Reykjavik: Icelandic Food Tour

If you’re considering a food-focused adventure in Reykjavik, the Icelandic Food Tour offered by Your Friend In Reykjavik might catch your eye. It promises not just a taste of Iceland’s cuisine but also a bit of the city’s charm, culture, and history tucked into a manageable three-hour experience. As a seasoned traveler and blogger, I’ve seen countless food tours, but this one seems to stand out for its authentic approach and engaging guides.

What we love about this tour is the chance to try at least ten traditional Icelandic dishes — from hearty lamb soup to the infamous fermented shark — all while getting a glimpse of Reykjavik’s streets and stories. The tour’s small-group format, limited to 12 participants, ensures a personal, tailored experience that feels more like sharing a meal with friends than a formal event.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour is quite meat, fish, and dairy-heavy, which might not suit vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions. Also, it involves a fair amount of walking around the city’s historic center, so comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are a must. This experience seems perfect for food lovers eager to explore Iceland through its cuisine and culture, especially if you’re curious about the stories behind the dishes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Icelandic Cuisine: Enjoy a diverse selection of traditional dishes, including lamb soup, hot dogs, and fermented shark.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, entertaining guides who share insights into Icelandic culture and history.
• Small Group: Limited to 12 people for a more intimate and engaging experience.
• Flexible & Inclusive: Accommodates dietary restrictions like gluten or lactose intolerance, vegetarians, etc.
• Duration & Timing: Approximately 3 hours, with varying start times; check availability.
• No Hotel Pickup: Meeting at Ingólfur Square makes it accessible but requires some planning on your part.

First off, the value for money is quite good considering the amount and variety of food you’ll sample. For $135 per person, you’re getting at least ten traditional Icelandic treats plus multiple guided walks that weave in cultural tidbits and local stories. Several reviews praise the guides for their humor, knowledge, and ability to make everyone feel at home. One reviewer called the guide “outstanding,” mentioning how he kept the group laughing and engaged throughout.

A standout feature is the variety of food stops. You’ll start from Ingólfur Square, wander to carefully selected restaurants, and taste everything from a warming lamb soup to a daring piece of fermented shark. The hot dog is another highlight—an Icelandic staple that’s served with a unique twist. Many reviewers mention loving the tasting experience and appreciating the stories behind each dish, making each bite more meaningful.

The guided city tour segments add a layer of context, helping you connect Iceland’s flavors to its history and culture. For example, one guide shared stories about Reykjavik’s streets and the significance of the local ingredients, enriching the tasting experience.

The tour’s personalized feel is evident in reviews mentioning the guides’ friendliness and their willingness to answer questions about everything from Icelandic traditions to local life. Several reviews highlight the humor and warmth guides bring, making the tour feel less like a commercial activity and more like a shared adventure.

Starting at Ingólfur Square — the tour kicks off in a central location, easy to find with Google Maps. It’s a lively spot surrounded by shops and cafes, setting the perfect scene for a city walk.

First Restaurant Stop: Tasting & Culture — you’ll visit a local restaurant where you’ll try a selection of traditional Icelandic foods. Expect to taste at least ten items, ranging from meat and fish dishes to iconic Icelandic favorites. Water is included here, which is practical because the flavors can be quite intense or unusual.

City Sightseeing Walks — between tasting stops, your guide will share stories about Reykjavik, its history, and its culture. These segments are short but packed with interesting tidbits, helping you get a sense of the city’s layout and significance.

Second Restaurant Stop: More Flavors — another restaurant offers a different set of dishes, perhaps focusing on local delicacies or regional specialties. Reviewers often mention how surprising and delicious the foods are, even the fermented shark, which some find palatable with the right guide.

Final Stop with Beers & Tastings — the last restaurant combines food with drinks, offering a local beer, soda, coffee, tea, or a shot of Brennivin, Iceland’s traditional spirit. This gives a relaxed finish to the tour and a chance to discuss everything over a drink.

Back to Ingólfur Square — after sampling and chatting, the tour ends where it started, leaving you with a good sense of Reykjavik’s culinary scene and some handy tips for the rest of your stay.

The reviews highlight the guides’ entertainment skills and their depth of knowledge. Several mention how guides like Paul, Stefan, and Ester E. made the tour memorable through humor, storytelling, and genuine friendliness. One reviewer appreciated a guide who even sang for the group, adding a personal touch that elevated the experience.

Many travelers specifically mention how the guides tailored the experience to suit different dietary needs, whether gluten-free, lactose-free, or vegetarian options. That’s a big plus if you have special dietary restrictions; the guides seem committed to making sure everyone can enjoy the dishes safely.

The small-group setting — capped at 12 people — ensures you’re not just a number. Instead, you get plenty of interaction, questions answered, and a more relaxed atmosphere. This is a big win for travelers who prefer a more intimate experience over a large tour bus.

You’ll get a taste of authentic Icelandic dishes you might not find on a regular menu elsewhere. Several reviewers rave about the quality and variety, including the lamb soup, hot dogs, and fermented shark. The latter might be a challenge for some, but many mention that it’s surprisingly palatable with the guide’s tips.

The local hot dog is a must-try; it’s a quintessential Icelandic snack, often served with special toppings and condiments. Many say it’s a fun, unique experience that gives you a true taste of Reykjavik street food.

The fermented shark is, understandably, the most controversial dish—some love it, others find it a bit too adventurous. But even those tentative about trying it often comment that the guide’s presentation and humor made the experience approachable.

At $135 per person, the tour offers a significant amount of food and cultural insights. When you consider the multiple tasting stops, guided walks, and the personal attention from guides, it’s a good deal. Several reviews echo this sentiment, describing it as “excellent value,” especially given the memorable stories and expert guidance.

You’re also getting tips and recommendations for the rest of your Reykjavik stay—another bonus that adds to the overall value.

This tour is ideal if you’re a food enthusiast eager to explore Iceland through its cuisine. It’s also a great way to get oriented in Reykjavik, especially if you arrive early in your trip. The small-group format and engaging guides make it suitable for travelers who appreciate a personal touch and good storytelling.

However, it’s less suited for vegetarians or those with strict dietary restrictions**, as traditional Icelandic food is meat, fish, and dairy-heavy. Also, if you have difficulty walking or standing for extended periods, you might want to consider this before signing up, as the tour involves a city walk.

The Reykjavik Icelandic Food Tour offers a thorough and genuine taste of Iceland’s culinary culture, paired with stories and sights that bring the city’s history to life. With knowledgeable guides, a variety of authentic dishes, and a friendly, small-group setting, it’s a compelling choice for foodies and curious travelers alike.

While some might find the dishes challenging—fermented shark, anyone—the overall experience is memorable, fun, and packed with local flavor. Whether you’re looking to kick off your Iceland adventure on a tasty note or want to deepen your understanding of Reykjavik’s food scene, this tour could be a highlight of your trip.

If you’re after an immersive, authentic food experience that combines culture, history, and good humor, this tour is definitely worth considering.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour starts at Ingólfur Square, so you’ll need to make your way there. It’s centrally located and easy to find with Google Maps.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts about 3 hours, with start times varying. Check availability to find a slot that works for your schedule.

Is it suitable for vegetarians?
Traditional Icelandic food is meat, fish, and dairy, and the tour does not specifically cater to vegetarians. However, dietary restrictions such as gluten or lactose intolerance can be accommodated, so it’s best to inform the guides in advance.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes all food tastings, water, and a drink at the last stop (beer, soda, coffee/tea, or Brennivin). Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How many people are in each group?
Limited to 12 participants, which makes for a more personal and engaging experience.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, to consume alcohol, guests must be at least 20 years old. The tour is more suited for adults or older teens interested in trying Icelandic foods.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are fully refundable if made up to 24 hours in advance.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users, primarily because of the walking involved.

If you’re looking for a fun, authentic, and food-focused way to get to know Reykjavik, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s a blend of tasty bites, cultural stories, and city walk that makes for a well-rounded introduction to Iceland’s capital.