Top Things to do in Reykjavik
Things to do in Reykjavik, Capital Region: The Best Food Tours
Reykjavik bears the distinction of being the world’s northernmost capital, and for many Icelandic visitors it also serves as a gateway to the rugged adventure options beyond. Recharge after outdoor pursuits in one of the many geothermal springs or luxurious indoor spas. We appreciate Reykjavik’s open-minded and energetic culture that includes a hip and internationally recognized music and arts scene, great food and notoriously "enthusiastic" nightlife.
Restaurants in Reykjavik
1. Dinner with an Icelandic Artist in Reykjavik Home
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
About The Reykjavik Dinner Experience I invite you to a traditional Icelandic home made dinner prepared my way with the best of our local produce. Cooking food has been my hobby for many years. I have most cooked for family and friends, until recently a woman who works in the gallery where I sell my paintings encouraged me to open my home and invite travelers to eat dinner with me. They have been completely happy with my food, just like my family and friends.
Inclusions: Full three course home made dinner and nice chat with a local about everything or nothing, Dinner
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Alcohol is not included and you can bring your own
Reviewed By annikakolo
We had two cooks come over to our vacation home a bit outside Reykjavik to celebrate the 50th birthday of my mum and uncle with a 3 course sit down dinner. The food was probably the best we’ve ever eaten! It was exceptionally presented and just on the right side of big enough to leave everyone satisfied. The communication with Nicolas was very pleasant and we could easily accommodate two vegetarian family members and even have an extra meal done for a very picky eater. Since we could choose each course from a variation of dishes, we could tailor the dinner exactly to our taste and have an incredible outcome. Nicolas also provided a recommendation of wines that paired wonderfully with the food. I can highly recommend Creative Iceland to have an unforgettable experience just at your vacation home!
2. Hire a Private Chef
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Hire a private chef in Iceland for your wedding reception, birthday celebration, bachelorette and bachelor party or simply because you want to give your family and friends with a moment that they will never forget. No occasion is too big or too small. We come to your AirBnb to cook a private dinner. We would arrive 1.5 hours before dinner time to cook and set up the table. The duration of the dinner only is 2.5/3 hours. The total duration of the experience is 4 to 5 hours long with preparation time and dinner time. The area we service is Reykjavik and up to 1.5 hour drive of distance from downtown to your Airbnb.
Inclusions: Private dinner at your home, vacation rental or private venue, Buffet dinner (you select one dinner style option between sit-down or buffet), Sit-down dinner (you select one dinner style option between sit-down or buffet)
Exclusions: Drinks, Gratuities, Travel expense
Reviewed By Discoveroneself
There are 4 of us and we needed advice on how to plan our trip for the 5 days in September. Nicolas helped with the itinerary and logistics, making sure we have a spread of events, taking into account our interests, preferences and budget. Nicolas is very responsive and professional, which makes the planning of our amazing trip a success. He was happy to answer any questions I have in the little time we had. Although he was not the actual tour guide, he was well on board with every tour we booked through him, down to the arrival/location of the drivers who were to pick us up and guide us for the day. We thoroughly enjoyed the tours - Iceland is an amazing place! One particular tour guide Haukar is incredible - he's professional, knowledgable and personable - we are lucky to have him for the 12 hour journey to the South Coast and Jokulsarlon! Nicolas also helped us time the Northern lights perfectly and the result was that we were lucky to see the lights within the first 5 minutes after arrival at our destination. A big thank you for doing your best to make our trip so memorable. I have no hesitation in recommending the services of Nicolas and Creative Iceland!
