Holidays
  • HOLIDAYS
    • View Holidays Homepage
    • Beach Holidays
      • Adults Only Holidays
      • All Inclusive
      • Beach
      • Family Holidays
      • Long-Haul Holidays
      • Luxury Holidays
      • Nightlife
      • Spa Holidays
      • Sports and Activity
      • View all beach holidays
    • Multi Destination
    • Tours
    • City Breaks
    • Ski
    • Lakes and Mountains
    • Lapland
    • Villas
    • Weddings
    • Accessible Holidays
  • Cruises
  • CRUISES
    • Marella Cruises
      • View Marella Cruises Homepage
      • Cruise Deals
      • Cruise Ships
      • Cruise Types
        • Cruise From the UK
        • Cruise Only
        • Cruise and Stay
        • Themed Cruises
        • Repositional and Transatlantic
      • Destinations
        • Caribbean
        • Western Mediterranean
        • Canary Islands and Atlantic
        • Eastern Mediterranean
        • North Africa And Middle East
        • Asia
        • Central America
        • View All Cruise Destinations
      • Useful Information
        • Cruise Calendar
        • Top Ports Of Call
        • On Board Experience
        • Why cruise with Marella Cruises?
    • TUI River Cruises
      • View TUI River Cruises Homepage
      • European River Cruises
      • River Cruise Ships
      • River Cruise Only
      • Rivers
        • Danube
        • Dutch & Belgian Waterways
        • Main
        • Moselle
        • Rhine
      • Destinations
        • Austria
        • Belgium
        • Croatia
        • Germany
        • Hungary
        • Netherlands
        • Serbia
        • Slovakia
        • Switzerland
      • Useful Information
        • Why cruise with TUI River Cruises?
  • Flights
  • FLIGHTS
    • View Flights Homepage
    • Cheap Flights
    • Our Destinations
      • Where we fly
      • Popular routes
    • Flight Timetable
    • Arrivals and Departures
    • Useful Information
      • Flying with us
      • Before you fly
      • Our fleet
      • Frequently Asked Questions
  • hotel only
  • HOTEL ONLY
  • Deals
  • DEALS
    • View Deals Homepage
    • Summer Holiday Deals
      • Summer Holidays 2021
      • Summer Holidays 2022
      • School Holiday Deals
      • View All Summer Holiday Deals
    • Winter Holiday Deals
      • Winter Holidays 2020
      • Winter Holidays 2021
      • Christmas Holiday Deals
      • Easter Holiday Deals
      • View All Winter Holiday Deals
    • Last Minute Deals
    • Free Kids Place Finder
    • Destination Deals
      • Spain Holiday Deals
      • Greece Holiday Deals
      • Mexico Holiday Deals
      • View All Destination Deals
    • Holiday Type Deals
      • All Inclusive Holiday Deals
      • Luxury Holiday Deals
      • Family Holiday Deals
      • View All Holiday Deals
    • Discount Deals
  • Destinations
  • DESTINATIONS
    • View Destinations Homepage
    • Europe
      • Albania
      • Austria
      • Bulgaria
      • Croatia
      • Cyprus
      • Czech Republic
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Iceland
      • Italy
      • Lapland
      • Malta
      • Montenegro
      • Portugal
      • Slovenia
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • Turkey
      • View All Europe Destinations
    • Central America
      • Costa Rica
      • Mexico
      • View All Central America Destinations
    • Africa
      • Cape Verde
      • Egypt
      • Gambia
      • Kenya
      • Mauritius
      • Morocco
      • Seychelles
      • Tanzania
      • Tunisia
      • View All Africa Destinations
    • Caribbean
      • Antigua
      • Aruba
      • Barbados
      • Cuba
      • Dominican Republic
      • Grenada
      • Jamaica
      • St Lucia
      • Trinidad And Tobago
      • View All Caribbean Destinations
    • North America
      • United States Of America
      • View All North America Destinations
    • Asia
      • China
      • India
      • Indonesia
      • Israel
      • Japan
      • Jordan
      • Malaysia
      • Maldives
      • Oman
      • Sri Lanka
      • Thailand
      • United Arab Emirates
      • Uzbekistan
      • Vietnam
      • View All Asia Destinations
    • Where’s hot when?
    • Quarantine Free Holidays
    • Popular Destinations
      • Algarve
      • Benidorm
      • Cancun
      • Crete
      • Dubai
      • Florida
      • Fuertaventura
      • Gran Canaria
      • Lanzarote
      • Madeira
      • Majorca
      • Tenerife
  • Extras
  • EXTRAS
  • TravelInformation
  • Travel Information
  • AccountAndBooking
logo
Shortlisted holidays
  • Shortlist( )
  • Travel Information
  • Account & Booking
  • HOLIDAYS
  • CRUISES
  • FLIGHTS
  • HOTEL ONLY
  • DEALS
  • DESTINATIONS
  • EXTRAS

Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. To find out more, please read our Cookie Notice. Close

List
    See all destinations
    See departure airports for
    See what dates we fly to this route
    see what dates this destination is available
    Flexible by +/-3 days
    7 nights
    Clear search
    Child ages (on return date) Edit ages
    • Latest
    • Video
    • Active
    • Culture
    • Family
    • Food
    • Style
    Iceland

    "Why foodies go to Iceland"

    Reykjavik’s culinary scene is heating up

    Why Iceland is a must-go destination for foodies

    A country where fermented shark is a delicacy is not usually a place associated with haute cuisine. But that’s all set to change as Iceland’s capital city Reykjavik is fast becoming the travelling foodie’s must-go destination.


    The Scandinavian countries have long been top of the list for those keen to explore more than just the sights on offer thanks to their experimental kitchen techniques. And as the trend for food and drink tourism grows, with over 50% of tourists now seeking out destinations based on their artisanal offerings – according to a study by Mandala Research - Reykjavik’s the perfect place to start.


    Icelanders have long been reliant on their imaginations in the kitchen. After all, the island is essentially a frigid arctic wasteland, reliant on greenhouses and geothermal energy to provide heat for cooking. Their ancestors had to forage for food and make do with fermented fish and vegetables for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 365 days a year.


    However, over the past five years this traditional, hunter-gatherer approach has been ushered into the modern Reykjavik dining scene. The city packs a punch when it comes to edible offerings - with everything from horse (bear with us, it’s delicious honestly!) to puffin (yes, really) and everything in between. It’s one of the few places in the world not to have a McDonalds and it more than makes up for it with its varied, unique gastronomical experience.


    Here’s a guide to some of the best places to eat in Reykjavik at every time of the day.

    Breakfast and brunch

    Grai Kotturinn aka ‘The Grey Cat’ serves up brunch favourites like eggs, pancakes and bagels alongside great coffee in a dimly-lit book shop-style-café. The perfect place to sit back, relax and read the excellent English language entertainment listings newspaper Grapevine and decide on the day’s plan. Coffee is done properly in Reykjavik - as the Icelander’s take their caffeine fix very seriously. So ditch that tea habit and team your espresso with a delectable whipped cream and jam smothered waffle at Mokka-Kaffi, where the space doubles as an art gallery. Or take some grounds home with you as a delicious souvenir from Reykjavik Roasters.

    Lunch and light bites

    Kolaportid flea market is a vintage and foodie lover’s heaven. Open Saturday and Sunday 11am – 5pm, it’s awash with stalls selling traditional Icelandic ingredients and snacks, ideal for lunch on the go while out exploring.


    Most tourist attractions while fabulous, don’t offer a menu at reasonable prices to match. But Lava rips up the rule book. After a relaxing soak at the famous Blue Lagoon, a series of natural geothermal pools about 45 minutes from Reykjavik, throw on your robe and head up for the sumptuous buffet lunch in the summer, and an a la carte menu in the winter months with out-of-this-world views of the steaming milky pools below.

     

    The best antidote to the chilly weather, Saegreifinn by the marina serves a no-frills lobster soup, eaten school dinner hall style squished up next to strangers on long benches. Trust us, it’s worth it.

