Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour – Icelandic Traditional Food

A food walk through Reykjavik is a smart way to understand Icelandic life, because you taste it in the same order you’d hear it explained. You start at Ingólfstorg and finish by Hallgrimskirkja, with stops built around classic local flavors.

I love two things about this tour. First, the group stays small with a maximum of 12, so you get time to ask questions and keep a comfortable walking pace. Second, you get multiple tastings plus water and an Icelandic drink, not just a couple of samples.

One possible drawback is the adventure factor at the end. The finale includes fermented shark (Hakarl), so if you hate surprises or want zero risk foods, you should think it through ahead of time.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group pacing (max 12) keeps the tour from feeling like a conveyor belt.
• Classic Icelandic stops include an original hot dog stand dating back to 1937.
• Harbor to market to church-area finish gives you a sense of Reykjavik’s food geography.
• Kolaportið Flea Market only runs Saturdays and Sundays (11:00 am to 5:00 pm), which can affect the vibe of that stop.
• Hakarl at Dass Reykjavik is the big end-of-tour moment, and it’s very Iceland.
• All-weather plan means you dress for wet, wind, and quick weather changes, not just sunshine.

The Reykjavik food walk that turns classics into a story

If you want Icelandic food without the guesswork, this tour is a clean path through downtown. It’s not just about what’s on the menu. It’s about why those foods exist, how people eat them, and what they signal about the country’s harsh climate and resourcefulness.

You’ll taste a mix of seafood, lamb-forward comfort dishes, and candy-style snacks. The “arc” of the tour matters too. You start light, move into hearty and familiar flavors, then end with one of Iceland’s most famous acquired tastes.

This is also one of those experiences where the guide’s personality shapes the whole evening. Several past guides are described as fun local characters who mix food with family stories and Icelandic cultural context. If you’re the type who likes to learn as you go, that matters.

Meeting at Ingólfstorg, then heading into Old Reykjavik food country

You meet at Hlöllabátar, Ingólfstorgi 1, at Ingólfur Square. Show up about 5 minutes early, because you’ll get the intro and be ready to start walking right on time.

From there, the tour stays centered around downtown. You’re not zigzagging across town. The walk itself is part of the value, because it helps you understand why these places are clustered where they are and how Reykjavik’s food scene maps onto the harbor and the core streets.

The tour runs in English and uses a mobile ticket, so you won’t spend your evening hunting for paper.

Seabaron Harbor Stop: shellfish soup and the case for trying seafood

The first real food moment comes by the old harbor area at Seabaron. You begin with an appetizer: Icelandic shellfish soup.

This matters because Icelandic cuisine often surprises people in two ways. First, the seafood is not an optional side dish, it’s a major player. Second, the flavor style can feel different from what you expect from “seafood soup” back home.

Timing is tight but not rushed. You’re at this stop long enough to taste, listen, and get your bearings before the next walk. For many people, this harbor-to-town sequence is what makes the tour feel like Reykjavik instead of a list of restaurants.

Kolaportið Market: when weekends turn into a food browse

Next up is Kolaportið Market, which is part of the Reykjavik Flea Market. There’s a fun stroll component here, and the food is more about tradition than polished presentation.

Important timing note: the flea market is only open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. If your tour falls on a day that doesn’t match that window, you may not get the same market feel, or the stop may work differently in practice.

Why I like this kind of stop: it helps you understand how Icelandic eating is not only about restaurants. It’s also about informal browsing, picking small things, and learning what locals snack on.

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur: the original 1937 lamb hot dog stop

No Reykjavik food story is complete without the iconic hot dog. The tour takes you to Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, the place known as the original since 1937.

This is one of those “you have to try it once” foods. The lamb hot dog isn’t trying to be fancy. It’s built for quick bites, street credibility, and that Reykjavik pride you only get when something’s been around for decades.

Even if you’re not usually a hot dog person, this stop is worth it because it’s a local institution. You’ll also see how the rest of the tour is designed to balance heavier items with something fast and iconic.

Lamb soup and street food: hearty comfort in a country that earns it

After the classic hot dog, you shift into the more traditional comfort category at Icelandic Street Food. You get to sample lamb soup, and it’s described as Iceland in a bowl.

This is a good moment to settle in. Soup is a practical choice when the weather can turn fast, and it’s also a flavor bridge. You can start connecting the dots between the seafood you tasted earlier and the lamb dishes that dominate so much of everyday Icelandic eating.

The stop runs long enough to actually slow down. You’ll likely have time to eat, then ask questions about ingredients and preparation in a way you can’t do when you’re just ordering on your own.

Taste of Iceland store stop: snacks, treats, and what to bring home

Then you make a short stop at Taste Of Iceland, a local delicacy store where you can sample unique foods, snacks, and candy.

This is not the part of the tour that makes you feel full, but it can be the part that helps you remember the trip. A store stop gives you options to find flavors you’ll want later, and candy-style Icelandic snacks are an easy souvenir type.

