Cheap eats guide to Reykjavik
Most holidays in Iceland will involve a stop in Europe’s most northernmost capital, Reykjavik. Few tourists stay for long. Iceland is, after all, famous for its vast wilderness and also for being expensive. To help you plan your budget and save money in Iceland, here are a few recommendations for some the best cheap eats in Reykjavik.
PS Also checkout my earlier guide to Volcano Hopping in Iceland and a review of the Bus Hostel in Reykjavik.
Where to eat in Reykjavik on a budget
1. Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
Tryggvagata 1, 101 Reykjavík
The legendary harbourside hot dog stand that’s been feeding locals since 1937, and once got the nod from Bill Clinton.
Once selected by the Guardian as Europe’s best hot dog stand, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (English: The Town’s Best Sausages) for more than half a century have been feeding hungry locals and tourists alike across their chain of hot dog stands in Reykjavík. Billed as Iceland’s national dish, these hotdogs have got the thumbs up from various celebrities visiting the city which include Bill Clinton and Anthony Bourdain. Order the hot dogs with “the works” (in Icelandic “eina með öllu”), i.e., all condiments which include ketchup, sweet mustard, fried onion, raw onion and remolaði, a mayonnaise-based sauce with sweet relish. Hot dogs start from 920 Kr (€6.50).
2. Saegreifinn
Geirsgata 8, 101 Reykjavík
A ramshackle green fisherman’s hut by the old harbour, famous for its lobster soup and grilled fish skewers.
Saegreifinn, or Sea Baron restaurant down by the old harbour, serves what is claimed to be the best lobster soup on the planet. In a green, old fisherman’s hut you can choose from the lobster soup (2890kr, €20.36) and a choice of fresh seafood (starts from 1990kr, €14) or grilled potato (650kr, €4.98) barbequed on skewers.
3. Noodle Station
Laugavegur 86, 101 Reykjavík
A spartan noodle counter on the city’s main shopping street, known for its fragrant, star-anise-laced broths.
Noodle Station is a spartan, wee joint that serves up a choice of 3 noodle soups: noodle soup with beef (2610kr, €18.39), noodle soup with chicken (2690Kr, €18.95) and vegetarian noodle (1710kr, €12) soup. Spicy, flavourful with strong notes of star anise and lemongrass, this is a fast and cheap option for visitors to the city.
4. Ramen Momo
Tryggvagata 16, 101 Reykjavík
Iceland’s first dedicated ramen and dumpling spot, run by a chef-and-partner team using mostly Icelandic-grown ingredients.
Established by ramen chef and founder Kunsang Tsering and his wife Erna Pétursdóttir, Ramen Momo is Iceland’s first restaurant dedicated to ramen and dumplings. The food, similar to Noodle Station, is flavourful and with some great options that include their housemade ramen noodles (1,490 ISK) and gyoza (1,290 ISK). Most of the ingredients used at the restaurant are made in Iceland and you can taste that freshness in the dishes. Special dishes on the menu include their delicious Vegan Tantanmen (3370 Kr), kimchi and seaweed salad (1490 kr each) and Red Beets Gyoza (2350 Kr, 5 pieces).
6. Krua Thai
Skólavörðustígur 21A, 101 Reykjavík
A fast, friendly and reliably good Thai spot on the road up to Hallgrímskirkja.
If you are visiting Reykjavik and craving something different, then Krua Thai is a great choice for Thai food lovers. Their Chicken Penang Curry and Green curries (starts from 3650 Kr, €25) are fantastic and come highly recommended. Service is quick and friendly, portion sizes are generous and overall a safe option.
7. Reykjavik Chips
Vitastígur 10, 101 Reykjavík
A cosy Belgian-style chip shop with a serious sauce selection, plus solid burgers and fish and chips.
For the best chips (normal or sweet potato, fluffy on the inside, crunchy on the outside) in Reykjavik plus for excellent fish and burgers at reasonable prices, Reykjavik Chips is the place locals and visitors go. Portion sizes are good and they also have an excellent range of sauces, from ketchup to their signature spicy mayo sauce. Staff are super friendly. Small cone of fries starts from 900kr (€6.35), burgers start from 2590kr (€18.25) and fish and chips from 2900kr (€20.40).
Where to drink in Reykjavik on a budget
8. Kaffi Vínyl
Hverfisgata 76, 101 Reykjavík
A relaxed vegan- and vegetarian-friendly café with a vinyl shop attached, strong on electronica and vintage grooves.
A nice relaxed place for a coffee.
9. Grótta Lighthouse
Grótta, 170 Seltjarnarnes
A tidal lighthouse at the northwesternmost point of the peninsula, with a geothermal footbath tucked among the rocks.
Bring your own drink when visiting the north-westernmost point in Reykjavik where the Grótta Lighthouse is located. From here you enjoy the views over Flaxaflói bay, Esjan and on a clear day see even Snæfellsjökull glacier. Dip your feet into the warm geothermal waters of the Grótta footbath which you can find amongst the rocks by the seashore.
10. Kex Hostel
Skúlagata 28, 101 Reykjavík T
The hostel bar in a converted biscuit factory, centrally located with a strong live music programme.
Or grab a beer here. Centrally located and with a big emphasis on live music, this place is a popular meeting point between locals and tourists.
11. Gaukurinn
Tryggvagata 22, 101 Reykjavík
A lively venue for live music, karaoke, standup comedy, cult movie screenings and a weekly drag cabaret.
From live music, karaoke and standup comedy nights to cult movie screenings and a weekly drag cabaret: Gaukurinn is definitely worth stopping by. Happy Hour starts from 2 till 9pm with beers starting at 600kr (€5).