3. Private Reykjavik Food Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
With our selection of local food treats you can check off a lot of things on your Icelandic food bucket list, and you sure won’t be disappointed with the quality of the restaurants we handpicked as our partners. The Reykjavik food walk is also good to get oriented in the old Reykjavik city center. All our guides are graduates from the Icelandic Tourist guide school but more importantly, they know how to entertain as well as to educate. The only bad thing on this tour is the fermented shark, but hey, its an adventure and what does not kill you makes you stronger and cooler back home ;). One of the best things about doing a food tour is getting a sense of the history of the country while eating something delicious & exciting. You will also get tips on Food, Fun & Drink for the rest of our stay in Reykjavik so perfect as one of the first stops while in Reykjavik.
Inclusions: Be hungry as you will have plenty to eat, We will have an Icelandic drink of choice at the end of our tour
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Donna D
Very enjoyable afternoon. Learned about Reykjavik and heard entertaining stories. Guide answered our questions and gave great recommendations.
4. Reykjavik Food & Wine Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 103 reviews
Reykjavik Food & Wine Tour is without a doubt THE 5 star version of a tour for FUN loving foodies ! - In 4 - 5 hours you will experience "the best of" and our favourite of the cuisine in NIceland... while having a blast with a passionate local legend. This tour does cost more than other food tours but like our fellow foodie put it : "The tour is not cheap, but given how expensive food and drink in Reykjavik can be and how much of both are given on this tour, we actually felt like it was a great bargain - and that's not even counting how much fun the company was. Seriously, DO THIS TOUR. You will not regret it." - We truly hope to be able to "meet and feed" you during your NIceland stay :)
Inclusions: Food tasting, Lunch (around 6 selected restaurant / bar stops), Wine tasting, Beer tasting (selected Icelandic locally brewed beers), Light refreshments, Fun loving passionate local guide sharing his / her "brutally honest" opinions on NIceland, Lunch, Snacks, Alcoholic Beverages, Tour ends between 5 and 6pm leaving guests with a FULL stomach :) and a BIG smile... and some red wine ;)
Exclusions:
Reviewed By NhNh2424
We are a family of four from the US and just had the most exquisite day with Ymir, exploring the amazing sights and food of the Golden Circle. Ymir's passion for food and all things Icelandic was infectious and we had an incredible experience. Spending a full day with Ymir is well worth it and highly recommended.
5. Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
If you do a food tour in Reykjavik, don't you want to try out the truly authentic food from Iceland? With our selection of local foodie treats you can check off a lot of things on your Icelandic food bucket list and as an extra we visit the fun food stalls of the Reykjavik Flea Market. One of the best things about doing a food tour is getting a sense of the history of the country while eating something delicious & interesting. All of our guides are experts and graduates from the tour guide school of Iceland but more importantly, they know how to entertain and educate at the same time. Our stops include a brilliant new gastropub, the oldest restaurant in Reykjavik, the legendary hot dog stand, The one and only Reykjavik Flea market, The authentic Seabaron and Geysir bistro. Make sure you arrive hungry!
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Food tasting, Professional guide, Beverages, We end our food journey together with an Icelandic drink
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities
Reviewed By Donna D
Very enjoyable afternoon. Learned about Reykjavik and heard entertaining stories. Guide answered our questions and gave great recommendations.
6. Reykjavik Food Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,478 reviews
Local food, city & history tour of Reykjavik. In the tastiest sight seeing tour in Iceland, we explore down town Reykjavik through delicious local cuisines that you would never come across in your typical “to-do in Iceland” itinerary! You will stroll around the city and visit 5-6 wonderful local restaurants with a fun & knowledgeable guide by your side. In our tours you will have a chance to try the best local cuisines of Iceland in each season, like the delicious Icelandic lamb, home made Icelandic ice cream from a secret family recipe, an authentic catch of the day, Icelandic cheese, a hot dog from the famous Icelandic hot dog stand and much more! If you like to experience Reykjavik, Iceland’s history, unique cuisines, local restaurants and make new friends you should definitely join our Reykjavik Food Walk tour. Just make sure you show up hungry!
