the places I visited in Iceland. I also add tips in the notes so you can see where all the places are located. Check out the Iceland guide for your phone here.

I hope your stay becomes an unforgettable trip thanks to my tips!

On a trip to Iceland, there is so much to discover, including the food! There are countless local favorites and traditional dishes that you absolutely should try. One of the most famous is Icelandic lamb, which is tender and flavorful and is typically served with potatoes and vegetables.

For a snack, there's Pylsa (also Pulsa), the hot dog. The sausages are often made from a mix of lamb, beef, and pork. A Pylsa med öllu (with everything) includes fried onions, raw onions, ketchup, sweet mustard, and remoulade sauce. You can get the cheapest ones along the Ring Road at almost any (N1) gas station.

You should also know that fish and seafood are essential components of traditional Icelandic cuisine. The tradition has a long history in the country's culture. Therefore, most restaurants feature a dish with the fish of the day on their menu. The most common varieties are cod, salmon, haddock, and monkfish.

One of the traditional dishes is Hákarl, which is made from fermented shark. It scares many travelers away, but if you want to try something extraordinary, you can. It is certainly an acquired taste but is a real adventure for adventurous eaters (we tried something similar on the Faroe Islands, but wouldn't eat it again).

Hardfiskur (dried fish) is a popular snack rooted in old Icelandic tradition. You can find it in every supermarket.

Another fish dish is Plokkfiskur. A fish stew made from white fish, potatoes, and spices.

Quite delicious is Humar (Icelandic lobster). It is known for its tender meat and is enjoyed in various preparations. Lobster is typically caught on the south coast of Iceland, especially in Höfn. Unfortunately, the reasons here are completely overfished, and even a local from the town advised us against eating lobster. Langoustine is very good and fresh, though.

Not to be compared with ours, but Icelandic bread, such as Laufabraud (leaf bread), is often baked and served on special occasions like Christmas. It is a type of flatbread and quite thin. You can also get Flatkaka (flat rye bread) and Rúgbraud (Icelandic rye bread), which has no crust and is really tasty with salmon.

If you're looking for a sweet treat, you should try the Icelandic version of pancakes, called Pönnukökur. They are as thin as a crepe and served with sugar and jam. Whipped cream is a must.

Very delicious and also available here is Skyr. A type of yogurt and traditional dairy product that plays an important role in the Icelandic diet. If you're in Selfoss, you should visit the Skyr Museum in the Food Hall. It's truly entertaining and worth seeing.

Icelandic cuisine has evolved over time and now offers both traditional and modern culinary delights inspired by the surrounding nature.

Note: No, we did not eat whale or shark. Although the whaling practice is met with international disapproval, whale meat is not regarded as an everyday meal in Iceland. It is mainly sold in Icelandic restaurants and particularly marketed to tourists. Similarly with puffins. So it's better to steer clear and go on a whale watching tour or visit the puffin spots in summer.

Once you are on Icelandic roads, you will never get tired of the landscape. But let's be honest, a little hunger will surely come. Even if it's just a craving for coffee. There are always sweet cafés inviting you to linger.

What you need to know:

Unlike in small towns in Germany, being vegan is also no novelty in Iceland. Many restaurateurs know what the term means. Nonetheless, I would always clarify what exactly should not be on the plate for a specific dish. A pizza can always be ordered without cheese. Asking for that is not unusual in Iceland either. They often ask back if you would like an extra portion of vegetables.

As everywhere in the world, you'll find the most up-to-date tips and recommendations for vegan dining at Happy Cow.

If you love truly great wood-fired pizza, then you are in the right place. I must say, one of the best pizzas in Iceland.

The food hall in Selfoss has something for everyone's taste. The pizzas (Flatey Pizza Napoletana), tacos at Takko, and sandwiches as well as truffle fries at Samuelsson Matbar were very delicious.

Meeting point for Troll Excursions and location of the Lava Show in Vik. They have very tasty soups. During several visits, we had the fish soup, vegan soup, and the red hot lava soup served in bread. The best part: all you can eat. You can reorder as long as you are really full.

This "pizzeria" offers pizzas with black dough. Don't expect anything extraordinary, but it is really good and cheaper than food in the surrounding restaurants.

Right at the campsite, they have excellent coffee (several beans to choose from). They also offer hot chocolate with marshmallows and bagels (the ones with hummus are very tasty) and muffins.

The restaurant with a view of the harbor in Höfn í Hornafjörður is a classic when you're here. We chose both cod and langoustines. For starters, we can recommend the shrimp and the goat cheese. The service was also exceptionally good.

From burgers to tacos to fish dishes, there is a larger selection here. We stayed at the hotel anyway and enjoyed the variety.

I discovered the Café Vogafjos during my second trip to Iceland. During a Game of Thrones tour, we stopped here with our guide. The wonderful thing about this café is not only the breathtaking glass front in the dining area but also that it is part of a cow barn.

Of course, you do not sit with the animals, but you can look directly into the barn at the entrance of the shop. 'Homemade local food' is taken seriously here. I highly recommend the super delicious lava tea, which is made from local herbs.

By the way, you can also stay on the farm.

Another new discovery was the Kaffihús Símstöðin in downtown Akureyri. From the outside, the café first appears inconspicuous on Hafnarstræti. Once inside, you are greeted by a hip, friendly staff.

Especially during lunchtime, it is quite busy here. The crew offers various lunch menus, of which at least one is vegan. You can also choose from various salads. Bread, hummus, and other spreads are included, and a colorful selection of cakes (some vegan), delicious fresh smoothies, and much more are waiting.

