Reykjavik stands out as a top destination for food lovers because of its distinctive cuisine, rooted in centuries-old traditions yet constantly evolving. The city’s small size makes it easy to explore on foot, and its lively culinary scene means every alley and harbor area hides a story and a taste waiting to be discovered. Whether it’s sampling the iconic lamb hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur or tasting fresh seafood near the Old Harbor, Reykjavik offers a variety of ways to indulge your palate with authentic Icelandic flavors. One of our favorite experiences is the Guided Foodie Walking Tour with 6 Tastings, where you visit five different eateries and learn about Icelandic culture through bites.
If you’re after a comprehensive look at traditional Icelandic dishes, the Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour offers a well-rounded experience with visits to top spots, from shellfish soup to fermented shark. For those wanting an evening of drinks and local culinary stories, the Reykjavik Food and Drink Adventure combines cultural sights with hearty bites and local beers. No matter your style, Reykjavik’s food tours promise a memorable journey into Icelandic flavors and culture.
1. Reykjavik: Guided Foodie Walking Tour with 6 Tastings
At number 1, this guided food tour is perfect for those who want a thorough introduction to Reykjavik’s culinary scene. Over three hours, you visit five different venues including restaurants, family-run businesses, and lesser-known gems, tasting 6-8 dishes ranging from seafood to local meats. The tour emphasizes Icelandic culture through food, with your local guide sharing stories and insights.
Rated an impressive 4.9/5 from over 1,300 reviews, travelers praise Agla and Dave for their friendly, knowledgeable guidance and generous tastings. Several note that the tour is “plenty of food,” with stops that showcase both traditional dishes and modern Icelandic cuisine. The price of $137 per person is reasonable given the variety and depth of tasting experiences. This tour is ideal for adventurous eaters who want to get a real flavor of Reykjavik in a relaxed setting. Bottom Line: A well-balanced, comprehensive introduction to Icelandic food for those eager to explore downtown Reykjavik.
2. Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour – Icelandic Traditional Food
Number 2 on our list, this Icelandic traditional food tour focuses on authentic local dishes, from lamb soup to fermented shark. The tour lasts about 3 hours and limits group sizes to 12, ensuring a more intimate experience. You’ll visit some of Reykjavik’s top eateries, including the oldest restaurant in town and the iconic hot dog stand, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur.
Rated a perfect 5.0/5 from 901 reviews, travelers highlight the guide’s storytelling and the opportunity to learn lesser-known details about Icelandic cuisine. Several mention how much they appreciated tasting unique dishes like fermented shark and traditional lamb, which are often overlooked by travelers. Priced at $137.87, it offers good value for those interested in deepening their understanding of Icelandic culinary heritage. Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for history and foodies who want to go beyond surface-level tasting and truly understand Iceland’s culinary roots.
3. Reykjavik Food and Drink Adventure – Local Evening Experience
Number 3, the Reykjavik Food and Drink Adventure, offers a relaxed 3.5-hour evening immersion into the city’s nightlife scene. This tour includes visits to several top spots where you sample hearty dishes, local beers, and spirits, all while exploring Reykjavik’s landmarks like the old fisherman huts and rainbow street. All drinks and bites are included, making it convenient and easy to enjoy without extra planning.
With a 5-star rating from 198 reviews, travelers emphasize the personal touch of the small group and the chance to discover hidden bars and eateries. Guides share stories of Icelandic culture, making it more than just a tasting—it’s a social experience. At $190, this tour provides a mix of sightseeing, culture, and culinary delight in a friendly, informal setting. Bottom Line: Perfect for those who enjoy a lively evening with good food, drinks, and local stories.
4. Reykjavik: Icelandic Food Tour
Number 4, the Icelandic Food Tour is a three-hour journey into traditional Icelandic dishes like lamb, fermented shark, and the famous hot dog. It combines food tastings with short sightseeing walks, making it perfect for those who want a taste of culture along with their cuisine. The guide shares personal insights, making the experience feel authentic and engaging.
Rated 4.7/5 from 317 reviews, visitors note the guide Bo’s friendly nature and the chance to try dishes they wouldn’t find on their own. The tour’s highlights include tasting Iceland’s signature fermented shark and feeling the warmth of lamb soup. At $135, it’s a good choice for travelers eager for a mix of food and cultural stories. Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a concise yet comprehensive Icelandic food experience with a friendly guide.
