Reykjavik: Icelandic Food Tour

If you’re heading to Reykjavik and want to get a true taste of Icelandic culture, this food tour offers a fantastic way to combine history, local flavor, and a bit of fun. For about $135 per person, you’ll enjoy roughly three hours of walking through the city with a knowledgeable guide, sampling at least ten traditional Icelandic dishes. Expect to visit local restaurants and explore Reykjavik’s historic streets, all while learning about the country’s culinary roots.

What we love most about this experience is how it balances delicious local food with engaging storytelling—our guides have a knack for making history and culture come alive through their narratives. Plus, the small group size (limited to 12) means plenty of personal attention and chances to ask questions.

One thing to keep in mind: traditional Icelandic cuisine is meat, fish, and dairy-based, so if you’re vegetarian or have dietary restrictions, you’ll want to inform the guides in advance. Also, since the tour involves walking around the city, comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential.

This tour suits curious food lovers, first-time visitors eager to understand local culture, or anyone who enjoys sampling unique dishes like fermented shark or Icelandic hot dogs in an authentic setting.

Key Points

• Authentic Icelandic cuisine served at carefully chosen local spots
• Engaging guides who blend storytelling with food tasting
• Small-group setting ensures a personalized experience
• Accessible for dietary restrictions with prior notice
• Includes local drinks like beer, soda, coffee, or Brennivin
• Ideal for first-timers wanting a well-rounded Reykjavik introduction

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes the Reykjavik Food Tour Special?

This guided food experience is more than just a meal. It’s a cultural journey rooted in local history and culinary tradition. For about three hours, you’ll walk through the heart of Reykjavik, stopping at handpicked restaurants and eateries, all while tasting delicacies that tell stories of Iceland’s past and present.

You’ll visit Ingólfur Square to start, where the city’s Viking roots are felt in the air. From there, your guide will take you through local eateries, each serving signature dishes like lamb soup, fermented shark, and the iconic Icelandic hot dog. The tour offers guided sightseeing, which means you’ll get a quick walk through Reykjavik’s streets and landmarks, making it a practical way to get oriented early in your trip.

What sets this tour apart is the knowledgeable guides. Many reviews highlight guides like Paul, Bo, and Ester E, who bring a mix of expertise, humor, and genuine passion. They share stories about each dish’s significance and Icelandic culture, making the tasting experience both fun and educational.

The Detailed Itinerary: Breaking Down the Experience

Starting Point: Ingólfur Square

The tour begins in Ingólfur Square, a lively spot at the beginning of Austurstræti, right in Reykjavik’s bustling city center. It’s an easy meeting point, close to shops, a small grocery market, and hotels. Using Google Maps is recommended due to Icelandic street name quirks.

First Food Stop: Local Restaurant (1 Hour)

Here, you’ll sample Iceland’s signature lamb soup, a hearty dish that many reviews describe as warm and comforting—perfect for Iceland’s cool climate. Our guide, like many others, was praised for their storytelling and humor, making the food taste even better with their commentary. We loved the way guides like Paul shared insights into Icelandic ingredients and cooking history, giving us a better understanding of what we enjoyed.

More Great Tours Nearby

Reykjavik City Walk & Sightseeing (20 Minutes)

This walk is designed to orient you in the city’s old town. You’ll see notable sites, learn about Reykjavik’s history, and get tips for the rest of your stay. Many reviews emphasize how this sightseeing segment adds context, making the food tastings more meaningful.

Second Food Stop: Another Local Eatery (45 Minutes)

This stop might include tasting fish dishes, perhaps cod or other local seafood favorites. The guide will share stories about Iceland’s fishing heritage, which is central to the nation’s identity. The opportunity to ask questions about Icelandic cuisine makes this part engaging, and many reviewers mention how guides like Bo or Einar made the experience lively with stories and their own family anecdotes.

Guided Reykjavik Tour (15 Minutes)

A quick stroll through Reykjavik’s streets, pointing out historic buildings and local sights, elevates the experience. It’s a chance to get your bearings and snap photos of colorful houses and cozy cafes.

Final Food & Drink Stop: Beer, Food, or Brennivin (1 Hour)

The last stop features a tasting of Icelandic beer or soda, plus a shot of Brennivin, Iceland’s traditional schnapps made from grain or potato. Many reviews highlight the good value of this final tasting, which caps the tour with a fun, social atmosphere. The inclusion of water at all stops helps keep you hydrated—something appreciated in Iceland’s dry air.

