Best Places To Eat In Iceland On A Budget

Visiting Iceland on a budget can be a challenge, especially when it comes to dining out. However, this doesn’t mean that you should miss out on experiencing the unique flavors that Iceland has to offer. With a bit of research, you can find affordable restaurants and eateries that serve delicious Icelandic cuisine. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to eat in Iceland on a budget. From traditional Icelandic dishes to international cuisine, there’s something for everyone.

🍴 The Icelandic Kitchen

The Icelandic Kitchen is a cozy restaurant located in Reykjavik that offers a range of traditional Icelandic dishes. The menu features dishes such as lamb soup, fish and chips, and Icelandic meatballs. The restaurant’s prices are very reasonable, with most dishes costing under 2000 ISK (approximately $15 USD). The Icelandic Kitchen is a great option if you want to experience authentic Icelandic cuisine without breaking the bank.

🍔 Hamborgarafabrikkan

For burger lovers, Hamborgarafabrikkan is a must-visit. This restaurant has several locations throughout Iceland, including Reykjavik and Akureyri. The menu features a range of burgers, including vegetarian options, and the prices are very affordable, with most burgers costing around 1000 ISK (approximately $7.50 USD). The restaurant also offers a range of sides, such as sweet potato fries and onion rings.

🍛 Shalimar

If you’re in the mood for Indian food, Shalimar is the place to go. This restaurant, located in Reykjavik, serves delicious curries, biryanis, and other Indian dishes. The prices are very reasonable, with most dishes costing under 2000 ISK (approximately $15 USD). The portions are generous, so you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.

🍜 Noodle Station

Noodle Station is a popular chain of noodle restaurants in Iceland. The menu features a range of noodle dishes, including vegetarian options, and the prices are very affordable. A bowl of noodles costs around 1200 ISK (approximately $9 USD). The portions are generous, so you’ll definitely leave feeling full.

🍕 Eldofninn

If you’re in the mood for pizza, Eldofninn is the place to go. This restaurant, located in Reykjavik, serves delicious pizzas at very reasonable prices. The menu features a range of toppings, so you can create your own pizza to suit your tastes. Most pizzas cost around 2000 ISK (approximately $15 USD).

🍦 Valdís

For dessert, head to Valdís, an ice cream shop located in Reykjavik. The shop offers a range of flavors, including unique Icelandic flavors such as skyr (a type of Icelandic yogurt) and licorice. The prices are very reasonable, with a small cone costing around 350 ISK (approximately $2.50 USD).

🍽️ What are the traditional Icelandic dishes?

When visiting Iceland, it’s important to try some of the traditional Icelandic dishes. Some of the most popular Icelandic dishes include:

Lamb soup (kjötsúpa)
Fish and chips (fiskur og franskar kartöflur)
Plokkfiskur (a fish and potato stew)
Icelandic meatballs (kjötbollur)
Hangikjöt (smoked lamb)

🤔 What is the average cost of dining out in Iceland?

The cost of dining out in Iceland can vary depending on the restaurant and location. On average, a meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost between 3000 ISK to 6000 ISK (approximately $22 to $45 USD). However, there are also many affordable restaurants and cafes that offer delicious food at lower prices.

🍲 Are there any vegetarian or vegan options available in Iceland?

Yes, there are many vegetarian and vegan options available in Iceland. Most restaurants and cafes offer at least one vegetarian or vegan dish on their menu. There are also several vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Reykjavik, such as Graenn Kostur and Kaffi Vínyl.

🍺 Can I buy alcohol with my meal in Iceland?

Yes, you can buy alcohol with your meal in Iceland. However, alcohol is very expensive in Iceland, so be prepared to pay high prices for drinks. It’s also important to note that the legal drinking age in Iceland is 20 years old.

🚰 Is tap water safe to drink in Iceland?

Yes, tap water is safe to drink in Iceland. In fact, Iceland has some of the cleanest and purest tap water in the world. You can save money by drinking tap water instead of buying bottled water at restaurants.

🚗 Is it easy to find parking near restaurants in Iceland?

Most restaurants in Iceland are located in urban areas, so parking can be difficult to find. However, most restaurants offer valet parking or have nearby parking garages. If you’re driving, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and research parking options before heading to a restaurant.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Are there any family-friendly restaurants in Iceland?

Yes, there are many family-friendly restaurants in Iceland. Most restaurants offer children’s menus and high chairs for young children. Some family-friendly restaurants in Reykjavik include Cafe Loki, Perlan, and Eldofninn.

🧀 Are there any cheese shops in Iceland?

Yes, there are several cheese shops in Iceland that offer a range of Icelandic cheeses. Some of the most popular cheese shops include Ostabúðin and Búrið.

📱 Can I make restaurant reservations online?

Yes, you can make restaurant reservations online for many restaurants in Iceland. Websites such as Bookatable and Dimmi allow you to search for restaurants and make reservations online.

🥂 Can I bring my own alcohol to restaurants in Iceland?

It’s generally not allowed to bring your own alcohol to restaurants in Iceland. However, some restaurants may allow you to bring your own wine for a corkage fee.

🐶 Are there any dog-friendly restaurants in Iceland?

Yes, there are several dog-friendly restaurants and cafes in Iceland. Some dog-friendly options include Kaffitár and Cafe Babalú.

💳 Do Icelandic restaurants accept credit cards?

Yes, most Icelandic restaurants accept credit cards. However, it’s always a good idea to carry some cash with you in case a restaurant doesn’t accept credit cards.

🍵 Are there any tea shops in Iceland?

Yes, there are several tea shops in Iceland that offer a range of teas from around the world. Some popular tea shops include Te & Kaffi and Reykjavik Tea.

🍹 Can I get non-alcoholic drinks at restaurants in Iceland?

Yes, most restaurants in Iceland offer a range of non-alcoholic drinks, such as soda, juice, and tea. Some restaurants also offer unique Icelandic drinks, such as birch sap and rhubarb soda.

📞 How far in advance should I book a table at a restaurant?

It’s always a good idea to book a table at a restaurant in advance, especially during peak tourist season. We recommend booking at least a week in advance to ensure that you get a table at your desired restaurant.

👩‍🍳 Are there any cooking classes or food tours available in Iceland?

Yes, there are several cooking classes and food tours available in Iceland. These experiences allow you to learn about Icelandic cuisine and culture while enjoying delicious food. Some popular cooking classes and food tours include Salt Eldhús and Local Food Walk Reykjavik.

🍴 What should I know about tipping in Iceland?

Tipping is not a common practice in Iceland, as service charges are usually included in the bill. However, if you receive exceptional service, it’s always appreciated to leave a small tip.

👋 Conclusion

Visiting Iceland on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing delicious food. With this list of the best places to eat in Iceland on a budget, you can experience authentic Icelandic cuisine without breaking the bank. From traditional Icelandic dishes to international cuisine, there’s something for everyone. So, go out and explore all the culinary delights that Iceland has to offer!

Disclaimer:

This article is intended for informational purposes only. The information provided is based on the author’s personal experiences and research. Prices and availability may vary depending on the location and time of year. Always check with a restaurant or tour operator before making a reservation. The