Inclusions: 3 hour walking tour with a local guide, Visit 5-6 local establishments from food trucks to fine dining restaurants, Taste 10+ amazing & authentic Icelandic cuisines
Exclusions:
Reviewed By 448frech
When I booked this tour, I wondered at the high price. As always, you get what you pay for - you don’t just get to sample casual food, but get treated to some very fine dining as well. The portions were all very generous too. Very good selection of foods and restaurants and a fantastic and very knowledgeable guide. Well worth it!
7. Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour - Icelandic Traditional Food
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 130 reviews
If you do a food tour in Reykjavik, don't you want to try out the truly authentic food from Iceland? With our selection of local foodie treats you can check off a lot of things on your Icelandic food bucket list and you sure won't be disappointed with the quality of the restaurants we handpicked. The only bad thing on this tour is the fermented shark but hey, its an adventure and what does not kill you makes you stronger and cooler back home. One of the best things about doing a food tour is getting a sense of the history of the country while eating something delicious & interesting. All of our guides are experts and graduates from the tour guide school of Iceland but more importantly, they know how to entertain and educate at the same time. Our stops include a brilliant new gastropub, the oldest restaurant in Reykjavik, the legendary hot dog stand, The authentic Seabaron and Icelandic Fish and chips. Make sure you arrive hungry!
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Beverages, Food tasting, Professional guide, We end our food journey together with an Icelandic drink
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities
Reviewed By Donna D
Very enjoyable afternoon. Learned about Reykjavik and heard entertaining stories. Guide answered our questions and gave great recommendations.
8. Golden Circle and Farm Visit with Free Ice Cream
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 104 reviews
Join us for an unforgettable expedition with a small group to explore the famous Golden Circle. We visit the famous Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir, and the surrounding geothermal area. Our best-seller tour on a minibus includes a stop at a traditional Icelandic farm to see and pet some cows and get an ice cream.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Wi-Fi on bus, Icelandic Music on board
Exclusions: Food and drinks
Reviewed By Departure38411199244
The snorkel tour: exciting, informative, fun fun fun! The guide, Ronan: smart, kind, strong, and sweet enough to help maneuver us into those dry suits! Exudes a magnetic calming influence like a gravitational pull :)
9. Northern Lights: Small Group Tour with Hot Icelandic Chocolate and Cinnamon Buns
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 102 reviews
We make the absolute best of every tour. Your guide will offer you information and great insight into the Icelandic culture, nature, history and the Icelandic people who in some inexplainable way make this nation of only 340.000 inhabitants seem like a cosmopolitan nation of millions. At the location witch is always a different one from night to night as we rely on the meteorologists to tell us where the highest probability of seeing the lights each time, you will get delicious pastries from Brauð og Co (Bread and Co), a sour dough bakery witch has in only two years bankrupted a couple of other bakeries by just being the absolute best. You will also get a cup of steaming hot chocolate just like every Icelandic grandmother used to serve on special occasions, like Christmas or Easter. Probability for seeing the lights is always fair and we cancel tours where there is little chance of catching them. But when you experience them... You know that it was worth it.
Inclusions: Cinnamon buns from the famous bakery Braud & Co, Hot chocolate like grandma used to do it, Free wifi
Exclusions:
Reviewed By BeardoAustralia
We where picked up at Bust stop one in the centre of Reykjavik by a very pleasant young lady ('The German girl'), Faye I think is her name. On time. The whole trip was great fun and our guide/driver was funny, engaging, accommodating and a safe driver. We drove through snow storms that we had never experienced before (we are from Australia) and we never felt like we were in any danger. The sights were pretty quite as far as other tourists are concerned, due to COVID-19 which was rather nice. The farm visit was awesome - food for vegetarians was an option - and our host there was great and provided us with a very interesting bit of history for the local area and their family business (hope they are still managing with all the restrictions). I recommend this trip for anybody as the walking was easy and the bus comfortable.
