Reykjavík Food Tour: Traditional Dishes & Local Beer Walk

Summary

Taste real icelandic food sip craft beers walk reykjavík’s colorful streets

You’ll taste traditional Icelandic food (yes, even the legendary fermented shark), sample craft beers from around Reykjavík, and hear stories only locals know—all while wandering colorful streets with your guide. Expect laughter over pastries and hot dogs, unexpected flavors, and maybe a new favorite dish you never saw coming.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what fermented shark actually tastes like? I did—well, sort of nervously—until our Reykjavík food tour guide slid a tiny plate in front of me on Laugavegur’s rainbow street. The smell was sharp, like the sea after a storm, but everyone at the table just grinned and cheered each other on. I tried it (chewed fast), then chased it with a gulp of malty local beer. Not as bad as I thought! Our guide, Elín, laughed and told us how her grandpa used to eat it for breakfast. That’s Iceland for you.

We wandered through Reykjavík’s old streets as the sky kept changing its mind—sun one minute, drizzle the next. Elín pointed out little things I’d never have noticed: the way people leave their baby strollers outside cafés (even in winter), or how the parliament building looks more like someone’s home than a government office. At every stop there was something new—a flaky pastry with cardamom that reminded me of Christmas mornings, then later, a hot dog stand where locals lined up in the cold without complaining. I still think about that sweet mustard sauce. We tried more beers too; one tasted almost smoky, another was bright and citrusy.

I didn’t expect to feel so at home here. Maybe it was the way Elín greeted everyone we passed, or how she told us which bakery has the best cinnamon rolls (she was right). The last place had cocktails and some “secret dish” she wouldn’t tell us about until we’d tried it—I won’t spoil it, but let’s just say my friend still talks about it whenever we see anything pickled now. By the end my jacket smelled faintly of coffee and rain and fried fish. We said goodbye outside a mural that looked like something from a dream—colors everywhere. I guess that’s what this day felt like too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Reykjavík with food and drinks

• Walk past the famous rainbow street
• Enjoy traditional Icelandic food and local beer
• Have local pastries with coffee or tea
• Listen to guide's story behind the statue
• Try the famous hot dog stand
• Visit the best place for local fish and beer
• Hear historical facts about the parliament
• Enjoy best cocktails and a secret dish

Top questions

What foods do you try on this Reykjavík food tour?

You’ll taste traditional Icelandic dishes including pastries, fish, hot dogs, and even fermented shark along with local craft beers and a secret dish.

Is beer included in the Reykjavík food tour?

Yes, multiple tastings of Icelandic craft beers are included during the tour.

How long is the walk during the food tour?

The walk covers several stops around central Reykjavík including historic streets and landmarks; distances are easy for most fitness levels.

Does this tour include pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at a central location in Reykjavík.

Are vegetarian options available on this tour?

The reference content doesn’t specify vegetarian options; check with the operator if you have dietary restrictions.

Can children join this Reykjavík food tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

Are drinks besides beer provided?

Coffee or tea is included along with water at some stops.

What’s included

Your day includes all food tastings—from pastries to traditional dishes—a round of local craft beer samples plus coffee or tea where offered. Entry fees are covered if needed and your local guide shares stories as you stroll through Reykjavík’s lively streets before finishing with a cocktail and one last surprise bite.