Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour – Icelandic Traditional Food

The Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour offers an engaging introduction to Iceland’s culinary heritage at a reasonable price of $137.87 per person. This small-group experience lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours, making it ideal for travelers eager to explore local flavors without feeling rushed. Starting at Ingólfur Square, the tour guides you through seven carefully chosen stops around the city, including Reykjavik’s oldest restaurant, a bustling hot dog stand from 1937, and a unique restaurant featuring fermented shark. The tour’s maximum size of 12 participants ensures a personalized experience, with knowledgeable guides sharing lesser-known details about Icelandic dishes and traditions.

While the tour offers delicious food samples and drinks, it does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan to meet at the designated starting point. The tour operates rain or shine, so dressing appropriately is essential. With a high overall rating of 5.0 from 901 reviews, most visitors find this experience to be a fun, educational, and tasty way to get to know Reykjavik’s food scene.

Key Points

• Duration: About 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours
• Price: $137.87 per person, including food and drinks
• Start Point: Ingólfur Square, meeting 5 minutes before departure
• Small Group Size: Limited to 12 participants for a personalized experience
• Stops: Seven locations, from seafood at Seabaron to fermented shark at Dass
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable local guides share stories and culinary insights

Reykjavik’s Top Eateries with a Local Touch

The tour begins at Ingólfur Square, a central spot in Reykjavik, where you meet your guide and fellow foodies. From there, the guide leads you through the city’s most iconic food venues, ensuring you experience authentic Icelandic cuisine away from tourist traps. This setup guarantees a blend of history, culture, and flavor that’s difficult to match elsewhere.

The first stop is at Seabaron, located by the old Reykjavik harbor. Here, you taste Icelandic shellfish soup, a rich and hearty appetizer that highlights the country’s seafood bounty. This location sets the tone for the tour’s focus on fresh, local ingredients. The guide shares stories about Icelandic seafood traditions, making each bite more meaningful.

Next, you explore Kolaportið, a flea market and small food market that operates only on weekends. During the day, you discover traditional Icelandic foods, adding an element of local authenticity to the tour. The market’s lively atmosphere offers a chance to see how Icelanders shop and eat, making this stop both informative and fun.

Reykjavik’s Historic Hot Dog Stand: Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

No trip to Reykjavik is complete without trying the famous lamb hot dog. At Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, established in 1937, you experience the quintessential Icelandic snack. The guide explains what makes these hot dogs unique—mainly the high-quality lamb meat—and why they’re a beloved street food item. Sampling this hot dog provides insight into Iceland’s casual culinary culture.

Sampling Icelandic Lamb Soup and Street Food Delights

The tour continues at Icelandic Street Food, where you try Icelandic lamb soup, often described as “Iceland in a bowl.” This dish combines tender lamb with vegetables and herbs, delivering a comforting and traditional flavor profile. The guide shares details about how the soup reflects Iceland’s reliance on local, seasonal ingredients.

At Taste Of Iceland, visitors get a chance to browse a local delicacy store, sampling snacks, candies, and unique Icelandic treats. The store showcases items like licorice and crowberry jam, offering a sweet contrast to the savory samples earlier. This stop helps visitors understand Iceland’s distinctive snack culture.

End with Fermented Shark at Dass Reykjavik

The finale takes place at Dass Reykjavik, a restaurant near Hallgrimskirkja church. Here, you enjoy several Icelandic delicacies and get the opportunity to try Hakarl, or fermented shark—a polarizing but iconic Icelandic dish. The guide explains the history behind Hakarl’s resilience and cultural significance, making the tasting an educational experience.

Along With Hakarl, the group celebrates their culinary journey with a local drink, which can be either non-alcoholic or alcoholic. Recommendations include a special beer or “Black Death”, Iceland’s famous snaps, adding a spirited touch to the conclusion.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour begins at Ingólfur Square, located at Austurstræti 4, Reykjavík. Participants are advised to arrive 5 minutes early. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dressing warmly and appropriately for Iceland’s climate is recommended. The small group size of up to 12 people ensures a comfortable and engaging experience, with plenty of opportunity for questions and personalized attention.

The experience includes all taxes, fees, and water at every stop. Food tastings and alcoholic beverages are also covered, making it a convenient way to sample many dishes without additional costs. However, hotel pickup or drop-off is not included, so travelers should plan to meet at the designated starting point.

The Expertise of the Guides and Their Role

Some reviews highlight the deep knowledge and storytelling abilities of the guides. Guides like Stefan, Paul, and Magnus are praised for their friendly, informative, and lively explanations. They share personal stories, culinary tips, and historical context, enriching the tasting experience. Several reviews mention guides going above and beyond, such as making children feel comfortable or sharing local recommendations.

Special Features of This Tour

What makes this tour stand out are the authentic stops and the local insights. The inclusion of lesser-known facts about Icelandic dishes, such as the story of Hakarl’s resilience, adds depth to the experience. The stops are carefully selected to cover traditional and modern Icelandic foods, offering a comprehensive taste of Reykjavik’s culinary scene.

Another notable feature is the flexibility in tour times, accommodating different schedules. The small group size allows for more interaction and a relaxed atmosphere, making it suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While most reviews praise the value and quality, a few mention that the tour feels somewhat expensive compared to what is received, especially when considering the portion sizes. One review notes the tour’s cost in relation to the food as a downside. Plus, not all stops may be to everyone’s taste—for example, fermented shark can be an acquired taste, and some might find it too strong or unfamiliar.

Travelers should also be aware that cancelations within 24 hours are non-refundable, so confirming availability beforehand is wise.

Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour: A Tasty Cultural Snapshot

This guided culinary walk offers a genuine look into Iceland’s food traditions and modern tastes. From seafood at the harbor to street food staples and fermented delicacies, the tour covers a range of Icelandic flavors. The knowledgeable guides and authentic stops make it a highly recommended activity for anyone eager to experience Reykjavik’s food scene beyond typical tourist venues.

While the cost might seem high for some, the variety of samples, drinks, and cultural insights justify the price for most visitors. It’s especially suitable for those interested in local history, food, and culture, who appreciate engaging storytelling and a personalized experience.

The Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour delivers delicious bites, memorable stories, and a deeper understanding of Iceland’s culinary identity—making it a worthwhile addition to any Reykjavik itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include transportation between stops?
No, this is a walking tour, and participants are expected to meet at the starting point and walk to each location.

Are dietary restrictions or allergies accommodated?
The tour organizers do their best to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, but it’s recommended to inform them when booking.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome, and guides are known to make the experience friendly for younger guests.

What should I wear?
Since the tour operates in all weather conditions, dressing warmly and comfortably for walking in Iceland’s climate is advisable.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Is alcohol included?
The tour includes an Icelandic drink of your choice at the end, which may be non-alcoholic or alcoholic, such as local beer or snaps.

This Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour promises a delicious, culturally rich experience led by local guides passionate about sharing Icelandic food stories. With a limited group size, authentic stops, and a variety of traditional dishes, it offers an engaging way to taste your way through Reykjavik.