A GUIDE TO REYKJAVIK’S FOOD HALLS

Iceland’s food hall scene feels like it’s been here forever but in fact, it is a relatively new phenomenon. The country’s changeable weather meant it wasn’t the ideal candidate for street food; being tucked up in a warm and cosy restaurant was preferable to eating outdoors.

There were a handful of street food carts, but these were often shut during the colder months. Moving street food under cover changed everything – a light bulb moment for those in the business.

The first food hall in Reykjavik, Hlemmur Mathöll, opened in 2017 and since then, the concept has rapidly gained popularity. Today, they are spread across our capital city and they’ve fast become some of the best places to eat in Reykjavik, not least because they’re often a reliable source of cheap eats. Food halls are the ideal place to get a taste of Iceland and super helpful when you’re feeling indecisive about what to eat.

Food halls really come into their own if you’re travelling with a picky eater. Perhaps your companion will only eat pizza or fish and chips? No problem! They can have their favourite every single night while you try more adventurous options.

Meanwhile you don’t have to pass up the chance to broaden your foodie horizons with some traditional Icelandic lamb or fish such as lobster soup, Arctic char and salmon accompanied by a slice of rye bread spread thick with creamy local butter.

If you’re a committed foodie, then a visit to at least one of these food halls is a must during your stay. We’ve compiled a list of them to give you a rough idea of what to expect, where to find them and when they are likely to be open. Why not take a look at our guide to Reykjavik’s most popular food halls to help you decide which ones will make the cut?

Pósthús Food Hall

Pósthús is Reykjavik's newest food hall, opening in November 2022. It’s housed in a historic building over a century old; it used to be the city’s main post office. The place enjoys a city centre location, a couple of blocks from the northern end of Tjörnin Lake and a stone’s throw from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour and its main shopping streets.

Nine eateries representing an eclectic mix of global cuisines cluster inside across several separate spaces. For instance, you might choose from sushi from Djúsí Sushi, deliciously spicy Indian food at Funky Bhangra, Italian classics at Enoteca and Pizza Populare, Korean dishes from Fuku Mama or French bistro cuisine at Finsen. Before you leave, wind down with a cocktail or coffee at Drykk.

Open daily from 11.30 am to 10 pm

Hafnartorg Gallery

Hafnartorg Gallery is a centrally located, stylish food hall in downtown Reykjavik. Close to popular attractions such as Harpa Concert Hall and the Art, Punk, and Phallological museums, it offers a versatile mix of dining, shopping, and cultural experiences.

Inside this ultra-modern building, you can find retail and dining. Perch on bar stools, dine at tables, or lounge on comfy sofas as you explore the various eateries housed within this modish, contemporary space. The food hall stands out among Iceland's food halls, with a strong emphasis on first-class interior design, acoustics, and air quality, doubling as a concert venue and digital art gallery. Regular art exhibitions, DJ events, and jazz concerts create a unique atmosphere.

Among its kitchens, Black Dragon, focuses on French-Asian cuisine, while Kualua transports you to Hawaii with a delicious menu of Poké bowls. You might also dine at BRAND, where a great selection of wine accompanies food cooked over a Japanese robata charcoal grill, or at Fuego, a trendy taqueria serving Mexican tacos, quesadillas, and nachos.

Hafnartorg Gallery is conveniently located in the middle of a new shopping area in central Reykjavík, with excellent shops featuring world-renowned brands, both Icelandic and foreign.

Open weekdays from 11.30 am until late and weekends from 12 noon

Grandi Food Hall

Grandi Food Hall is tucked away in a former fish factory at the far end of Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. Its location makes it a convenient choice if you’ve just returned from a whale-watching trip or intend to visit nearby attractions such as FlyOver Iceland and Lava Show. Its contemporary, industrial vibe is as easy on the eye as the water views outside.

Watch the boats come and go as you tuck into cuisines from around the world: Indonesian, Korean, Italian and Icelandic food are all represented here. Long tables and bench seating encourage diners to eat communally, making this a great place for conversation.

Open daily from 11 am to 9 pm.

Hlemmur Food Hall

Hlemmur Food Hall was a pioneer of the Reykjavik street food scene. Inspired by European food markets, it was the first of its kind to open in the Icelandic capital. Located on busy Laugavegur, it repurposes the building that once housed the city’s bus station. What was once a functional space is now filled with the chatter of diners who congregate to enjoy the diverse range of cuisines.

At Fjárhúsið (the sheep house), Icelandic lamb is the star ingredient in soups, burgers, and wraps, while SKÁL! uses foraged herbs to elevate local fish and other dishes. Throw in LA-style tacos, Neapolitan pizza, and Vietnamese bánh mì, and you’ll soon see why this place is a hit.

Open daily from 11 am to 11 pm

Borg29 Food Hall

Located close to the waterfront in the eastern part of the city centre, Borg29 looks out across the bay to snow-capped Mount Esja. It is home to seven eateries, which are often busy at lunchtime due to the food hall’s location at the heart of Reykjavik’s financial district.

