When planning my first trip to Iceland, I had no idea I’d spend so much time dining in the many food halls in Reykjavik. Much like a food court, these food halls consist of numerous stands specializing in different cuisines, but here, they focus on locally sourced Icelandic ingredients.
Not only is the quality of the food exceptional, but you’ll typically have dozens of options to choose from, no matter what you’re craving. Anyone who has experienced my Reykjavik food tours can tell you that the city is making its mark as a top choice for foodies; its food halls showcase this perfectly.
Let’s dive in and take you on a culinary adventure to learn about the finest food halls in Reykjavik with my failsafe guide.
Photo credit: Hlemmur Mathöll
The first food hall to kickstart this ever-growing trend in the Icelandic capital is Hlemmur Mathöll. Once a bus station on the outer edge of Downtown Reykjavik along the famous Laugavegur, this building was converted into a food hall a few years back and has thrived ever since.
When I arrived in the mid-afternoon, almost every vendor seemed to be busy with hungry customers. From the Vietnamese street food stall to the drool-worthy gelato shop, each stand had its own unique decor that somehow complemented the food hall’s burgundy color scheme.
If you’re not a fan of banh mi sandwiches and Italian ice cream, there are plenty of other gastronomic delights awaiting you at Hlemmur Mathöll. As I made my way around the food hall, I spotted everything from French wine and cured meats to Icelandic lamb and Neapolitan pizzas.
My hankering for spicy food won out, so I went to Fuego, a taco stand serving L.A.-style Mexican fare. Their gambas tacos sounded sensational and were served up quickly with chipotle sauce and pineapple salsa.
I’m not sure which was more impressive: the umami, meaty shrimp, or the crispy, lightweight batter. Both were incredible and enhanced by the refreshing, fruity salsa and the thick, smokey chipotle.
Hlemmur Mathöll (€€) – Laugavegur 107, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland – Open every day from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Photo credit: Grandi Mathöll
After spending the day taking on the iconic Golden Circle, my friends and I were craving something wholesome and hearty, so we decided to check out Grandi Mathöll. It’s located near the harbor opposite the Harpa building, making it one of the more scenic Reykjavik food halls.
I loved the open-plan design of Grandi Mathöll, as the high ceilings and expansive windows gave it a contemporary, industrial vibe. This hall was filled with communal wooden tables and high stools. However, had the sun come out, I would have preferred to dine on the benches outside.
Grandi Mathöll had a pretty hefty lineup of eateries. In addition to the eastern offerings of Indonesian, Korean, Indian, and Nepalese food, there were European stalls boasting menus full of pizzas, pasta, and Icelandic favorites.
It’d been a few days since I’d indulged in some fresh fish, so I headed towards the small but bustling Frystihusid stand. After a few minutes of queuing, I ordered a portion of their best-selling fish and chips, which every second customer appeared to be ordering.
The fish of the day turned out to be cod, and it was perfectly flaky with delicate flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth batter. Alongside the fish was a serving of thinly cut, lightly salted fries, which were just as crunchy and satisfying.
Grandi Mathöll (€€) – Grandagarður 16 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland – Open every day from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
Photo credit: Pósthús Food Hall & Bar
Pósthús Food Hall & Bar in the city center is among the latest additions to Rekyjavik’s food hall scene and has already made quite an impact. The name is a nod to the post office that once operated in this building, though you’d never guess its humble beginnings when you walk inside.
Every vendor looked like they were operating a pint-sized restaurant rather than a food stand. I loved how chic Italian eateries stood next to Asian haunts with neon signage and bright lights. Every corner of Pósthús was full of life, giving the food hall a fantastic atmosphere.
After ambling past each of the stalls, I couldn’t help but think that this would be an excellent spot for groups who couldn’t agree on one cuisine. Whether you’ve been dreaming about burgers and sushi or steak sandwiches and bao buns, you’ll find something to your liking.
As an avid fan of all those foods, I had a rather difficult time choosing what to eat. Despite changing my mind almost a half-dozen times, I decided to go for a burger at the buzzing Yuzu stand. A long line had formed here, so I took this as a testament to how delicious the food was.
Their menu was extensive, but the kimchi Chicken burger immediately jumped out at me. This is a must-try if you like your food with a little heat! Juicy chicken, spicy kimchi, and a slightly sour hot sauce; I savored every last bite of this burger.
Pósthús Food Hall & Bar (€€) – Pósthússtræti 5 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland – Open every day from 11:30 am to 11:00 pm
Photo credit: Hafnartorg Gallery Food Hall
I happened to encounter Hafnartorg Gallery Food Hall near the Harpa concert hall by chance, and I’ve been planning my return visit ever since. This hub for Scandinavian, southern European, Latin American, and Asian cuisines brings together flavors from all corners of the globe.
With its seafront views and sleek decor, this stylish food hall in Reykjavik is certainly among the most sophisticated in the city. Hafnartorg’s selection of stalls consists of both restaurants and bars, and it felt like a place where I could easily hang out for the evening.
Many of the usual suspects can be found here, like pizzas, burgers, and tacos. If these aren’t your thing, I also noticed a handful of spots serving the likes of Hawaiian poke bowls, skyr-topped waffles, and unique noodle dishes. In short, there aren’t many cuisines I didn’t find here!
The latter caught my eye, so I strolled over to the tile-covered Black Dragon for a better look at their menu. A bowl of their steaming hot ramen was exactly what I was craving, so I ordered the pork belly version.
To my delight, this dish was a feast for the senses, and the smell of the sweet spring onions and tangy black garlic was enough to make my mouth water. That being said, the firm and salty noodles and how they paired with the rich, fatty pork belly were simply divine.
Hafnartorg Gallery Food Hall (€€)– Geirsgata 17, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland – Open every Monday to Wednesday from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm, Thursdays from 11:30 am to 11:00 pm, Fridays from 11:30 am to 12:00 am, Saturdays from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am, and every Sunday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Photo credit: Borg29 Mathöll
Unlike most of the food halls in Reykjavik on this list, Borg29 Mathöll is located in the financial district, a little outside the city. Had I been staying in the area, I probably would have visited here numerous times. Nonetheless, it was definitely worth making the trip out of the center.
Borg29 Mathöll is still pretty new, having opened in 2021, but its enviable roster of food joints and upmarket vibe have put it on the map. Because it’s quite compact in comparison to other spots on this list, it feels more like a diverse restaurant than a food court.
For a small food hall, it offers some sublime foodie options. Whether you want to indulge in Icelandic cuisine or tuck into classics like homemade pasta and Middle Eastern-inspired wraps, you won’t be short of choice at Borg29 Mathöll.
I wasn’t overly hungry, so I was looking for something that wasn’t too heavy but still substantial. At Alles, which had a remarkably diverse menu, I saw Icelandic lamb soup on the menu. This sounded right up my alley, and it was also a local dish I’d yet to try.
After a few spoonfuls, this meal cemented itself as one of my favorite Icelandic specialties, along with the nation’s beloved hot dogs. The savory broth, earthy beets, and mild potatoes mellowed out the grassy, robust lamb chunks. It was paired with crusty, super soft sourdough.
Borg29 Mathöll – (€€) Borgartún 29, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland – Open every Monday to Friday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm and every Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm
You don’t have to flock to the best restaurants in Reykjavik to secure some tasty Icelandic and cross-cultural fare. In truth, many of my favorite meals from my visits to the Icelandic capital were in some of these delightful food halls in Reykjavik!
Food courts are often thought of as a place for no-frills fast food, but this isn’t necessarily the case in this Nordic country. Reykjavik’s food halls prove time and time again that it’s possible to enjoy quality, homemade grub in casual, grab-and-go settings.
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