Tour End: Return to Ingólfur Square

After about three hours, you’ll return to your starting point, with plenty of tips on where to go next or what to try during your stay.

The Food & Cultural Highlights

Traditional Dishes You Might Encounter

• Lamb Soup: A warm, rich broth filled with tender Icelandic lamb, often considered comfort food. Reviewers mention how “outstanding” and “delicious” it is, with one saying it “feels like a warm hug.”
• Fermented Shark (Hákarl): Yes, it’s pungent and acquired-taste, but guides often encourage trying a small piece for the full Icelandic experience. Many reviewers, like Karen, highlight how guides like Stefan made even the fermented shark palatable with their own approach.
• Icelandic Hot Dog: A must-try street food, made with lamb, beef, and pork, served with toppings like crispy onions and relish. Many describe it as delicious and fun, with some saying it’s their favorite.
• Seafood Dishes: Cod is common, and the tour offers a taste of Iceland’s renowned fishing industry.
• Local Drinks: Beer, soda, coffee, and Brennivin for those interested in traditional spirits.

Why This Matters

Sampling these dishes provides more than just flavor; it reveals Iceland’s connection to its land and sea. The lamb reflects a pastoral tradition, while fermented shark shows historical preservation methods. The hot dog is a beloved street snack, and trying Brennivin offers a glimpse into local celebrations and customs.

The Value of the Experience

At $135, this tour offers a rich mix of food, culture, and city exploration. Many reviews point out the quality of guides, with descriptions like “outstanding” and “professional,” who are also entertaining and passionate about Iceland. The small group format (max 12 people) ensures everyone gets individual attention, making it ideal for those who want a more intimate experience.

Compared to eating alone, this tour adds context and stories that deepen the appreciation of each dish. Plus, the inclusion of water and a drink at the last stop means you leave well-hydrated and with a full belly—both important after a day of sightseeing.

Some may see the price as a good value considering the variety of tastes and insights packed into just three hours. The fact that you’re visiting multiple restaurants and tasting authentic dishes makes it a practical way to sample Reykjavik’s culinary scene without the guesswork.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for foodies, first-time visitors, or anyone curious about Iceland’s culinary traditions. If you’re interested in local stories as much as food, guides like Stefan and Ester E are praised for their humor and knowledge. It’s also a good fit for those who prefer small groups and personalized attention.

Travelers with specific dietary needs are well-catered for if they inform the guides beforehand. However, those who dislike walking or are looking for a gourmet restaurant experience might find this tour’s casual, street-food-focused style less suitable.

FAQ: Practical Questions Answered

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 3 hours, including walking and tasting.

Where does it start and end?
It begins at Ingólfur Square in Reykjavik’s city center and ends back there.

Is it suitable for vegetarians?
Traditional Icelandic food is meat, fish, and dairy, but the tour can accommodate dietary restrictions like vegetarianism if you notify the guides in advance.

Are drinks included?
Yes, water is available at all stops, and a drink such as beer, soda, coffee, or Brennivin is included at the last stop.

What if I don’t drink alcohol?
You can opt for soda, coffee, or tea at the final stop instead of alcohol.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, the tour can cater to gluten or lactose intolerance, vegetarians, and others if informed beforehand.

Is the tour family-friendly?
While suitable for many, it’s not recommended for wheelchair users and is primarily aimed at adults.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Is this suitable for solo travelers or groups?
Both! The small-group format makes it cozy for solo travelers and perfect for small parties.

What should I wear?
Dress weather-appropriate; be prepared for Reykjavik’s often unpredictable weather.

This Reykjavik Icelandic Food Tour offers a genuine taste of what makes Iceland unique, blending culinary discovery with cultural storytelling. It’s well-suited for those who enjoy interactive experiences that go beyond just eating—learning about the land, history, and people behind each dish. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge make the experience memorable, and the variety of foods ensures there’s something for all—whether you’re brave enough to try fermented shark or just want to enjoy a warm lamb soup.

For travelers seeking authentic Icelandic flavors, a small-group setting, and a friendly guide to steer the way, this tour hits all the marks. It’s a fantastic way to kick off your Iceland adventure, setting the tone for more explorations of this remarkable land.

Enjoy your culinary adventure in Reykjavik—where every bite tells a story of Iceland’s land, sea, and soul.

You can check availability for your dates here: