IcelandFood and Drink

When Norse Vikings settled Iceland in the 9th century, they brought along their traditional Scandinavian foods such as dairy, bread, potatoes, and lamb. Historically, scarce food resources due to barren soil and harsh winters made Icelanders reliant on the food from the sea. With modern technologies, geothermal energy, and greenhouses Iceland is now able to grow fresh vegetable ingredients, enjoyed year round.

Given Iceland’s location surrounded by ocean, fish and seafood is a dominant part of their diet. Fish is Iceland's largest export product and seafood restaurants dot the country, most with a "fish of the day." Icelanders habitually eat fish on average at least twice a week. Common fish dishes use cod, salmon, haddock, and monkfish. Iceland poultry and livestock often roam free, eating grass diets, promoting quality meat.

There’s been an increase in innovative restaurants popping up, especially in Reykjavik, with local chefs striving to offer modern and exciting takes on traditional Icelandic cuisine. In more remote locations, while there are fewer dining options to choose from, high quality local fare is frequently the focus.

What is Iceland's traditional cuisine?

Traditionally, Iceland focused on a fish and meat based diet. Plokkfiskur is a hearty fish stew prepared with white fish, onions, potatoes, flour, milk, and seasoning. Fiskeboller or fish balls, the quintessential Norwegian dish, also features on Icelandic tables. It is made from minced white fish and typically served with white sauce, along with steamed vegetables. Fermented shark or hákarl is not to everyone's taste but considered a delicacy. It has a strong fishy taste; some have compared it to strong cheese. Humar or Icelandic lobster, with its tender meat, is a better bet for many visitors. It is grilled, fried, baked, or used as pizza topping. Humarsúpa is a popular creamy soup, prepared with lobster, vegetables, and seasoning, and topped with cream and chives.

A traditionally popular bread in Iceland is rúgbrauð, made from rye grains which were historically widely available and inexpensive. The bread is sweet tasting, not due to sugar, but its low and slow overnight cooking process. It is best enjoyed with cured, smoked, or pickled foods. Flatkaka is a round rye flatbread with a distinct pattern that was originally baked on a hot griddle.

Icelandic skyr, a cultured yogurt-like product rich in protein and low in fat, has been handed down since the Viking era. It can be consumed any time of day and is popular as a dessert, at breakfast with oat flakes, and also eaten with fish.

What is the dining etiquette in Iceland?

When dining in a restaurant, you can expect the dinner hour to start a little bit later, closer to 7:30 or 8:00 p.m. Icelanders do eat with utensils, but it is not uncommon to see some diners use their fingers. Serving staff in Iceland is typically more hands off, so don’t be surprised if you need to politely ask for the bill at the end of your evening if it hasn’t been offered up.

If you have been invited for a meal at a local Icelander’s house, know that it is customary to take off your shoes at the door. Before sharing a meal, wait to start eating until everyone has been served, and compliment the food being served. When the evening is finished, you can thank the host by saying takk fyrir mig, which translates literally to thank you for me, and is a phrase of gratitude.

What is the drinking etiquette in Iceland?

For centuries, Icelandic settlers drank mead and ale, until imported beer became popular. In the 1930’s, the government started producing a schnapps-like product called Brennivin. Known locally as svartidauði (black death), it is distilled from potato mash and flavoured with caraway. To this day it is still the nationally known liquor of Iceland, with the same recipe and trademark label. It is served as a shot, mixed with coffee, cola and even used in cocktails. Before taking a sip of a drink, you can expect everyone to say skál, pronounced "scowl," which means cheers.

Iceland heavily taxes alcohol sales, with pricing reflecting this in stores, bars and restaurants. Today, Icelanders have significantly shifted away from being heavy drinkers. For those that do, enjoying a libation at home with friends is common. There are nightclubs highly frequented on weekends, and they tend to be busiest into the wee hours of the morning. Do note, the drinking age in Iceland is 20, and there is a zero tolerance policy for driving under the influence.  

Does Iceland cater to dietary restrictions?

While traditional Icelandic food emphasizes seafood and dairy products, the dining scene is diverse. The city of Reykjavik offers many options, from fine dining, to pubs, bistros, and burger spots. The prevalence of vegan and vegetarian restaurants has also increased. Recently food halls have begun popping up around the city, where multiple vendors are in one spot. This is a great option to allow everyone in a group to end up with a suitable meal. Researching ahead you will find establishments with dietary restriction specific menus, such as gluten-free or halal options, as well as spots that are willing to modify dishes to fit any other dietary restrictions. Even though English is widely spoken in Iceland, do ensure you carry Icelandic translation cards indicating any allergies or dietary needs to ensure clear communication.

What do meals typically cost in Iceland?

Iceland restaurants prices tend to be higher than other European destinations. In Reykjavik tourist centric areas pricing is highest, though oftentimes travellers perceive the food quality to be elevated, with a focus on fresh ingredients. Expect to spend around $40 per person during a sit down restaurant lunch meal, and closer to $60 per person for a formal dinner. Smaller cafes and local pubs often offer more reasonably priced menus. Hamburgers are affordable and commonplace, served with a special sauce called kokteilsósa. Iceland is also known for serving up some of the world’s best hot dogs, so consider picking one up as an inexpensive quick dining option.

Alcohol is priced higher than average, with the cost of a beer running around $10, and a bottle of wine starting around $50, with a mid range wine costing closer to $75. Checking into restaurant and bar happy hours is a great cost saving option!