From Iceland — Best Of Reykjavik 2019: Best Cheap Meal

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Watching Iceland come into its own as a dining destination over the past five years has been a joy. The Icelandic restaurant scene is diversifying, and the definition of what may be deemed “Icelandic cuisine” is broadening and taking on new shapes. Thanks to this new-found culinary confidence—and the added footfall of tourism—this tiny scene is experiencing an unprecedented moment of opportunity. Whether it’s carefully-pleated Sichuanese vegan dumplings or exploratory tasting menus at Nordic fine dining houses, the bandwagon has room for demanding diners. Our hand-picked panel of picky gourmands have sought out the very best of Reykjavík dining to help you navigate the gastronomic waters of the capital area. From budget bites to fanciful fare, we’ve got you covered.

Best Cheap Meal

Icelandic Street Food

Lækjargata 8 & Laugavegur 85

You can’t beat the prices at this tiny spot with a big heart. All the soups are available in a bread bowl with—wait for it—unlimited refills! You can choose from a lamb soup, a buttery traditional plokkfiskur and a veggie soup, and your refill can even be a taste of another dish. Iceland prides itself on the quality of its lamb and fish, so kjötsúpa and fiskisúpa are safe bets. If you’d like to try affordable local food, and you’re very, very hungry, this is the spot.

Runner-Up:

Fish and Co. (RIP – closed down)

Aðalstræti 16

This stark black wagon parked in Fógetagarðurinn sells succulent cod for a hard-to-beat 1,000 ISK. The fish is pan-cooked in butter with wilted spinach and a few blistered tomatoes for acidity. “Just don’t forget your gloves on a cold day,” warns one panellist.

Runner-Up:

Lamb Street Food

Grandagarður 7

Food wrapped in a flatbread is a universally-loved thing of beauty. At Lamb, they take things a few steps further and make everything from scratch. Anything you order sits under the 2,000 ISK tag. What’s lesser known however, is that their wraps are perfect for sharing, making it the cheapest meal in town by far.

Previous Winners

2018: Icelandic Street Food
2017: Bike Cave
2016: Noodle Station
2015: K-Bar (RIP)
2014: 10-11 after 14:00

Other Dining Categories

You can buy a copy of the full Best Of Reykjavík 2019 magazine—an essential guide to having fun in Reykjavík—here, posted worldwide. We also have a Special Offer double-pack that also includes our Best Of Iceland magazine, about places to eat, see, swim, shop and stay, all around the country, here.

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