You’ll find Umami, where Icelandic-farmed salmon is used to make hand-crafted sushi on the premises. Indican brings South Asian favourites like butter chicken and lamb curry to the mid-Atlantic; Yuzu specialises in tasty hamburgers made with fresh ingredients, while Natalía Pizzeria offers authentic wood-fired pizzas topped with San Marzano tomatoes and gooey mozzarella.

Open weekdays from 11 am to 9 pm, weekends 12 noon to 9 pm

Kúmen Food Hall

Kúmen Food Hall is situated within the Kringlan Shopping Mall. Though it’s a little out of the city centre, it is still easy to find close to where routes 40 and 49 meet. If you’ve rented a car, you’ll find plenty of parking, and it’s free, making this an attractive option if you’re on your way in or out of Reykjavik.

Dining at this food court also brings special offers, which are listed on the Kringlan website. For instance, eating here on certain days might get you a 2-for-1 deal at the cinema. Check the current offers before setting out. The food on offer is varied and suits pretty much all tastes.

For instance, you’ll find branches of Finnsson Bistro, Rikki Chan for fans of Chinese food, Yuzu burgers and Flatey pizza. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to call in at Ísey Skyr Djúsí to try one of their yummy desserts.

Open weekdays from 11 am to 8 pm, weekends from 12 noon to 8 pm

The Greenhouse, Hveragerði

The Greenhouse at Hveragerði has become a destination in its own right, so if you’re planning a day trip beyond Reykjavik’s city limits, this is one place that should be on your radar.

Located within a steaming geothermal valley, the food hall is just one of its attractions, alongside shopping and outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and buggy tours.

When you need to refuel, try Taco Vagninn, which uses fresh Icelandic ingredients to put a twist on this Mexican classic, or an array of fast food options at Flavor or Yuzu.

You’ll also want to check out Hipstur, which caters well to vegetarians and vegans, as well as pescetarians. Ice cream has been made in this location for around 50 years, so make sure you buy one from Isbúð Bongo which offers a wide range of flavours and toppings.

Open daily from 8 am – 10 pm

The Old Dairy, Selfoss

Downtown Selfoss has enjoyed something of a revival recently, and that’s exemplified by the delightful Old Dairy food hall. It occupies a building that was reconstructed in 2021, having previously housed a dairy producing cheese, cream and skyr from the milk of local cows.

Today, the fare on offer is considerably more varied: eight restaurants seating a total of 300 people occupy the space alongside a trendy wine bar. Diners can feast on Mexican food at Takkó, sample Chinese dumplings at Menam Dim Sum, enjoy authentic Neapolitan-style pizza at Flatey and eat burgers washed down with craft beer at Röstí.

The distinctive white building with its arched windows and green roof is a local landmark, so you’ll have no trouble tracking it down. If you’re heading along the scenic South Coast of Iceland, you’ll absolutely want to call in.

Open daily from 11.30am to 9pm

What to Wear

If you’re popping in to one of Reykjavik’s food halls for a casual lunch, then there’s no need to dress smartly. That’s especially convenient if you’re thrown on a bunch of layers to go under your overalls for a whale watching trip, or if you’re wearing comfortable but not so fashionable shoes that are more suitable for lots of walking.

You might wish to dress to impress if you plan to visit one of the bistros or wine bars in the evening, however.

How to Pay

Increasingly, you don’t need a pocketful of change to eat out or visit a tourist attraction. Contactless payments with a credit or debit card, plus transactions made with the likes of Apple Pay, mean you often won’t need – or want – to pay cash.

If a friend or family member is off to Reykjavik soon, you can also purchase gift cards for some of the city’s food halls. It makes a great present and they’ll be able to report back about their favourites after they’ve sampled a broad selection of Icelandic food alongside dishes from around the world.

Experiencing one of Reykjavik’s food halls is a great idea if it’s a bad weather day here in Iceland. You can get a feel for some of Iceland’s quintessential dishes while enjoying its friendly hospitality.

As many of the city’s food halls are within easy reach of some of its most popular visitor attractions, you’ll barely step outside as you move between them. At any time, Reykjavik’s food halls are a smart choice for lunch or for dinner, but you might also consider popping in outside those peak periods for a pick-me-up coffee or a late evening cocktail.

Using the Hop On, Hop Off Bus to Reach Reykjavik’s Hood Halls

Hop On, Hop Off bus services can be a boon for tourists who want an easy, stress-free method of getting around the city. That’s the case in Reykjavik, where you can buy a 24 hour or a 48 hour version.

With a Hop On, Hop Off bus ticket, you can visit many of the Icelandic capital’s top visitor attractions – and also some of its food halls. For example, disembark at stop 1 (Harpa Concert Hall) for Hafnartorg Gallery, or stop 4 (Whales of Iceland) if you want to stroll over to Grandi Food Hall. Stop 7 is right beside Hlemmur Food Hall, while stop 12 serves Kringlan Shopping Mall, home to the Kúmen food court.

As you’ve seen, some of the best food in Reykjavik can be found in its food halls. With a wide selection of cuisines to suit all tastes and something within any budget, we recommend you make this a must-do during your stay.