10. Kopar Fine Dining Dinner and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik
Overall Ratings
4.1 based on 20 reviews
Savor dinner at Kopar, one of Reykjavik’s top restaurants, and search for the Northern Lights by sea on this memorable evening experience. The fine dining restaurant is known for innovative dishes made from fresh, local ingredients, and features a boundary-pushing 6-course Adventure Menu, which is included in this package. Enjoy the selection of dishes designed to surprise your taste buds, and then take a Northern Lights cruise to look for the natural phenomenon in the sky.
Inclusions: 6-course dinner from Kopar's Adventure Menu, 2.5-hour Northern Lights cruise, Use of warm coveralls on boat, Onboard commentary and video, Hotel Drop off after the Northern Lights
Exclusions: Drinks at Kopar (available to purchase), Gratuities
Reviewed By ingak981
PARENTS: NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN UNDER AGE 10! I booked a whale watching tour with Special Tours for myself and my 5 year old daughter. The morning of the tour, I called to ask about temperatures and conditions, stating that I was bringing my young daughter with me. I was told it would be cold on the boat but that they had coveralls available for use, so to dress warmly. We dressed warmly in layers plus wool sweaters and were picked up at the bus stop we selected. There was sea sickness medicine in a bowl on the counter at the office, but a sign said that children under age 12 can't take it so I didn't give any to my daughter. We were the only tour boat out on the water. We were warned there would be splashing and that we could go below deck and put on coveralls, which we did. It was so rough that being below deck made us feel that we were going to be sick, so we eventually went back above deck. The coveralls they provide are NOT water proof. The seas were rough and everyone on board was soaked. Most people's shoes were soaked through. The waves were too big, and I was basically just gripping my daughter tightly trying not to slide around. It was almost impossible to walk between the deck and the seating area below while the boat was in motion. The tour guide offered us lemon candies, which I took but my daughter didn't want (they're not a safe candy for a child as it is, choking hazard). We didn't see any whales, just a few porpoises, and were not offered a second use of our tickets as the website and order confirmation stated we would. But the worst part is that my daughter was freezing cold, soaked through her clothes from the spray (more like a shower than a fine mist), and was sobbing in my arms the whole ride. On the ride back to town, tour guide stood chatting with a fellow passenger (apparently they're both scientists and were discussing the tourism industry in Iceland) while my loudly sobbing child and I sat shivering a couple of meters away. Neither she nor boat captain checked on anyone during the ride. One of my fellow passengers told me she'd be worried about my daughter catching hypothermia, and pointed out that another passenger and his daughter were hanging out in the front cabin with the captain. I stood up to stagger over there, that's when the guide finally noticed what was going on and helped us walk over there. There were no blankets, hot drinks, or anything offered. Inside the cabin, the captain was chatting away, comfortable and dry in a short-sleeved shirt, showing his screens and instruments to a girl and her father, completely oblivious. I told him that I had called ahead to the office and asked about temperatures and conditions, and if I had known it would be like this I never would have brought a 5 year-old child. He said the sea had turned out to be a little rougher than they expected, that was it. My daughter's lips were purple and her eyes were glassy at this point. She started getting sleepy and didn't feel cold anymore. Symptoms of hypothermia. I fed her crackers and kept her limbs moving until we got to shore. The captain said she could warm up at the office and then they would drop us back off AT THE BUS STOP where we had been picked up. We were soaked through our clothes and freezing and they were going to leave us at a bus stop. I texted her dad to pick us up at the dock, which he did. We rushed her home and got her warm. We wore multiple layers of clothing plus wool sweaters, hats, coats, gloves PLUS the coveralls they provided on board. We have been on boats before without problems. We were still soaked through, freezing cold, and very seasick. I tried to get a refund, they refused and were rude about it. I did my due diligence by calling and asking about what the conditions would be like on the boat. It is the tour company's job, as the professionals, to KNOW what the conditions are and be HONEST about them, not just say it will be fine and put a child in genuine danger. Completely unreasonable, will be looking into reporting them to the authorities.
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