Kaffi Rauðka is known beyond the borders of the North for its delicious pizzas and great parties and concerts directly at the harbor of the small town. During my road trip along the Ring Road, we stopped for a relaxed coffee with a view of the fjord.

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula lies north of the capital Reykjavík and is a great detour if you're traveling along the Ring Road. The hallmark of the peninsula is the over 1400-meter-high volcano Snæfellsjökull.

The small town of Stykkishólmur is primarily known as an ancient fishing village, and the historic houses in the old town center have been beautifully restored. One of them is located right at the harbor and invites you to stop by when the weather outside is once again showing its best, rainy Icelandic side: Narfeyrarstofa offers you local delicacies in a rustic atmosphere.

At the town entrance of Stykkishólmur, the yellow bakery Nesbraud is hard to miss. It was recommended to me along the way by travelers: delicious delicacies at low (Icelandic) prices. And it was true! A cute, small bakery with all sorts of pastries and breads at affordable prices.

The journey ends for many where it began, in Reykjavík. After a multi-week road trip, you can treat yourself. And you'll be in Reykjavík, just the right place for that. As unique as the country and its people, so creative and unusual is the cuisine in the capital. Asking for vegan options is no problem here. Even better: You can enjoy a delicious dinner in one of the colorful restaurants or have breakfast in one of the many vegetarian cafés.

You can hardly miss it: On your way up to Hallgrímskirkja, the bright orange wooden house will catch your eye. That's the Café Babalú. In summer, you can sunbathe on the rooftop terrace while enjoying the delicious homemade chili sin carne. And even inside, you will want to curl up and never leave: sofas await you, your tea, and a piece of cheesecake. The owner is as sweet as his brownies and super friendly.

The name says it all. At Gló, only raw foods are served. And they are delicious, creative, and healthy. There's a daily changing menu made from local, fresh ingredients. Don't take up all the space on your plate at the buffet, make sure to look around the corner. There are dreamy desserts waiting for you. For some, the decor might be a bit too modern and clean, but for me, it fits perfectly with the concept. Only the prices can make a small dent in your wallet.

If you need something quick and have a craving for the tastiest Asian noodles in Iceland, then you are at Noodle Station. You choose from one of the categories 'beef', 'chicken', or 'vegetable' and let yourself be surprised by what is served to you. There are now two locations in the city.

What is Chuck Norris doing in Reykjavík? Of course, serving spicy burgers! If you dare, enjoy it. My highlight was the sweet potato fries.

At Laundromat, you can stop by and enjoy delicious meals at any time of day and almost night: from hearty breakfast or brunch to tasty cakes, burgers, and hummus sandwiches in the evening, you can get everything here.

The most painful part first: Iceland is expensive. But don't worry, those who plan a little ahead can eat here on a normal travel budget. Costs in Iceland are higher than in Germany, of course, as food often has to be transported long distances to the remote island. Accordingly, prices are high.

As a guideline, we've converted a few items into euros to give you an idea of what expenses to expect:

Tipping works differently than in Germany. As is customary in Northern Europe, labor, including for service staff in the hospitality or service industry, is compensated more adequately compared to Germany. It's the same in Iceland. The prices in restaurants and cafés already include the cost of service. Therefore, tipping is not customary and is not expected. However, you will find a jar or a "tip box" everywhere in bars, which every service staff would appreciate.

Most travelers choose Reykjavík as their starting point for their journey. It makes sense, because not only is there the International Airport Keflavik, but also many shopping options, sometimes the cheapest in the country. If you're self-catering, buy all the basic groceries needed for your stay here. Only stock up on fresh foods while on the road.

In Icelandic supermarkets, you will find all products, including vegan. I read on numerous blogs during my research that fresh fruits and vegetables are rarely available. Nonsense! The quality was consistently excellent. Fruits and vegetables are always fresh.

In every tiny supermarket, you will find a shelf with alternative products or other vegan options. Soy milk is standard even in the smallest corner store in the tiniest village.

If you want to shop cheaply, I recommend the supermarket Bónus (similar to Aldi and Netto). Staple foods like pasta and salt are available here at lower prices. Additionally, there's an organic section offering tahini or piri-piri spreads. I personally really like Kronan and Netto. Both, however, are more expensive than Bónus with its pink pig logo.

There are also two smaller supermarket chains: Krambúðin and Samkaup strax. Both are small shops that almost always have toilets and a hot dog stand inside. You can also often find a microwave to warm up food yourself (free, of course). Perfect for self-drivers with a tent.

As in any other country, you'll also find dishes or food in Icelandic supermarkets that you've never seen before, or whose taste combinations would seem suspiciously interesting to you. Just give it a try. Like peanut butter with strawberry jam in one jar. It doesn't taste good, but is somehow cool! Not to mention all the obscured preparation texts, since everything is imported.

Everyone's road trip looks different: some camp, others stay in bed-and-breakfasts, and some prefer hostels. For vegans, it's advisable to self-cater in Iceland. With a camping stove or in a hostel kitchen, this is, of course, no problem. The hostels and guesthouses in Iceland often offer their own breakfast but are also set up for self-catering.

In B&Bs, hotels, or hostels, breakfast buffets are very varied. The prices are usually steep, starting at 10 euros per person. However, asking for a vegetarian-vegan option costs nothing. Explaining the situation is rarely a problem when unpacking your own food.

You can eat excellently in Iceland, whether fish, vegan, or meat. There's everything and no one has to go hungry. Still, it's not cheap, as everything in Iceland. Vegan in Iceland works great. However, if you want to keep an eye on your budget, you should bring a few things from Germany, shop for supplies in Reykjavík, and cook for yourself.

Do you have further tips for great and affordable food in Iceland? Or perhaps some additional money-saving tips? We always look forward to your comments.

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