Reykjavik isn’t just a pretty city with colorful rooftops and stunning landscapes—it’s also a fantastic place to explore through its food. The city’s culinary scene is rich with tradition, innovation, and a dash of daring. Whether you’re keen to try fermented shark, sample hearty lamb soup, or enjoy a classic Icelandic hot dog, Reykjavik’s food tours offer something for every appetite. We especially like the Guided Foodie Walking Tour for its vibrant mix of local eateries and lively guide, or the Icelandic Food Tour for its authentic taste of Iceland’s culinary staples. This city makes food tasting fun, easy, and educational — perfect for those wanting to go beyond just sightseeing.
In our list, you’ll find a variety of experiences—guided walking tours, private explorations, evening samplings, and festive Christmas treats. Some tours focus on traditional Icelandic dishes like lamb soup and fermented shark, while others include tastings at local markets or stops at historic landmarks. All are designed to give you a genuine taste of Reykjavik’s food culture, often with a side of fascinating stories and local history. If you’re curious about Icelandic cuisine and want a relaxed way to explore the city, these tours are worth checking out. Now, let’s dive into the best food tours Reykjavik has to offer.
1. Reykjavik: Guided Foodie Walking Tour with 6 Tastings
At number 1 on our list, this guided walking tour offers an excellent introduction to Reykjavik’s culinary scene. Over three hours, your local guide takes you to five different eateries, where you taste 6 to 8 dishes. This includes restaurants, family-run businesses, and lesser-known spots, giving you a well-rounded sample of Icelandic flavors—think freshly made dishes, local seafood, and even fermented shark for the brave. Guests consistently praise the friendly guides like Agla and Dave, who share insights into Icelandic culture along the way. With a high rating of 4.9/5 from over 1,300 reviews, this tour offers great value for its $137 price tag. It’s ideal for those who want a full, hearty sampling while exploring Reykjavik’s lively downtown.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect for food lovers who enjoy walking, local stories, and a wide variety of dishes. Expect to leave full and with a deeper understanding of Icelandic cuisine.
2. Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour – Icelandic Traditional Food
Ranking second, the Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour is a two to three-hour walk through the city’s top eateries. For just under $138, you’ll visit spots like the oldest restaurant in Reykjavik and the famous hot dog stand, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. The tour emphasizes Icelandic culinary traditions, with tastings of lamb soup, fermented shark, and local delicacies. The guide, who is a 26th-generation Icelander, shares lesser-known details about Iceland’s food culture, making it more than just a tasting. Guests love the personal touch and the variety; one reviewer raves about the “amazing food and interactive guide.” The limited group size (12 people max) enhances the experience, making it feel intimate and authentic.
Bottom line: This tour is best suited for travelers interested in deep cultural insights and classic Icelandic dishes, especially if you’re curious about the origins of local foods.
3. Reykjavik Food and Drink Adventure – Local Evening Experience
At number 3, the Reykjavik Food and Drink Adventure offers a three-and-a-half-hour journey through the city’s evening food scene. For $190, you’ll visit top restaurants, sample hearty dishes, and enjoy locally brewed beers and spirits. The tour is perfect for those who want an immersive, relaxed experience, with all drinks and bites included. Your guide takes you past landmarks like Arnarhóll and the Rainbow street, adding a scenic touch. Reviewers appreciate the personable guides and the chance to try Icelandic specialties like skyr, seafood, and even craft cocktails. This tour is great if you prefer a more intimate, evening-focused tasting adventure.
Bottom line: Ideal for night owls and those wanting to combine sightseeing with culinary indulgence in Reykjavik’s lively nightlife.
4. Reykjavik: Icelandic Food Tour
Next up, the Icelandic Food Tour provides a three-hour deep dive into traditional Icelandic fare. It kicks off at Ingólfur Square and includes visits to local restaurants for tastings like lamb soup, fermented shark, and hot dogs. The tour is highly rated at 4.7/5, with guides sharing stories behind each dish and Icelandic customs. The tour’s focus on authentic Icelandic ingredients and the chance to try dishes you may have read about or seen in movies makes it a compelling option. Guests praise the friendly guides Bo and Einar, who make the experience both fun and educational. This tour is excellent for those wanting a structured, cultural tasting.
Bottom line: For around $135, this tour offers a solid taste of Iceland’s culinary heritage, especially suitable for first-timers eager for an authentic experience.
5. Private Food Walking Tour in Reykjavik
Number 5 is a private tour that offers an exclusive experience for your group. For $208 per person, you’ll explore Reykjavik’s old town, sampling delicacies like smoked puffin and fermented shark. Your personal guide tailors the experience, sharing insights into Icelandic history and culture. The itinerary includes stops at Ingólfur Square, a seafood restaurant, and even a supermarket to see local snacks. Perfect for travelers seeking a customized, intimate outing, this tour emphasizes personalized attention and authentic Icelandic foods.
Bottom line: Best suited for groups wanting a private, flexible experience with adventurous eats in a relaxed setting.
6. Reykjavik: Evening Icelandic Food and Drink Tour
The Evening Food and Drink Tour is a 3.5-hour exploration of Reykjavik’s social scene. For $170, you’ll visit top bars and restaurants, sampling Icelandic dishes and drinks, including craft beers and local spirits. Guides like Cili and Alfie create a lively, friendly atmosphere, making it easy to meet fellow travelers and enjoy local flavors in a relaxed setting. Reviewers enjoy the variety of venues and the insight into Icelandic drinking culture.
Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting an evening of social dining, with a mix of food, drinks, and local stories in Reykjavik’s central spots.
7. Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market
At number 7, this weekend tour combines culinary tasting with lively market exploration. For around $136, you’ll visit the historic Reykjavik harbor, the flea market’s food stalls, and iconic hot dog stand Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. It’s a great way to experience Reykjavik’s local atmosphere and sample everything from shellfish soup to traditional snacks. Enthusiasts appreciate the guide’s storytelling and the chance to see the city’s culinary diversity.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers wanting a mix of food, culture, and local market life—especially on weekends.
8. Reykjavik Food Walk – Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland
Number 8, the Food Walk, boasts over 16,000 reviews and has become a staple. For $127, it spans three hours of exploring Reykjavik’s top eateries, street food stalls, and landmarks like Hallgrimskirkja and Harpa. You’ll sample Icelandic cheeses, lamb, and homemade ice cream, all while learning about Reykjavik’s cultural and culinary history. The guide’s storytelling and the variety of stops make it a favorite among many travelers, especially those new to Iceland.
Bottom line: An excellent all-around introduction to Reykjavik’s food scene, especially suitable for first-time visitors who want to combine sightseeing and tasting.
9. The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour
For those visiting during the holiday season, the Christmas Food Tour offers a festive, 3-hour experience. It includes visits to the Little Christmas Store, Christmas specialties, and stories about Icelandic Yuletide traditions. Priced at $135, the tour features seasonal treats and local stories about the Yule Lads and other Icelandic customs. Reviewers highlight the guide’s warmth and the delicious foods, making it a cozy addition to winter travel.
Bottom line: Great for holiday travelers eager to enjoy Icelandic traditions alongside tasty seasonal bites.
10. 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik
This Christmas tour is perfect if you want a more intimate, festive experience for $149. You’ll taste smoked lamb, leaf bread, reindeer pâté, and warm mulled wine, all while hearing stories of Iceland’s Yuletide traditions. The small group size makes for a relaxed, personalized experience. Guests love the uniqueness of limited-time holiday dishes that give a real flavor of Iceland’s winter celebrations.
Bottom line: An ideal choice for those wanting a festive, authentic Icelandic Christmas experience.
11. Reykjavik Food Tour and City Walk – PRIVATE TOUR
Number 11, the Private Food and City Tour is a four-hour, personalized exploration for $318. Your private guide tailors stops to your tastes, and you sample traditional dishes like fish, lamb, and local pastries. This tour is best suited for travelers who value flexibility and privacy. Guides share insights into Icelandic food history and culture while taking you to landmarks like Hallgrimskirkja and the old harbor. The reviews highlight the attentive service and the custom nature of the experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers seeking a private, curated food tour with tailored stops and an exclusive atmosphere.
12. Reykjavik: All in One – Eat, Drink & Explore with Locals
Number 12, the All-in-One Reykjavik Tour blends food with sightseeing. For about $127, your guide takes you through local eateries and landmarks like Laugavegur and the Parliament House. You sample street food, local beers, and pastries, all while learning about Reykjavik’s history. Travelers enjoy the diverse food stops paired with cultural insights, making it a comprehensive introduction for first-time visitors.
Bottom line: Suitable for those who want a balanced mix of food, drinks, and sightseeing in a single tour.
13. Reykjavik: Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Icelandic Classics
This tour focuses on classic Icelandic foods, offering six or more tastings, including the iconic hot dog, fish, and comfort foods like fish and potatoes. For around 3 hours, you’ll explore downtown Reykjavik, enjoying stories behind each dish. It’s great for those eager to sample traditional staples in a lively, walkable setting. The reviews mention the enjoyable variety and the friendly guides, making it a worthwhile choice for culinary enthusiasts.
Bottom line: An excellent pick for travelers wanting a comprehensive taste of Icelandic cuisine in a lively, engaging format.
14. Private Reykjavik City & Food Walking Tour
Offering a more relaxed, personalized experience, the Private City & Food Walk lasts about 3.5 hours for $203. You’ll see landmarks like Hallgrimskirkja and Tjornin Lake, ending with a local restaurant tasting. This tour suits travelers who want a balanced mix of city sights and food without the crowds—plus, your guide shares tips on Icelandic culture and cuisine along the way.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who appreciate a flexible, private experience with a mix of sightseeing and tasting.
15. Private Reykjavik Folklore and Food Walking Tour
Finally, the Folklore & Food Tour combines stories of trolls, elves, and the 13 Yule Lads with a traditional Icelandic meal at the end. For $199, you’ll learn about Icelandic legends and sample local dishes in a private setting. This tour is perfect for travelers interested in Icelandic folklore as much as food, offering a unique cultural twist to your culinary adventure.
Bottom line: A great choice for those wanting a mix of storytelling and tasting, with a personal guide adding local authenticity.
How to Choose the Best Food Tour in Reykjavik
When selecting your Reykjavik food tour, consider your budget, time available, and how adventurous you want to be. For a comprehensive, full-day experience, the Guided Foodie Walking Tour offers a great start. If you prefer a private, tailored outing, the Private Food Walking Tour might suit you better. For those visiting during the winter holidays, the Christmas Food Tours provide seasonal flavors and stories.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours like the All-in-One Reykjavik and Guided Foodie Tour, which fill quickly during peak seasons.
Reykjavik’s food tours offer a delightful way to experience Iceland’s culture—through its flavors, stories, and local ambiance. Whether you’re a foodie eager to try fermented shark or a history buff curious about Icelandic legends, there’s a tour that will fit your style. For a balanced mix of tradition and tasting, we recommend booking early and choosing a tour that matches your interests and schedule. Now, all that’s left is to enjoy the delicious adventure awaiting you in Reykjavik.