Reykjavik may be small, but when it comes to food, Iceland’s capital punches well above its weight. Over the past few years, the city’s vibrant food hall scene has transformed how locals and visitors eat, offering everything from Icelandic classics to international street food under one stylish roof.
Whether you’re a curious foodie or just hungry after a day exploring waterfalls and volcanoes, here’s what to expect from Reykjavik’s famous food halls.
A taste of Iceland, all in one place
Food halls like Hlemmur Mathöll, Grandi Mathöll, and the newer Borg29 are culinary snapshots of modern Iceland. Each brings together local chefs and artisans who reinterpret traditional ingredients – think Arctic char, lamb, and skyr – in creative ways. You can sample everything from freshly baked rye bread and smoked salmon to lamb soup, Iceland’s comforting national dish.
At Hlemmur Mathöll, housed in a former bus terminal, stalls like Skál! serve seasonal Nordic dishes made with foraged herbs and local produce, paired with natural wines. It’s a great place to start your Icelandic food adventure.
Global flavours in a Nordic setting
While Icelandic flavours take centre stage, Reykjavik’s food halls also celebrate global cuisine. You’ll find ramen simmering next to tacos, wood-fired pizzas alongside sushi rolls, and even vegan burgers made with Icelandic-grown ingredients. At Grandi Mathöll, located in the trendy harbour district, it’s common to see fishermen unloading the day’s catch just outside – then spot it transformed into gourmet fish and chips moments later.
The atmosphere is relaxed and communal. Locals chat over craft beers from Icelandic microbreweries, while travellers share tables and compare glacier-hiking stories. There’s no need for reservations; just grab a tray, explore, and follow your nose.
Design, sustainability, and community
Reykjavik’s food halls reflect the city’s design-forward and eco-conscious spirit. Interiors are sleek yet cozy, with plenty of natural wood, soft lighting, and views of the sea or mountains. Sustainability is taken seriously; expect compostable packaging, local sourcing, and minimal waste practices at nearly every stall.
Many halls also host live music, pop-up events, and tastings, creating a social hub that blends food, art, and culture. Visiting one feels less like a quick meal and more like joining a modern Icelandic gathering.
Don’t miss out on these favourites:
- Skál! (Hlemmur Mathöll) – Michelin Bib Gourmand–awarded for its fresh, foraged Icelandic fare.
- Lamb Street Food (Grandi Mathöll) – Slow-roasted lamb wraps with Middle Eastern spices.
- Fish & Co. (Grandi Mathöll) – Crispy fish and chips made from the morning’s catch.
- La Poblana (Borg29) – Authentic Mexican street food with Icelandic ingredients.
Reykjavik’s food halls offer the perfect balance of accessibility and quality – ideal for getting a taste for Iceland’s culinary creativity, without the formality or price tag of fine dining. Craving a bowl of steaming seafood soup, a scoop of skyr ice cream, or a local craft beer? You’ll find it all under one roof here, served with the kind of warmth that is the hallmark of Icelandic hospitality.
In Reykjavik, dining isn’t just about what’s on the plate; it’s about community, creativity, and a shared love for great food, no matter the weather outside.