     

    After a few drinks, join the inevitable queue at Baejarins Beztu for a juicy pylsur – that’s a hotdog to you and I. Best served ‘eina meo ollu’ (with all the trimmings) including fried onions, remoulade, mustard and ketchup. An Icelandic staple, the unassuming cart opened in 1937 and has been named the best hotdog in the world. And we’re not going to argue with that. It’s estimated that over 70% of the country’s population have eaten here.

     

    At Kaffibarinn, a hip pub owned by Blur’s Damon Albarn, cheese boards and waffles are free, so long as you are buying a drink. What’s not to love?

    Dinner

    If you’re a fan of burgers (who isn’t?) you’ve come to the right place. Kex Hostel’s Saemundur gastro pub serves up juicy free range Icelandic beef patties in a converted old biscuit warehouse.


    Meanwhile, Lebowski Bar offers them up alongside a list of lip-smacking sides and over 30 to-die-for milkshake variations.


    After a bargain bite? Vitabar does the famous Forget-Me-Not Burger – complete with lashings of blue cheese and garlic sauce.


    For a burger with a difference, head to Grillmarkadurinn for the mini sliders sampler menu featuring whale, puffin and lobster. This fancy Michelin starred dining spot also serves up the tenderest steak we’ve ever tried – albeit horse not beef – in uber-swish surroundings.


    If you fancy splashing out, there’s no better place than Dill. Opt for the delicious tasting menu full of foraged, local ingredients such as Arctic char with pickled vegetables and baked beetroot for the full Icelandic gastronomic experience.

    And to drink…

    Beer was illegal in Iceland until 1989 – so it only seems right to make up for it with a hop-tastic bar crawl. The main strip of Laugavegur is awash with coffee shops, bars and restaurants – ideal for refuelling after all that walking. Check out hipster havens Bar 11, Bunk Bar and Micro Bar in our very own CenterHotel Plaza – a craft brewery with an extensive tasting menu.

     

    For something a bit more special, head to Slippbarinn in the Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina where cocktails are the order of the day. Bar Apotek, a former apothecary sees award-winning ‘pharmacists’ serve up imaginative tipples whilst Perlan, a grand glass domed revolving building houses a chic cocktail bar with stunning panoramic views across the city.

     

    Alcohol prices can be high in Iceland but most bars offer happy hour discounts. Download the Appy Hour app to let you know where the best deals are. A great souvenir to take home is Topas or Ópa, local liquorice liqueurs. Much better than a fridge magnet.

    Specialities

    They’re not for everyone, but it’s all about immersing yourself in the local culture when travelling, right? Take a break from the hotel buffet and sample all the local delicacies in bite-size portions (perfect if fermented shark isn’t usually your bag) at Tapasbarinn where the tapas style menu lets you sample 7 courses including puffin, whale and traditional skyr yoghurt for dessert for just £44.


    And if you’re feeling really brave try Hakarl (fermented shark) at Café Loki, washed down with a shot of Brennevin, a local aniseed infused spirit.

    Sound appetising?

    Book your own Icelandic adventure and check out some surprising package holidays to Iceland.


    Author: Emma Hunt

    Published: 14.09.2016.

    Tags: latest, food

    Destinations: Iceland

    SHARE

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  

      DISCOVER MORE

    • Grand Hotel Reykjavik

      Grand Hotel Reykjavik

      The Grand Hotel Reykjavik - 2 excursions included is situated on the outskirts of Reykjavik and has great views of Mount Esja. It’s also just a 25-minute walk away from the city centre.

    • Hotel Klettur

      Hotel Klettur

      Klettur Hotel - 2 excursions included is close to the capital's scenic harbour, and comes with its own friendly little bar stocked with Icelandic beers.

    • Alda Hotel

      Alda Hotel

      Before you check out the Northern Lights, check into the stylish Alda Hotel - 2 excursions included in the centre of Reykjavik. Guests can even borrow a smartphone, making it easy to navigate the streets.

    Inspired? Discover more...

    Call us on: 0203 451 2688




    Some images shown throughout this website do not represent current operational guidelines or health and safety measures such as face masks and physical distancing requirements.
     
