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When planning my first journey to Iceland, I had no thought I’d spend a lot time eating within the many meals halls in Reykjavik. Very similar to a meals court docket, these meals halls encompass quite a few stands specializing in numerous cuisines, however right here, they give attention to regionally sourced Icelandic elements.
Not solely is the standard of the meals distinctive, however you’ll sometimes have dozens of choices to select from, it doesn’t matter what you’re craving. Anybody who has skilled my Reykjavik meals excursions can inform you that the town is making its mark as a best choice for foodies; its meals halls showcase this completely.
Let’s dive in and take you on a culinary journey to be taught in regards to the most interesting meals halls in Reykjavik with my failsafe information.
Hlemmur Mathöll
Photograph credit score: Hlemmur Mathöll
The primary meals corridor to kickstart this ever-growing pattern within the Icelandic capital is Hlemmur Mathöll. As soon as a bus station on the outer fringe of Downtown Reykjavik alongside the well-known Laugavegur, this constructing was transformed right into a meals corridor a number of years again and has thrived ever since.
After I arrived within the mid-afternoon, virtually each vendor appeared to be busy with hungry prospects. From the Vietnamese avenue meals stall to the drool-worthy gelato store, every stand had its personal distinctive decor that in some way complemented the meals corridor’s burgundy coloration scheme.
In case you’re not a fan of banh mi sandwiches and Italian ice cream, there are many different gastronomic delights awaiting you at Hlemmur Mathöll. As I made my approach across the meals corridor, I noticed all the things from French wine and cured meats to Icelandic lamb and Neapolitan pizzas.
My hankering for spicy meals gained out, so I went to Fuego, a taco stand serving L.A.-style Mexican fare. Their gambas tacos sounded sensational and have been served up rapidly with chipotle sauce and pineapple salsa.
I’m unsure which was extra spectacular: the umami, meaty shrimp, or the crispy, light-weight batter. Each have been unimaginable and enhanced by the refreshing, fruity salsa and the thick, smokey chipotle.
Hlemmur Mathöll (€€) – Laugavegur 107, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland – Open each day from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Grandi Mathöll
Photograph credit score: Grandi Mathöll
After spending the day taking up the enduring Golden Circle, my mates and I have been craving one thing healthful and hearty, so we determined to take a look at Grandi Mathöll. It’s situated close to the harbor reverse the Harpa constructing, making it one of many extra scenic Reykjavik meals halls.
I beloved the open-plan design of Grandi Mathöll, as the excessive ceilings and expansive home windows gave it a recent, industrial vibe. This corridor was full of communal wood tables and excessive stools. Nevertheless, had the solar come out, I might have most well-liked to dine on the benches exterior.
Grandi Mathöll had a fairly hefty lineup of eateries. Along with the jap choices of Indonesian, Korean, Indian, and Nepalese meals, there have been European stalls boasting menus stuffed with pizzas, pasta, and Icelandic favorites.
It’d been a number of days since I’d indulged in some contemporary fish, so I headed in the direction of the small however bustling Frystihusid stand. After a couple of minutes of queuing, I ordered a portion of their best-selling fish and chips, which each second buyer gave the impression to be ordering.
The fish of the day turned out to be cod, and it was completely flaky with delicate flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth batter. Alongside the fish was a serving of thinly reduce, frivolously salted fries, which have been simply as crunchy and satisfying.
Grandi Mathöll (€€) – Grandagarður 16 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland – Open each day from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
Pósthús Meals Corridor & Bar
Photograph credit score: Pósthús Meals Corridor & Bar
Pósthús Meals Corridor & Bar within the metropolis middle is among the many newest additions to Rekyjavik’s meals corridor scene and has already made fairly an affect. The identify is a nod to the submit workplace that after operated on this constructing, although you’d by no means guess its humble beginnings while you stroll inside.
Each vendor appeared like they have been working a pint-sized restaurant somewhat than a meals stand. I beloved how stylish Italian eateries stood subsequent to Asian haunts with neon signage and vibrant lights. Each nook of Pósthús was energetic, giving the meals corridor a incredible ambiance.
After ambling previous every of the stalls, I couldn’t assist however assume that this may be a great spot for teams who couldn’t agree on one delicacies. Whether or not you’ve been dreaming about burgers and sushi or steak sandwiches and bao buns, you’ll discover one thing to your liking.
