Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is a paradise for food lovers. From fresh seafood to unique local dishes, the city has an exciting culinary scene. If you're visiting Reykjavik, one of the best ways to explore its flavors is by joining a food tour.
These tours let you taste traditional Icelandic dishes, meet local chefs, and learn about the country's food culture. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Reykjavik food and drink tours.
Why Take a Food & Drink Tour in Reykjavik?
A food tour is perfect for exploring Reykjavik’s culinary scene. Here are a few reasons why you should consider joining one:
- Experience Authentic Icelandic Food – Many of Reykjavik’s best dishes are unique to Iceland, such as fermented shark, lamb stew, and seafood delicacies.
- Try Local Drinks – Iceland has a growing craft beer and spirits scene, offering unique brews and traditional drinks like Brennivín.
- Learn from Local Guides – Local guides share interesting stories about the history, culture, and food traditions of Iceland.
- Discover Hidden Gems – Tours take you to places that tourists might not find on their own, including local bakeries, small restaurants, and food markets.
- Meet Other Food Lovers – Food tours are a great way to meet fellow travelers who share a love for food and drink.
Best Reykjavik Food Tours You Must Try
1. Reykjavik Food Walk
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Departs From: Reykjavik
- Price: From 134 USD
One of the most popular food tours, the Reykjavik Food Walk, takes you on a guided walk through the city, stopping at a variety of restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls. You will taste a mix of traditional Icelandic dishes and modern adaptations.
Along the way, your guide will share stories about Iceland’s culinary culture, local traditions, and interesting facts about Reykjavik’s history.
What You’ll Try:
- Icelandic lamb soup
- Skyr (Icelandic yogurt)
- Plokkfiskur (traditional fish stew)
- Local craft beer
- Homemade local ice cream
2. Traditional Icelandic Tasting Tour
This tour is perfect for those who want to experience Iceland’s ancient culinary traditions. It includes stops at markets and small restaurants where you can taste foods that Icelanders have eaten for centuries. The guide will explain the history behind each dish and how they were traditionally prepared and preserved.
What You’ll Try:
- Fermented shark (Hákarl)
- Smoked lamb (Hangikjöt)
- Rye bread with butter
- Icelandic dried fish (Harðfiskur)
3. Reykjavik Beer & Brewery Tour
- Duration: 120–150 minutes
- Departs From: Reykjavik
- Price: From 110.35 USD
Iceland’s beer scene has grown rapidly since the beer ban was lifted in 1989. This tour takes you to local breweries where you can learn about Icelandic brewing techniques, ingredients, and flavors.
Some breweries even use glacial water in their brewing process, making their beers exceptionally pure and refreshing.
What You’ll Try:
- Icelandic craft beers
- Viking-style ales
- Beers brewed with glacier water
4. Icelandic Street Food Tour
- Duration: 3 hours
- Departs From: Reykjavik
- Price: From 127.00 USD
Reykjavik’s street food offers a wonderful mix of traditional Icelandic flavors and modern culinary influences. This tour takes you through some of the best food stands, small cafes, and casual eateries where locals and visitors alike enjoy quick, delicious meals.
Unlike fine dining, street food in Reykjavik is fast, flavorful, and full of character, allowing you to taste Iceland’s best dishes without long wait times or high prices.
What You’ll Try:
- Icelandic hot dogs (Pylsur)
- Fish and chips
- Meat soup
5. Reykjavik Cocktail & Spirits Tour
- Duration: 3 hours
- Departs From: Reykjavik
- Price: From 127.00 USD
If you love cocktails and spirits, this tour is a fantastic way to explore Iceland’s unique alcohol scene. Reykjavik has a growing craft cocktail culture, and many bars and distilleries use local ingredients such as Arctic berries, glacial water, and Icelandic herbs to create distinctive flavors.
This tour will take you to some of the city’s most renowned bars and distilleries, where you will learn about the history of Icelandic alcohol, its production methods, and how it has evolved over the years.
Your expert guide will introduce you to Iceland’s most famous traditional drink, Brennivín, as well as innovative modern cocktails made with Icelandic botanicals. You'll also visit local distilleries that produce gin, vodka, and schnapps using pure Icelandic water and hand-picked ingredients.
What You’ll Try:
- Brennivín
- Cocktails made with Arctic berries
- Unique Icelandic gin creations
- Icelandic Vodka
Must-Try Icelandic Foods in Reykjavik
If you are visiting Reykjavik, these are some of the must-try Icelandic dishes:
- Icelandic Lamb Soup (Kjötsúpa)
- Icelandic Hot Dog (Pylsur)
- Fermented Shark (Hákarl)
- Skyr
- Fresh Seafood
- Rúgbrauð (Icelandic Rye Bread)
- Icelandic Ice Cream
Savor the Best of Reykjavik
Reykjavik is a fantastic city for food lovers. Whether you want to try traditional Icelandic dishes, explore the craft beer scene, or discover hidden culinary gems, a food tour is the best way to do it.
From hearty lamb soup to unique seafood dishes, there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you are planning a trip to Reykjavik, make sure to add a food and drink tour to your itinerary—it will be a delicious experience you won’t forget!
Happy eating and drinking in Reykjavik!
