Food Tours in Reykjavík

Situated on the edge of the Arctic, Iceland has been settled since the 9th century, and its people, through hundreds of years, have established its unique cuisine that has gained a reputation across the globe.

Discover the flavors of Icelandic cuisine on several food tours in Reykjavík and learn why the country is one of the healthiest in the world.

Here's all you need to know about food tours, one of the most delicious options for food and wine experiences in Reykjavík.

What are the best food tours in Reykjavík?

You can join any of several delightful food tours in Reykjavík and have yourself a good time in some top-class restaurants and bars around the city.

Reykjavík local specialties food tours

On this food walk in Reykjavík, you will visit a series of restaurants offering local specialties – including the famous Icelandic hot dog – while at the same time experiencing Reykjavík’s famous landmarks.

During this time, you will visit four to six local eateries and taste more than eight original Icelandic dishes. You will meet your guide at the main entrance of Harpa Concert Hall before starting off on your tour.

On Arnarhóll you can admire the statue of Iceland’s first settler, Ingólfur Arnarson. Then walk around the main shopping and dining streets, Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur.

You will walk by and marvel at Hallgrímskirkja Church, Iceland’s tallest building, and the City Hall, before finally visiting Parliament House, one of the world’s oldest surviving Parliaments.

Icelandic traditional food tours in Reykjavík

On this guided walking tour of Reykjavík, you will roam around the city to several eateries. This will include the city’s oldest restaurant and a very popular hot dog stand.

You will learn about Iceland’s culinary tradition while you enjoy dishes such as Icelandic meat soup, lobster soup and skyr. On this tour, you will enjoy a minimum of 10 Icelandic foods.

The meeting point is Ingólfur Square in central Reykjavík. The tour starts in Old Reykjavík Harbor, with traditional Icelandic shellfish soup. The next stop is Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur food stall, dating from 1937, to enjoy the famous Icelandic Lamb hot dog.

You will then visit a local supermarket to look for some distinctive local foods, before dropping in at the Icelandic Bar. Here, you can sample Icelandic lamb soup and other traditional foods.

Near Hallgrimskirkja church, you will visit the special Café Loki to taste various Icelandic delicacies and celebrate the food journey with an Icelandic drink.

Finally, you can enjoy Kolaportið, a small food market inside Reykjavík’s Flea Market, where you will find a variety of traditional Icelandic foods.

Reykjavík food and drinks tour

This guided food tour of Reykyavik will take you to the city’s many bistros and wine bars, with stops at museums and other historic sites. Along the way, you will enjoy food and wine tasting, and choices from selected locally brewed beers.

The meeting point is Höfnin Restaurant at the Old Harbour, and the culinary excursion starts in the Coocoo´s Nest.

You will pass by the Reykjavík Maritime Museum on your way to Parliament House to share in political tales. Next, you’ll visit Austurvollur Square and Reykjavík City Hall, and pass the well-known duck-feeding spot, Lake Tjornin.

At the Settlement Exhibition, you can learn about Reykjavík’s Viking Age history through the archaeological remains from before 871. The tour ends at Skúli Craft Bar where they serve more than 130 types of craft beer.

Private food tours in Reykjavík

On private food tours in Reykjavík, you will be tasting Icelandic specialties going from restaurant to restaurant through the city. At the same time, you will get acquainted with old Reykjavík and learn about the history and culture of Iceland.

Which places are visited?

The food tours not only give you an opportunity to enjoy Reykjavík’s fine foods but also to experience the city’s historic landmarks.

The Harpa is Reykjavík’s concert hall and conference center, which opened in 2011. Its design was inspired by the dramatic scenery of Iceland.

On Arnarhóll, you will find the statue of Ingólfur Arnarson, the first settler of Iceland. This site is where he built his homestead in 874 and gave name to Reykjavík.

You can spend some time in Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur, the main shopping precincts in Reykjavík. It used to be a hot pool washing area for women and was properly finished in 1885.

On the hill Skólavörðuholt near the Reykjavík center, stands one of the city’s well-known icons, the Hallgrímskirkja Church. Completed in 1986, it is Iceland’s tallest building.

At the northern end of Lake Tjornin lies the Reykjavík City Hall, a modernist building that opened in 1992. Near the City Hall stands another city landmark, the Parliament House, an impressive classical building dating back to 1881.

How much does it cost?

Food tours for local specialties cost around US$120 per person.

Traditional Icelandic cuisine tours cost from US$115 to US$140 per person.

Reykjavík food and drinks tours cost around US$250 per person.

Private food tours in Reykjavík cost around US$170 per person.

Large private groups of up to15 persons cost around US$1,600 (about US$100 per person). Therefore, as the group size increases, the price per person decreases.

What is included?

• Driver-guide
• Pickup and drop-off from designated points
• Air-conditioned van
• Stops at restaurants and bars for meals
• Snacks and alcoholic beverages
• Limited vegetarian options
• All taxes and fees
• Wheelchair accessibility (on some tours)
• Infant seats are available (on some tours)

Where does it start?

The starting points for the best food tours in Reykjavík are usually central Reykjavík, including the Harpa Concert Hall, the Old Harbor, the Hallgrímskirkja Church and Ingolfstorg Square.

How long does it last?

Reykjavík food tours typically last about 3 to 4 hours.

When is the best time for a food tour in Reykjavík?

It is best to do food tours in the daytime when you can also admire the city’s scenery. It is also better to do it towards the end of your stay when you will have a better idea of what food tours to look out for.

Weatherwise, you can visit Reykjavík the whole year round, and in summer, it’s a time of endless days and midnight sun.

Are there any combos available with food tours in Reykjavík?

3-hour sea angling gourmet experience tour

You will sail from Reykjavík around the fishing areas of Faxaflói where fishermen from Iceland have been fishing for centuries. You will be accompanied by experienced fishermen to fish for cod, mackerel and haddock.

What you hook, the crew will cook on the BBQ with potatoes on board your boat. During the cruise, you will also stop at Puffin Island. You will be provided with all fishing equipment and rain jackets. The cost of the trip starts at US$110 per person.

Is it safe?

It is safe to go on a food tour in Reykjavík, although persons who had previous serious heart conditions or suffered from vertigo, should preferably not go on the food tours.

Are children allowed?

Children aged 4 and above can join food tours in Reykjavík, and some tours provide infant seats. However, the legal drinking age in Iceland is 20.

Travel tips

• Make sure to book in advance.
• Have good travel insurance.
• Wear warm clothing.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes.