Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour – Icelandic Traditional Food

This Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour is interesting because it turns the city into a tasting map, from the harbor to Hallgrimskirkja. I love the small group size (max 12), and I love that the tastings go beyond the usual souvenirs to include Icelandic specialties you will actually talk about later.

One possible drawback: the route leans into classic staples, so if you only want hyper-obscure, off-the-path places, you may find some stops feel more established than you hoped.

Key highlights you should care about

• Max 12 people for a more personal, question-friendly walk
• Shellfish soup by the old harbor to start you off in true Reykjavik style
• Kolaportið market on weekends (Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 5pm)
• Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog at the original 1937 stall
• Restaurant Dass and Hakarl (fermented shark) plus an Icelandic drink to finish

Why this Reykjavik tour works for food-first travelers

This is a walking food tour, not a bus ride with small snacks. The structure is simple: a guide leads you between a handful of focused stops, each built around a specific Icelandic flavor, and you get time to taste without rushing like a checklist.

I also like that the tour is designed for a real group size. With 12 travelers max, you are less likely to feel stuck behind people during tastings, and it is easier to ask why a dish exists, how it is made, and what it means locally. That matters in Iceland, where food is tied to weather, geography, and traditions you can feel even while you are just eating.

Finally, the stops are all downtown-adjacent and easy to connect with the rest of your day. You finish back at the meeting point, so you are not stranded far from the city center.

Price and value: what your $152.37 actually covers

At about $152.37 per person for roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, this is not a cheap activity. But Iceland food can be pricey, and you are not just paying for a single restaurant meal.

What you get, in practical terms:

• Multiple food tastings across several stops
• Water at all stops
• A professional guide
• An Icelandic drink at the final stop, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, based on your choice

I think the value here comes from concentration. Instead of hunting down each dish one by one and paying full price, you sample a range of Icelandic classics in one evening block. You also get the guide’s context, which can turn a plain bite into a story you understand.

The route: Ingólfstorg to Restaurant Dass, step by step

The tour runs about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours and ends back where it starts. Plan to meet at Ingolfur Square and be there about 5 minutes early.

Stop 1: Ingólfstorg (your starting point)

You start at Ingólfstorg, at Ingolfur Square. This first stop is quick, more about gathering the group than eating. Still, it is a smart launch location because you get your bearings fast and can adjust to Iceland weather immediately.

Tip: if you are coming straight from a hotel, give yourself a few extra minutes. Reykjavik is compact, but Iceland conditions can slow you down.

Stop 2: Seabaron near the old harbor (Icelandic shellfish soup)

Next you head toward the old Reykjavik harbor area for an appetizer at Seabaron, featuring Icelandic shellfish soup. This is a strong choice for an early stop because it sets the tone: seafood is central here, and soup is the kind of warming comfort food Iceland does better than almost anywhere.

Time is about 25 minutes. In that window, you will have enough space to eat, ask questions, and not feel swallowed by a long sit-down meal.

Stop 3: Kolaportið Market (weekend-only stroll for traditional food)

Then comes a fun swing at Kolaportið, the flea market style stop inside the Reykjavik Flea Market. Important detail: this part is only added if you are there on Saturday or Sunday, and it runs 11am to 5pm.

Time here is about 30 minutes. This stop is less about one perfect dish and more about sampling the culture of everyday Icelandic food buying. If you like browsing, chatting with vendors, and picking up ideas for later, this is a highlight.

If you go on a weekday, you might still do the main tastings, but you will want to check whether this market stroll is included for your specific day and start time.

Stop 4: Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (the original 1937 lamb hot dog)

No Reykjavik food tour is complete without the famous hot dog. Here you go to Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, the original stall from 1937.

You will spend about 15 minutes here. This is the quick hit stop: eat, learn, move. It also helps that hot dogs are easy to compare across bites and days, so you get a clear sense of what makes the local version different.

Stop 5: Icelandic street food (lamb soup in a bowl)

After the hot dog, you settle into something warmer and more old-school: Icelandic lamb soup, described as Iceland in a bowl. This stop is longer, about 40 minutes, which suggests you are not just grabbing food and sprinting.

If you are the type who wants comfort food while sightseeing, this stop is where you will feel happiest. It is also a good reset if you have had strong seafood earlier.

Stop 6: Taste Of Iceland (snacks and candy stop)

Next is a short, focused stop at Taste Of Iceland, about 10 minutes. The idea here is simple: taste a few unique Icelandic snacks and candies and see what you want to buy later.

This is the stop that helps you avoid the souvenir trap. You can sample first, then decide what is worth carrying home.