5. Private Food Walking Tour in Reykjavik
Number 5, the Private Food Walking Tour offers an exclusive, tailored experience lasting about three hours. You’ll explore Reykjavik’s old town, trying Icelandic delicacies including fermented shark and smoked puffin, while learning about the country’s cultural background from your guide.
Rated a perfect 5.0/5 from 128 reviews, travelers love the personalized approach and the opportunity to sample less common foods like puffin. The $208.15 price is reasonable for a private tour, especially if you’re traveling with a small group or as a couple. It’s perfect for adventurous eaters who want an intimate, flexible experience. Bottom Line: A high-value, customized tour suitable for foodies looking for a memorable, private experience.
6. Reykjavik: Evening Icelandic Food and Drink Tour
Number 6, the Evening Icelandic Food and Drink Tour offers a 3.5-hour journey to explore Reykjavik’s culinary scene after dark. You will visit top restaurants and bars, savoring local dishes along with Icelandic beers in lively venues, all led by an engaging guide. It’s a relaxed way to experience Reykjavik’s social dining culture.
Rated 4.9/5 from 59 reviews, travelers mention the good variety of foods and interesting stories told by guide Cili. Priced at $170, it balances food, drink, and sightseeing, making it great for those who want a comprehensive evening out. Bottom Line: A good choice for night owls who want to combine food, drinks, and local sights in one tour.
7. Reykjavik Food Tour – Old Harbor Walking Tour
Number 7, the Old Harbor Walking Tour, explores Icelandic food culture in the historic harbor district. It includes at least six restaurant stops, with tastings like fresh seafood and traditional fish dishes, all in a small-group setting of up to 8 people. You’ll pass landmarks such as the Saga Museum and the Maritime Museum along the way.
Rated a perfect 5.0/5 from 41 reviews, travelers love the intimate setting and the local seafood specialties. The tour lasts about 3 hours and is suitable for all ages. At $123, it provides a focused experience on Reykjavik’s fishing heritage with delicious food. Bottom Line: Excellent for seafood lovers wanting a taste of Reykjavik’s maritime history.
8. Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market
Number 8, the Weekend Food Tour runs for about three hours and includes a visit to the lively Reykjavik Flea Market. You’ll sample Icelandic hot dogs, seafood, and local beers, all in the heart of the city’s historic center. Your guide shares stories about Icelandic culture as you explore.
Rated 5.0/5 from 37 reviews, travelers appreciate the relaxed pace and the chance to see Reykjavik’s local markets. Priced at $136.42, this tour offers great value, especially for those interested in market scenes and authentic foods like the lamb hot dog. Bottom Line: Perfect for casual explorers who want a taste of Reykjavik’s local life and cuisine.
9. Reykjavík: Golden Circle & Food Tasting with Secret Lagoon
Number 9, the Golden Circle & Food Tasting tour provides a full-day experience, combining iconic sights like Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss with a visit to the Secret Lagoon. The highlight is tasting fermented shark, flatkökur, and brennivín inside a historic cave home. The tour lasts about 10 hours, perfect for a comprehensive day out.
Rated 4.7/5 from 78 reviews, travelers highlight the mix of sightseeing, geothermal baths, and unusual Icelandic foods. The visit to the tomato farm and the Secret Lagoon make it stand out. While more expensive, it offers a full immersion into Icelandic culture and nature. Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a mix of sightseeing and culinary surprises in one package.
10. Reykjavik Food Walk – Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland
Number 10 is the Reykjavik Food Walk, with an incredible record of over 16,000 reviews and rated 5 stars. This highly popular tour covers a wide range of Icelandic cuisine, from street food to local specialties, with stops at iconic landmarks like Hallgrimskirkja and Harpa. It’s a three-hour walk that combines culinary sampling with city sightseeing.
People love the diversity of foods, from homemade ice cream to traditional lamb. The tour costs $127 per person and is suitable for most travelers wanting a broad taste of Reykjavik. Bottom Line: An excellent, well-rounded choice for first-time visitors eager to combine food and culture.
11. Reykjavik Food Tour – Supermarket Tour & Lunch at Microbrewery
Number 11, the Supermarket & Microbrewery Tour offers a practical, local perspective. You start with a grocery store visit to see Icelandic produce, followed by a private lunch at a microbrewery where you sample local craft beers and typical Icelandic dishes. The tour lasts 2-3 hours and includes complimentary beer tastings.