    To top

    Our top deals tailored to you, straight to your inbox Sign up for offers

    Shop Finder Ask a question? Contact us

    We're part of TUI Group - one of the world's leading travel companies. And all of our holidays are designed to help you Discover Your Smile.

    Registered address: Wigmore House, Wigmore Lane, Luton,Bedfordshire,United Kingdom, LU2 9TN

    . .
    • Holiday Types
    • Popular Destinations
    • Mid/Long haul
    • Short haul
    • Flights To
    • Cruise
    • Hotels

    Holiday Types

    Summer Holidays 2020 Summer Holidays 2021 Winter Holidays 2020 Winter Sun Holidays Cheap Holidays Luxury Holidays Family Holidays All inclusive holidays Package Holidays Beach holidays Discount Codes City Breaks Last minute Holidays Villa Holidays Short Breaks Accessible Holidays Multi-Destination Holidays Escorted Tours

    Popular Destinations

    Algarve holidaystest Benidorm holidays Canary Islands holidays Crete holidays Cyprus holidays Gran Canaria holidays Ibiza holidays Lanzarote holidays Las Vegas Holidays Majorca holidays Menorca holidays Mexico Holidays New York Holidays Tenerife holidays

    Mid/Long haul

    Aruba holidays Bali Holidays Vietnam Holidays Cape Verde holidays Caribbean Holidays Costa Rica Holidays Cuba Holidays Dubai Holidays Egypt holidays Florida holidays Jamaica Holidays Mauritius holidays Sri Lanka Holidays Thailand holidays Sharm El Sheikh Holidays Los Cabos Holidays

    Short Haul

    Benidorm Holidays Portugal holidays Spain holidays Turkey Holidays Zante holidays Morocco holidays Croatia holidays Greece holidays Malta holidays Bulgaria holidays Italy holidays Lapland holidays

    Flights To

    Cheap Flights Tenerife Flights Montego Bay Flights Mauritius Flights Thailand Flights Alicante Flights Lanzarote Flights Ibiza Flights Florida Flights Orlando Flights Spain Flights Cyprus Flights Malta Flights Portugal Flights Turkey Flights Goa Flights Cancun Flights Barbados Flights Popular Flight Routes

    Cruise

    Puerto Limon Caribbean Cruises Fjords Cruise Italian Cruises Mediterranean Cruises Canary Islands and Atlantic Central America Dubrovnik Barcelona All Inclusive Family Cruises Last Minute Cruises Cruises Cruise Deals Cruises from the UK Croatia Cruises from Southampton Summer Cruises 2020 River Cruise Deals

    Hotels

    Hotels in Tenerife Hotels in Gran Canaria Hotels in Lanzarote Hotels in Fuerteventura Hotels in Majorca Hotels in Menorca Hotels in Ibiza Hotels in Cancun Hotels in Riviera Maya Hotels in Playacar Hotels in Playa Del Carmen Hotels in Paphos Hotels in Protaras Hotels in Marmaris Hotels in Bodrum Hotels in Alanya Hotels in Kusadasi

    More from TUI

    About TUI MyTUI app Cookies Notice Manage Cookie Preferences Privacy Notice Terms & Conditions Credit card fees Media Centre Travel Jobs Affiliates Discover Lakes & Mountains Discover Weddings App Store for Ios Google Play Store Travel Money Holiday Budget Calculator TUI Group First Choice Holiday Brochures Travel After Brexit Holiday Weather

      • World of TUI

        Travel Aware – Staying Safe and Healthy Abroad

        The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and National Travel Health Network and Centre have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad.

        See gov.uk/travelaware and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK on Twitter and Facebook.com/FCDOtravel - for the latest general FCDO travel advice, including coronavirus travel guidance, security and local laws, and passport and visa information.

        See gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice - for FCDO travel advice about individual destinations.

        See Travel Aware page - for travel advice from TUI.

        See travelhealthpro.org.uk - for current travel health news.

        The advice can change so check regularly for updates.

    All the flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Some of the flights on this website are also financially protected by the ATOL scheme, but ATOL protection does not apply to all flights. This website will provide you with information on the protection that applies in the case of each flight before you make your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk. ATOL protection does not apply to the other holiday and travel services listed on this website.