As an avid fan of all these meals, I had a somewhat tough time selecting what to eat. Regardless of altering my thoughts virtually a half-dozen occasions, I made a decision to go for a burger on the buzzing Yuzu stand. A protracted line had fashioned right here, so I took this as a testomony to how scrumptious the meals was.
Their menu was intensive, however the kimchi Rooster burger instantly jumped out at me. It is a must-try if you happen to like your meals with somewhat warmth! Juicy hen, spicy kimchi, and a barely bitter scorching sauce; I savored each final chunk of this burger.
Pósthús Meals Corridor & Bar (€€) – Pósthússtræti 5 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland – Open each day from 11:30 am to 11:00 pm
Hafnartorg Gallery Meals Corridor
Photograph credit score: Hafnartorg Gallery Meals Corridor
I occurred to come across Hafnartorg Gallery Meals Corridor close to the Harpa live performance corridor by probability, and I’ve been planning my return go to ever since. This hub for Scandinavian, southern European, Latin American, and Asian cuisines brings collectively flavors from all corners of the globe.
With its seafront views and modern decor, this fashionable meals corridor in Reykjavik is definitely among the many most subtle within the metropolis. Hafnartorg’s number of stalls consists of each eating places and bars, and it felt like a spot the place I might simply hang around for the night.
Lots of the common suspects could be discovered right here, like pizzas, burgers, and tacos. If these aren’t your factor, I additionally seen a handful of spots serving the likes of Hawaiian poke bowls, skyr-topped waffles, and distinctive noodle dishes. Briefly, there aren’t many cuisines I didn’t discover right here!
The latter caught my eye, so I strolled over to the tile-covered Black Dragon for a greater take a look at their menu. A bowl of their steaming scorching ramen was precisely what I used to be craving, so I ordered the pork stomach model.
To my delight, this dish was a feast for the senses, and the odor of the candy spring onions and tangy black garlic was sufficient to make my mouth water. That being stated, the agency and salty noodles and the way they paired with the wealthy, fatty pork stomach have been merely divine.
Hafnartorg Gallery Meals Corridor (€€)– Geirsgata 17, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland – Open each Monday to Wednesday from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm, Thursdays from 11:30 am to 11:00 pm, Fridays from 11:30 am to 12:00 am, Saturdays from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am, and each Sunday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Borg29 Mathöll
Photograph credit score: Borg29 Mathöll
Not like many of the meals halls in Reykjavik on this record, Borg29 Mathöll is situated within the monetary district, somewhat exterior the town. Had I been staying within the space, I in all probability would have visited right here quite a few occasions. Nonetheless, it was positively price making the journey out of the middle.
Borg29 Mathöll continues to be fairly new, having opened in 2021, however its enviable roster of meals joints and upmarket vibe have put it on the map. As a result of it’s fairly compact compared to different spots on this record, it feels extra like a various restaurant than a meals court docket.
For a small meals corridor, it presents some elegant foodie choices. Whether or not you need to bask in Icelandic delicacies or tuck into classics like do-it-yourself pasta and Center Japanese-inspired wraps, you gained’t be in need of alternative at Borg29 Mathöll.
I wasn’t overly hungry, so I used to be in search of one thing that wasn’t too heavy however nonetheless substantial. At Alles, which had a remarkably numerous menu, I noticed Icelandic lamb soup on the menu. This sounded proper up my alley, and it was additionally an area dish I’d but to attempt.
After a number of spoonfuls, this meal cemented itself as one in all my favourite Icelandic specialties, together with the nation’s beloved scorching canines. The savory broth, earthy beets, and gentle potatoes mellowed out the grassy, strong lamb chunks. It was paired with crusty, tremendous comfortable sourdough.
Borg29 Mathöll – (€€) Borgartún 29, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland – Open each Monday to Friday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm and each Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Conclusion
You don’t must flock to the most effective eating places in Reykjavik to safe some tasty Icelandic and cross-cultural fare. In fact, lots of my favourite meals from my visits to the Icelandic capital have been in a few of these pleasant meals halls in Reykjavik!
Meals courts are sometimes considered a spot for no-frills quick meals, however this isn’t essentially the case on this Nordic nation. Reykjavik’s meals halls show time and time once more that it’s potential to take pleasure in high quality, do-it-yourself grub in informal, grab-and-go settings.
