Our Icelandic adventure wasn’t complete without delving into the heart of Reykjavik. After conquering the South Coast’s natural wonders, we had three dedicated nights to explore the charming capital. Determined to immerse ourselves in the local scene, we didn’t hesitate to book TripAdvisor’s #1 rated Food Tour by WakeUpReykjavik. This wasn’t just a walk-and-eat experience; it was a five-stop culinary journey through Reykjavik’s soul. From savoring melt-in-your-mouth Arctic Char to the unexpected twist of Rye Bread Ice Cream, each bite unveiled a delicious secret. Join me as I unpack these hidden gems and share why this food tour is a must-do for any Reykjavik explorer.
Reykjavik Food Tour – Booking
Booking our Food Tour was surprisingly easy! WakeUpReykjavik.com offered direct booking, but I opted for TripAdvisor via the Rakuten portal to leverage my Amex Membership Rewards points and earn an extra 2x. While the tour often sells out fast, our off-season dates granted ample availability. Still, for peace of mind, I secured our spots two months in advance.
Reykjavik Food Tour
Our first full day in Reykjavik began with delicious anticipation! We arrived at the Harpa Concert Hall at 11am, meeting Ben, our guide, and fellow food enthusiasts for our tour. As we embarked on our culinary adventure, the group buzzed with excitement, chatting and getting acquainted while weaving our way to the first restaurant.
Messinn
Our first stop was Messinn, a Reykjavik institution and anchor of the food tour. Ben, our knowledgeable guide, painted a picture of the ship-inspired interior before we stepped inside. Inside, we savored the Icelandic staple of Arctic Char, but the real star was Plokkfiskur, a unanimous group favorite. Leaving Messinn, we were buzzing with excitement for the culinary delights to come!
- Arctic char baked in honey, butter and lemon with cherry tomatoes and almonds
- Plokkfiskur: boiled code mashed with potatoes, onion, garlic, celery, lime, white wine, cream and butter
- Icelandic rye bread with butter
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
Next, we descended upon Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, the iconic Reykjavik hot dog stand. This legendary spot churns out over 1,000 lamb-based hotdogs daily, fueling locals and adventurous tourists alike. I, a sworn ketchup-hater, bravely ordered mine “eina með öllu” (the Icelandic way, meaning “with everything”). To my surprise, the symphony of toppings harmonized beautifully, creating an explosion of flavor in every bite. Needless to say, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur lived up to its name as one of Reykjavik’s must-try experiences!
- Icelandic hot dog with Icelandic ketchup, Icelandic mustard, remoulade sauce, deep fried onion and raw onion
Íslenski Barinn
Venture beyond the tourist trail, we did, at Íslenski Barinn, a haven for locals and food adventurers. This cozy pub swapped trendy fare for iconic Icelandic staples. Our taste buds, and perhaps even our noses, embarked on a daring journey with the legendary fermented shark, each bite chased with a bracing shot of Brennivín. The “shark experience” wasn’t for the faint of heart, but the warmth of the lamb soup, perfect for a chilly Icelandic day, brought us back to familiar comfort.
- Traditional Icelandic meat soup
- Fermented shark
- Einstök White Ale
Sjávargrillið
Instagram’s “Rainbow Street” led us not just to vibrant hues, but to a culinary revelation: Sjávargrillið, a chic Icelandic eatery nestled beneath the colorful houses. Descending the steps, anticipation swirled around us. Then, it arrived: lobster tacos. Forget greasy street fare, these were an elegant dance of flavors. Fresh, fried lobster mingled with the tangy bite of pickled red onion, all held together by creamy garlic mayo. A perfect bite-sized symphony, leaving us wanting more even as our food tour neared its end.
- Lobster tacos With a garlic mayo some pickled Red onions, spinach, deep fried lobster a date pure over it and some parmesan cheese on top
Café Loki
Café Loki, our final stop, wasn’t just about the food, it was an experience. This family-run gem, with its warm atmosphere and iconic views of Hallgrímskirkja church, served up the perfect culmination to our culinary journey. But the star of the show? Their legendary Rye Bread ice cream. Handcrafted with their own baked rye bread, it boasted a unique, coffee-like taste that danced on the tongue. Scooping up a spoonful of this local treasure while gazing at the majestic church was the proverbial cherry on top of an unforgettable food tour.
- Rye bread ice cream with whipped cream and caramelised rhubarb syrup
- An Icelandic “Kleina” – A dense doughnut
Reykjavik Food Tour – Conclusion
WakeUpReykjavik’s Food Tour lived up to its #1 TripAdvisor ranking, exceeding even our sky-high expectations! Each stop became a delicious portal into Iceland’s culinary soul, from Messinn’s iconic Plokkfiskur to Café Loki’s rye bread ice cream. But this tour wasn’t just about food; it was about connection. Our guide, Ben, with his infectious warmth, transformed us from tourists into a band of adventurous friends, sharing laughter and stories along the way. If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, don’t just start your adventure, make it unforgettable with this phenomenal food tour!
Have you embarked on this culinary journey? Share your experience in the comments below!
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