If it’s one thing we love to incorporate in our adventures, it’s finding fun local foodie spots to enjoy. There’s something a little extra special about them. At least to us anyway.
Since we’re exploring Iceland via camper van, it has made it easier for us to discover some cool spots and some local hidden gems.
We put together a list of a few highlighted spots we recently visited in Iceland. Great spots that you may want to add to visit on your trip to Iceland. So even if you’re not exploring Iceland via RV or Camper Van you can plan a route that suites your travel and food adventures.
With that being said here are 9 of the restaurants and hidden gems we really enjoyed:
#1 - Baejarins beztu pylsur
This food truck located in central Reykjavik is known for their hotdogs. According to several locals, and from what we’ve read, they’re world famous.
What we did find out was that the meat used to make the hotdogs are mostly lamb meat and some beef. We really enjoyed them. The crispy onion topped with the regular onion, and the relish mayo, along with the mustard, really added an extra layer of flavor.
How should you order it? Most order it with “the works“ A hot dog condiments include ketchup, sweet mustard, fried onion, raw onion and remolaði, a mayonnaise-based sauce with sweet relish. That’s all the condiments, or in Icelandic “eina með öllu”.
They told us that normally the lines can be long and there is definitely a wait, but we didn’t experience that on our recent trip.
#2 - BABALU CAFE
Located in Downtown Reykjavik. This whimsical cafe has very fun and unique decor that’s hard to explain but you would totally get it if you saw it.
Roof top patio seating overlooking the downtown streets of Reykjavik. Babalu serves soups, sandwiches, coffee and a wonderful spot to meet fellow travelers. Oh, and let’s not forget it has good wifi. Definitely came in handy at times.
#3 101 Reykjavik Street Food
Talk about fish and chips and lobster soup. A bit pricey for the portion size but definitely worth the visit.
Has seating upstairs and downstairs and right in the heart of downtown Reykjavik. Does get busy, so it’s a popular spot.
We enjoyed our visit and ate there twice during our trip to Iceland. They have several soup options from Lobster, Fish ,and Lamb, They do also have a hearty vegetable noodle soup for vegans.
#4 Dillon Whiskey Bar
Dillon’s Whiskey Bar in Iceland
We stopped in Dillion Whiskey Bar for an Icelandic Beer called Gull. Dave and I are pretty wimpy beer drinkers so this was great. It was light and refreshing. Dillion’s also has a big outdoor seating area where they have live music and DJ’s. They also provide blankets on cooler evenings during the summer, which we found to be a cool addition to the vibe of the place.
Their Website is under construction, but they do have a very active FACEBOOK page
#5 BRYGGJAN ( KAFFIHUS) CAFE
BRYGGJAN Cafe in Iceland
Found right on the harbor of Grindavik, this small but quaint restaurant felt right home. Serving soups with homemade bread ( free one time refill). They also have coffee and is close to the active volcano called Fagradalsfjall. We did a very cool video about this incredible and active volcano going on right now. - Watch Here
You can also sit outside and enjoy your soup and coffee gazing at the views of the large ships and harbor.
#6 HERADSSKOLINN GUESTHOUSE
The Heradsskolinn Guesthouse was quite the find on our adventures around the Golden Circle.
This old school guesthouse was the perfect find. We just wish we had more time to explore. There’s so much to see and do here. Only an hour from Reykjavik, they have great hiking trails, natural steam baths, and serves some very delicious food. We went with one of the house favorites, the lamb dish which paired nicely with the Icelandic beer Gull.
Oh yes, the one house rule before entering, everyone must take off their shoes. Sounds like the rules at my house. This certainly added to it’s charm and thank god I had my good socks on. 😂
It’s located in the heart of the Golden Circle in the area called Laughgarvatn.
#7 NAILED IT FISH & CHIPS
Located basically right across the the Diamond Beach this food truck should definitely be on your list. Meeting the owner Karl Jóhann was icing on the cake. Karl really loves what he does, and his spotless food truck, and simply heartfelt menu, shows.
Nailed It Fish & Chips Jökulsāelon Iceland
We really enjoyed the crispy fish ( Atlantic Cod) and chips, drowned them both in what he called “Magic Dust”. Still not exactly sure what’s in that “magic dust” but we can both say that it was absolutely delicious.
Let’s not forget those chips. So crispy and fresh. I could have probably had a two more servings of those chips.
#8 TEHUSID ( CAFE-BAR-HOSTEL)
A very busy RV campground. Attached to this fun little spot. They have live music and bands. Showers are available for the RVers. They serve small bites and breakfast and interestingly enough, it has the feel of a local place. A hidden gem if you will.
I will say this was probably one of the more expensive campgrounds we stayed but the overall atmosphere and proximity to stores, gas, and shops was great. Located in Egilsstaðir, Iceland
#9 THE SOUP COMPANY
This family owned restaurant is located in Vik, Iceland. They serve various types of soup and the atmosphere has a modern vibe. Very warm and inviting. It’s one of those places on a cold rainy day you just want to sit in all day and enjoy the delicious homemade soups and fresh local homemade bread. That’s exactly what we did. There’s one dish that we really enjoyed. it’s called the Red Lava Soup. It’s a beef goulash served in a black bean bread bowl. A little spicy and rich in flavor. You do get a free refill of the soup which you will definitely want.
The Soup Company in Iceland
What’s fun is there’s a new show they have called the Iceland Volcano Show. The only one of it’s kind in the world. It’s right inside The Soup Company.
We definitely recommend making a stop to check out this place. It’s worth it.
There are so many other hidden gems and great restaurants that we didn’t get a chance to explore due to time. However, these 9 spots we listed here are worth the visit.
If you’ve been to Iceland before and are reading this, please share in the comment section below some of your favorite restaurants or places in Iceland.
