I recently traveled to Iceland with The Green Program for sustainability and renewable energy studies. Though I spent little time in Reykjavík, one day allowed plenty of opportunities to discover yummy food and drink spots. Reykjavík is small and easy to navigate, so distance should not be an issue in finding these sweet spots. The city is very walkable, and electric scooters can be found just about anywhere for convenient use. Follow this guide for a guaranteed great 24 hours of eating!
9AM – 1PM Sunday – Wednesday; 9AM – 2PM Thursday; 9AM – 6PM Friday – Saturday
If you’re busy running around Iceland and looking for a quick lunch break, visit BBP. This tiny hot dog stand that sits on an intersection is a popular attraction in Reykjavík, and a line is expected at almost any hour of the day. Bill Clinton famously visited this place in 2004, which has contributed to its success. Though this stand might be a tourist trap, it is definitely worth the hype. These traditional Icelandic hot dogs are served with fried onions, ketchup, and sweet brown mustard. Since they’ve been around since 1937, this little business has mastered the art of hot dog!
They have wonderful pizza and pasta—all that I need to be satisfied—as well as small plates to share family-style. The arancini, rigatoni, and baked brie are well worth a try. The cocktails here are also delicious! If you’re in central Reykjavik, definitely make a reservation.
11AM – 11PM Monday – Sunday
Loo.koo.mas, located around many cute shopping spots, serves handmade Greek donuts with a variety of toppings and sauces. These donuts are light and crispy, making for a perfect dessert after dinner. They also serve ice cream, served on its own or on top of the donuts. Order one serving to share with a friend, or one for yourself if you are really hungry. The owner is very nice and personable—you won’t miss him with his eclectic outfits! These donuts are the ideal cozy treat for the cold Icelandic weather. While they don’t offer much seating, their paper trays and wood utensils makes it’s an easy treat to walk around with.
9AM – 10PM Monday – Friday; 10AM – 10PM Saturday – Sunday
I stumbled upon this gem with some friends as we were walking around Reykjavík, looking for a nice place to have drinks. We were immediately drawn to the music from outside, and stepped in to find a wonderful two-story library with a bar and live band playing. While the performers probably vary from night to night, the ambiance here is wonderful. With books lining the walls and warm heating, this is the perfect spot to settle into for the night. You might not find a popping disco club in Iceland, but this bar is just as enjoyable, if not more.
Hopefully this day of eating fuels your Icelandic adventures. Iceland may be more famous for its scenery than its food, but these addresses prove that Iceland has more to offer than volcanoes and glaciers. Enjoy your stay—njóttu dvalarinnar.
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