If you’re watching your budget, this is the one place where you should consider whether you want to buy extra items. The tasting is included, but the store vibe naturally makes you want to take more home.

Dass Reykjavik by Hallgrimskirkja: Hakarl and the drink finale

The grand finish happens at Dass Reykjavik near Hallgrimskirkja. This is where the tour leans hardest into Iceland’s “only here” foods.

You get several Icelandic delicacies, and the headline is fermented shark (Hakarl). This is the food that divides people fast. If you try it, do it with the mindset that you’re sampling a cultural signature, not chasing a taste that should be like something else.

You also end the tour with an Icelandic drink. The tour includes an alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink of your choice, with recommendations that can include a special beer or Black Death Icelandic snaps.

A practical tip here: if you have a specific drink you’re hoping for, ask when you order. In past experiences, some guests report getting soda, beer, and moonshine options, and not always getting a particular snap brand. You’ll still get a drink included either way, but asking can save disappointment.

What the stops add up to: variety that feels intentional

A lot of food tours feel random. This one feels planned around three ideas:

Seafood first, comfort food next, shock at the end.

That flow makes sense in Reykjavik. You start with something that fits the harbor setting, then you move into lamb-based dishes that feel like Iceland comfort, and you end with Hakarl when everyone is fully committed to the experience.

Small-group guidance changes how you eat.

With a maximum of 12, you’re more likely to hear the meaning behind dishes instead of just hearing facts between bites. Many past guests highlight how the guides tell stories, connect food to daily life, and keep people laughing.

You eat enough to feel satisfied.

The tour is built on multiple tasting points, and feedback often mentions generous portions and a good range. So you should come hungry, not just curious.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

The tour costs $152.37 per person and runs about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours. That price is not just “food tickets.” You’re paying for a timed route, a professional guide, and a structured set of tastings that would take you much longer to assemble on your own.

Here’s what you do get included:

• Food tasting at each stop
• Water at all stops
• Alcoholic beverages, with the tour ending in an Icelandic drink you choose
• Taxes and handling fees are included

What you don’t get:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

To me, the best value piece is the ordering of experiences. Reykjavik has iconic foods, but you still need local context to make them meaningful. Paying for the guide time and the built-in tasting plan can be a better deal than trying to copy the route yourself, especially if you’re short on time in the city.

If you’re deciding between this and a loose food plan, ask yourself one question. Do you want to spend your limited time comparing menus and figuring out where to go next? If the answer is no, this tour earns its cost.

Also, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, so you’re not locked into a risky plan.

Logistics that matter: walking pace, weather, and dietary needs

This is a walking tour. You should plan for downtown walking time between stops and wear shoes that handle wet pavement.

It operates in all weather conditions, so dress for wind and rain, not just mild Reykjavik days. Iceland weather is quick to change, and the tour does not wait for sunshine.

On food needs, the tour says it tries to accommodate dietary restrictions & allergies. That’s a good sign, but it’s still smart to message ahead with specifics, since Icelandic foods can include seafood and dairy.

Kids can join if they’re accompanied by an adult, and most people can participate. If you’re traveling with anyone who can’t do strong smells or the idea of fermented foods, you’ll want to think about whether Hakarl is right for your group.

Who should book this and who should reconsider

Book this tour if you:

• Want a small-group Reykjavik food experience with limited crowd energy
• Like learning as you eat, especially how guide stories connect to dishes
• Are willing to try a wide range of Icelandic favorites
• Prefer a structured evening rather than planning a restaurant crawl

Consider another option if you:

• Want to avoid controversial foods like Hakarl
• Have very specific allergy needs where “we try our best” might not feel safe
• Hate walking in changing weather, even though there are short stops to sit and eat

Should you book Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour?

I’d book it if you want the most efficient way to taste the core of Icelandic food culture in under three hours. The small group size, the guided context, and the way the tour ends near Hallgrimskirkja make it feel like a complete Reykjavik evening.

If you’re on the fence about Hakarl, you can still book and simply decide on the spot. The tour gives you the cultural payoff and the overall variety. But go in knowing the finale is the defining moment.

If you want to maximize value, come hungry, wear layers, and plan to ask your guide about what you’re eating. That’s where the tour really pays off.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour?

It lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Where do I meet the guide?

You meet at Hlöllabátar, Ingólfstorgi 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

What food stops are included?

The tour includes Ingólfstorg, Seabaron (shellfish soup), Kolaportið Market (on weekends when open), Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (the original 1937 lamb hot dog), an Icelandic street food stop for lamb soup, Taste Of Iceland, and Dass Reykjavik near Hallgrimskirkja.

Does the tour include drinks and water?

Yes. Water is included at all stops, and the tour ends with an Icelandic drink of your choice, alcoholic or non-alcoholic.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup or drop-off is included.

What about dietary restrictions and allergies?

The tour says they try their best to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, so it’s worth sharing details ahead of time.

When is Kolaportið Flea Market open?

Kolaportið is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.