Best Of Reykjavík 2018: Best Cheap Meal

There has never been a more exciting time for the restaurant scene in Reykjavik. Thanks to burgeoning tourism, exposure, and a genuine curiosity for foods from far and wide, diners now have a plethora of choices on offer. Whether it’s high-end fine dining (we even boast a Michelin starred gem!), or a cheap late night bite, Reykjavik is coming into its own as a culinary destination, offering small plates, tasting menus, farm to table seasonal produce and classic Iceland cuisine, and all while accommodating vegans and vegetarians. The following restaurants are the very best, according to our panel of enthusiastic gourmands. Feel free to let us know what you think of our choices as you eat your way around the city. We’re listening. And we’re hungry.

Best Cheap Meal

Icelandic Street Food

Lækjargata 8

You can’t really beat the incredible prices at this tiny spot with a big heart. All the soups are offered in a bread bowl version—and wait for it—unlimited refills! In a country that prides itself on the quality of its free-range lamb, kjötsúpa is a must try. It’s a hearty bowl of lamb chunks and vegetables that’s old school in a good way. The fisherman’s meal is also popular—a tasty plokkfiskur of mashed potato and fish, with bread and butter. The soups start at 1,390 ISK—if you’d like to try Icelandic food without breaking the bank, this is the spot.

Runner-Up:

Noodle Station

Laugavegur 103

Walking down Laugavegur, towards Hlemmur, the inviting scent of cinnamon, star anise and coriander leads one to Noodle Station. In this more spacious location, they continue to serve up bottomless bowls of intense broth, with either meat, chicken or veggies, the cheapest veggie soup coming in at less than 1,000 ISK.

Runner-Up:

Bike Cave

Einarsnes 36

The cheeseburger at Bike Cave is still a steal at just 995 ISK. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, a friendly residential Sphinx cat, and a darn good view of the airstrip still warrants a trip to the ‘other’ side of town.

Previous Winners

2017: Bike Cave

2016: Noodle Station

2015: K-Bar

2014: 10-11 after 14:00

2013: “Sub of the month” at Subway

Other Dining Categories

Best Burger

Best Coffeehouse

Best Sushi

Best Indian

Best Thai/Chinese

Best Goddamn Restaurant

Best Place For A Fancy Meal

Best Family Meal

Best Cheap Meal

Best Pizza

Best Coffee

Best Bakery

Best Vegetarian Meal

Best Vegan Meal

Best Brunch

Best Seafood

Must-Try Dining Experience

Best Late Night Bite

Best Place To Go With A Group Of Friends

Best Newcomer

Best Lunch Place

Best Veggie Burger

Best Ice Cream

Best Tasting Menu

Best Italian

You can buy a copy of the full Best Of Reykjavík 2018 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.