Stop 7: Dass Reykjavik by Hallgrimskirkja (Hakarl and your drink)

The grand finale is Dass Reykjavik, near Hallgrimskirkja. You get about 45 minutes here, and it is the stop that creates the stories people bring back.

You try several Icelandic delicacies, and you also have the chance to sample the famous fermented shark (Hakarl). If Hakarl is on your bucket list, this is where you will want to be present with your full attention and a brave mood.

The tour also ends with an Icelandic drink of your choice. It can be non-alcoholic or alcoholic, and the guide may recommend options like a special beer or Black Death schnapps. If Black Death is your must-try item, do yourself a favor and ask what is actually available for your date.

What you will eat, and how to approach the flavors

This tour is built around Icelandic comfort food, with a few fear-of-the-unknown moments on purpose.

Expect a mix of:

• Seafood, starting with shellfish soup
• Lamb-based staples, including lamb soup and the iconic hot dog version
• A snack and candy stop that helps you find flavors beyond the main dishes
• A finale designed around one of Iceland’s most infamous specialties, Hakarl

The Hakarl decision: how to handle it without ruining your night

Hakarl is fermented shark, and it is intense by design. Some people love the jolt because it feels like you are touching Iceland’s edge. Others just want the story without fully enjoying the taste.

Either way, you can make the experience work:

• Treat it like a tasting assignment, not a loyalty oath
• Pace yourself after the earlier stops so you are not overwhelmed
• If you are sensitive to strong flavors, make sure you choose a drink that helps you reset afterward

Your guide’s job is to put the food into context, and that context can make even a rough bite feel less random.

The hot dog and the lamb soup: why these two matter

The Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog and the lamb soup are not just random street snacks. They are Icelandic food logic in two forms: quick and comforting, salty and filling.

If you want a simple rule for what to order next time you see Icelandic food on a menu, these stops are the best roadmap.

Guides matter more than you think in Iceland

This tour’s biggest strength is how the guide connects food to real life. Across past groups, guides like Einar, Paul, Bo, Magnus, Óli, Palli/Páll, and Robyn have been praised for being friendly, funny, and good at explaining how dishes fit into Icelandic culture.

In plain terms, you should expect:

• Short walking context between stops
• Dish explanations that help you understand what you are tasting
• Extra ideas for where to eat and what to try next

Also, one practical heads-up: not every restaurant is going to hand you a full lecture. The strongest food storytelling tends to come from your guide, not from the kitchen staff. That is fine. Just know the tour works best when you lean in and ask questions.

Timing, walking pace, and what to wear

The tour happens in all weather conditions, so dress like you are living in Iceland for the day. Reykjavik weather changes fast, and you will be outside between stops.

I suggest:

• A warm layer you can move in
• A windproof outer layer
• Comfortable shoes with grip
• A plan for rain or sleet, even if the morning looks fine

The pacing is designed for tasting. You have time at each venue, but it is not a sit-and-stay dinner tour. If you hate walking, this might feel busy. If you like a steady rhythm, it will feel just right.

Who should book this Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour

You will probably love it if:

• You want a focused introduction to Icelandic food without planning meals from scratch
• You like guided storytelling tied directly to what is on your plate
• You want to sample both seafood and lamb classics in one compact route
• You want a small group experience where you can actually talk with the guide

You might want to think twice if:

• You only want ultra-underground, hard-to-find restaurants
• You are extremely sensitive to strong flavors like fermented shark
• You expect every restaurant stop to provide deep historical detail on its own

Should you book this Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour?

Yes, if your goal is to eat your way through Reykjavik in one high-efficiency evening. The value comes from the combination of multiple tastings, water included, and the guide-led context, capped by a memorable finale at Dass.

Book this tour when you want Iceland food in a single walkable plan, especially if it is your first trip or you are short on time. Just come prepared for changeable weather and treat Hakarl as a bold tasting choice, not a guarantee you will enjoy it.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours.

What does the tour cost?

The price is $152.37 per person.

Where do I meet the group, and what time should I arrive?

Meet at Ingolfur Square (Ingólfstorg). Please arrive about 5 minutes before the starting time.

How big is the group?

This tour has a maximum group size of 12 travelers.

When does the Kolaportið market stop happen?

The Kolaportið Flea Market stroll is added on Saturdays and Sundays, from 11am to 5pm.

What food and drinks are included?

Food tastings are included at the stops, and water is included at all stops. The end of the tour includes an Icelandic drink of your choosing, alcoholic or non-alcoholic.

Can the tour accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies?

The tour says they try their best to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience starts, the amount paid is not refunded.