Rated 5/5 from 11 reviews, travelers find this tour informative and fun, especially those interested in Iceland’s food products and beer culture. Priced at $123, it offers a good value for a mix of shopping, tasting, and learning. Bottom Line: Ideal for beer lovers and food explorers wanting a behind-the-scenes look at Icelandic ingredients.
12. The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour
Number 12, the Christmas Food Tour is a festive three-hour experience, perfect for holiday travelers. You visit the Little Christmas Store and sample traditional Yuletide treats, including reindeer pâté and Laufabrauð. The tour is full of stories about Christmas traditions, making it both a culinary and cultural experience.
Rated 4.8/5 from 16 reviews, travelers mention how much they enjoyed the holiday atmosphere and the variety of traditional foods. Priced at $135, it’s great for those wanting to experience Iceland’s holiday spirit. Bottom Line: A fun and flavorful way to celebrate Christmas in Reykjavik.
13. 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik
Number 13, the Christmas Food Tour with Guide offers an intimate experience of Icelandic holiday treats. You’ll sample smoked lamb, Laufabrauð, and mulled wine, all while hearing stories about Yule Lads and local Christmas folklore. The small group size makes it a cozy, personal outing.
Rated 5/5 from 7 reviews, travelers love the holiday-specific foods and the guide’s storytelling. At $149, it’s a good value for a memorable holiday experience. Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers visiting during winter who want to enjoy Iceland’s festive flavors.
14. Reykjavik Food Tour and City Walk – PRIVATE TOUR
Number 14, the Private Food Tour is tailored for those seeking a customized, personal experience. Over four hours, you explore the city’s culinary scene with a private guide, tasting traditional fish, lamb, and sweet treats. You also visit landmarks like Hallgrimskirkja and the oldest cafe.
Rated 5/5 from 4 reviews, travelers appreciate the flexibility and tailored approach. The $318.34 price reflects the exclusivity and personalized service. Bottom Line: Best suited for small groups or couples wanting a bespoke culinary and cultural tour.
15. Reykjavik: All in One – Eat, Drink & Explore with Locals
Number 15, the All-in-One Tour combines city sightseeing, local food, and craft beers over about 3.5 hours. It visits eateries and landmarks like Arnarholl and the city’s historic streets, with plenty of tastings along the way. The guide shares insights into Reykjavik’s history and culture.
Rated 5/5, this tour is popular with travelers wanting a relaxed, multifaceted experience. The price is not listed, but it’s a good option for those wanting a mix of culture and cuisine. Bottom Line: Suitable for visitors who want an immersive, all-around Reykjavik experience.
16. Tipsy in Reykjavik: Drink with a Viking (Food, Beer, Music)
Number 16, the Tipsy in Reykjavik takes you on a four-hour pub crawl through the city’s nightlife. You’ll visit three pubs, enjoy Icelandic beers, live music, and traditional foods like reindeer pâté. The guide shares Viking stories and folklore, adding a storytelling twist.
Rated 5/5 from three reviews, travelers appreciate the lively atmosphere and the opportunity to taste local drinks. At $149, it suits those wanting a fun, social evening with authentic Icelandic food and stories. Bottom Line: Ideal for night owls, music lovers, and those interested in Iceland’s folklore.
How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Reykjavik
When selecting among these options, consider your budget, time, and what interests you most. If you want a comprehensive introduction to Icelandic cuisine, the Guided Foodie Walking Tour offers great value with a variety of tastings. For a deep dive into traditional dishes, the Icelandic Food Tour is perfect, especially if fermented shark and lamb are on your bucket list.
Those interested in local drinks and nightlife should consider the Reykjavik Food and Drink Adventure, which pairs cultural sights with hearty bites. If you’re traveling as a couple or with friends seeking privacy, the Private Food Walking Tour provides personalized attention and flexibility.
For holiday travelers, the Christmas Food Tours introduce festive Icelandic treats in a cozy setting. And for those who love a lively night, the Tipsy in Reykjavik pub crawl combines storytelling, local drinks, and fun.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons or around holidays, to secure your preferred date and time.
Reykjavik offers a wide array of food tours that cater to all tastes—from traditional flavors to vibrant nightlife. Whether you want to sample seafood by the harbor, learn about Icelandic Christmas traditions, or enjoy a private tasting experience, there’s a tour for you. Exploring Reykjavik through its food is one of the best ways to connect with Icelandic culture and create delicious memories. Prepare your appetite and get ready for an authentic Icelandic culinary adventure.