Viator Rating : 5 (1003 reviews)
Reykjavik
Reykjavik Food Tour: Taste Iceland's Best Bites
Overview
Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour - Icelandic Traditional Food takes visitors on a tasty walk through Iceland's capital. This food tour is a great way to try real Icelandic food. Forget fancy stuff, this is about the food Icelanders love.
What can people expect? The tour stops at places like Ingolfur Square, a central meeting spot, and the Old Reykjavik Harbor, where fishermen bring in their daily catch. People can also visit the Reykjavik Flea Market (Kolaportið) to see local goods and Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, famous for its Icelandic hot dogs. The tour also includes a stop at a cozy restaurant for a bowl of traditional Icelandic lamb soup. Not to be missed is a local store selling unique Icelandic treats and Restaurant Dass, known for its modern take on Icelandic cuisine.
This tasty adventure includes a friendly guide, water at every stop, and all the food people will taste. A drink is included at the last stop. This tour does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off, or tips for the guide. Get ready to eat some good food and learn about Iceland! 
Highlights
Taste Real Icelandic Food: Try food that Icelanders love, from hot dogs to lamb soup.
Learn About Iceland: Hear stories about Iceland's history while trying tasty treats.
Visit Cool Places: See Ingolfur Square, the Old Harbor, and the Flea Market.
Enjoy a Drink: Get a drink of your choice at the last stop.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers loved trying new and interesting foods.
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The guides were friendly and taught them a lot.
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Many visitors said it was the best tour they had while visiting Iceland.
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The food samples were very generous!
A few people thought the fermented shark was too strong.
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Some customers felt that the tour ended too early.
The Journey
Ingolfur Square
Begin your Reykjavik food tour adventure at Ingolfur Square, a central gathering place steeped in history. Named after Iceland's first Norse settler, Ingólfur Arnarson, this lively square is more than just a meeting point. It is a dynamic public space hosting events, performances, and serving as a hub for locals and tourists alike. Arrive early to soak in the vibrant atmosphere and watch the city come alive, setting the stage for a delicious exploration of Icelandic cuisine.
Old Reykjavik Harbor
The Old Reykjavik Harbor is a picturesque gateway to Iceland's maritime heritage. Here, you'll indulge in a delectable Icelandic shellfish soup, a creamy and flavorful introduction to the nation's fresh seafood. This historic harbor, once the heart of Reykjavik's fishing industry, now bustles with life as fishing boats, whale-watching tours, and charming restaurants line the waterfront. The air is filled with the salty scent of the sea and the cries of seagulls, creating an authentic Icelandic experience you won't soon forget.
Reykjavik Flea Market (Kolaportið)
Immerse yourself in authentic Icelandic culture at the Reykjavik Flea Market, known locally as Kolaportið. Open only on weekends (Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm), this vibrant indoor market offers a treasure trove of traditional Icelandic foods and unique finds. Wander through the bustling aisles, sample local delicacies, and discover hidden gems among the vintage clothing, handcrafted souvenirs, and quirky antiques. It's a sensory experience that offers a genuine glimpse into Icelandic life beyond the tourist trail.
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur Hot Dog Stand
No visit to Reykjavik is complete without experiencing the iconic Icelandic lamb hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. This unassuming hot dog stand, dating back to 1937, is a local institution and a testament to Iceland's love affair with this simple yet satisfying snack. Prepared with a blend of lamb, pork, and beef, and served on a warm bun with crispy fried onions, raw white onions, sweet mustard, and ketchup, it's a flavor explosion that has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of locals and visitors alike. This is the original and, arguably, the best, place to experience this culinary staple.
Unnamed Restaurant Serving Icelandic Lamb Soup
Experience Iceland in a bowl with a serving of traditional Icelandic lamb soup. This hearty and warming soup, often simmered for hours with tender lamb, root vegetables, and aromatic herbs, is a culinary embodiment of the Icelandic landscape. It's a comforting and flavorful dish that has sustained Icelanders for centuries, perfect for warming up on a chilly day. At this stop you'll have the chance to sample it alongside other traditional foods, giving you a well-rounded taste of Iceland's culinary heritage.
Local Delicacy Store
Venture into a local delicacy store, a treasure trove of unique Icelandic foods, snacks, and candies. Discover the unusual and intriguing flavors that define Icelandic cuisine, from dried fish and sheep's head jelly to traditional rye bread and Skyr (Icelandic yogurt). Browse the shelves lined with colorful packaging and quirky local treats, perfect for sampling or taking home as souvenirs. It's a chance to expand your culinary horizons and discover the surprising and delicious flavors of Iceland.
Restaurant Dass
Conclude your culinary adventure at Restaurant Dass, a unique establishment nestled near the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church. Here, you'll have the opportunity to sample a selection of Icelandic delicacies, including the infamous Fermented shark (Hakarl), a traditional dish with a pungent aroma and a bold flavor. Celebrate your gastronomic journey with a non-alcoholic or alcoholic Icelandic drink of your choosing. Consider trying a local craft beer or the notorious 'Black Death' (Brennivín), Iceland's signature schnapps, for a truly authentic and unforgettable experience.
Know Before You Go
This food tour includes water at all stops, a friendly guide, taxes, fees, handling charges, alcoholic drinks, and food tasting. It does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off, or tips for the guide. Make sure to arrive hungry! Dietary restrictions and allergies can be accommodated.
Hot Tip
Some customers suggest not eating a big lunch beforehand, as there is a lot of food to try. Also, be open to trying new things, even if they sound a little strange!
Review Summary
People usually say that the Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour delivers an authentic, immersive introduction to Icelandic cuisine with knowledgeable guides who share fascinating cultural and historical context throughout the experience. Travelers consistently praise the quality of handpicked local restaurants and food vendors, the intimate small-group format (limited to 12 people), and the guides' expertise and entertaining personalities as graduates of Iceland's Tour Guide School. The most frequently mentioned positive aspects include trying iconic dishes like fermented shark and traditional lamb hot dogs, the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, and the excellent value with all tastings and taxes included. Common concerns center on the tour not being wheelchair accessible, the physically demanding nature of walking between multiple stops, and that traditional Icelandic cuisine is meat and dairy-heavy, which can limit options for certain dietary preferences. Overall, the tour is rated as an excellent choice for food-focused travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience beyond typical tourist restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
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