Where can you find affordable eats during your stay in Iceland's capital? Where can you eat delicious but cheap food in Reykjavík? Discover the top 10 cheap restaurants in Reykjavík.
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Being an island with an extremely small population which relies heavily on imported goods and raw materials, Iceland is a relatively expensive place to visit. Thankfully, eating cheaply in Reykjavík is more than possible, though it does take some navigating and prior knowledge of where the best deals are to be found.
If you’re on a budget or, hell, just broke, there are still some eateries in the capital that balance delicious menu options with affordable prices, meaning you can enjoy your stay in the city without becoming lightheaded with hunger.
Reykjavík has something for everybody; that is, of course, unless your favourite dining establishments happen to be McDonald's or Burger King which are nowhere to be found in Iceland.
International cuisine is prevalent and varied whilst traditional Icelandic food is readily available and authentically prepared. If fine dining isn’t your cup of tea, the numerous street vendors will surely tempt you with an easy to prepare snack without pulling too hard on the purse strings.
10. Mandi
Mandi is a corner shop and small restaurant in the centre of Reykjavík, with a menu designed for the traveller on a budget.
Since opening in 2011, it has consistently delivered on its promise to provide authentic Syrian food for a reasonable price, serving a wide range of shawarma, falafel and hummus dishes that are affordable, filling and delicious. There is some casual seating within Mandi, but meals can also be ordered to go.
The family-run business has a reputation for warmth and hospitality, in spite of being a small fast-food venue. It also caters for larger groups for great value, making it a perfect place to consider for those having a wedding, party or similar event in Iceland’s capital.
No doubt due to its centrality in the city, Mandi tailors much of its business to those spending a night out on Reykjavík’s bustling bar scene. As such, it is trendy amongst locals, who know it as a reliable place to fill the stomach and stave off a hangover.
Because of this, however, it is not always open during the day, so check the opening times below to ensure you don’t miss out on your affordable and sumptuous falafel wrap or chicken shawarma.
- See also: Nightlife in Reykjavik
Address: 3b, Veltusund, 101 Reykjavik
Opening Hours: Mon-Weds: 10AM-2AM
Thurs: Closed
Fri: Midnight-6AM
Sat: 11AM-6AM
Sun: 11AM-2AM
9. Devito’s Pizza
Devito’s first opened its doors in 1994, offering the people of Reykjavík their chance to indulge in quick and easy, delicious pizza slices. Back in the day, Devito's was housed in an outside compartment only a few square metres in size, providing just enough room to shield their customers from the harsh Icelandic elements.
Ten years later, in 2004, Devito’s moved only a few metres up the road into its current premises at 126 Laugavegur, just off Hlemmur Square. Advantageously situated in the direct eye line of the city’s commuters, Devito’s does a healthy business, especially on the weekend nights when patrons sit inside in a hungry bid to sober up.
Address: Laugavegur 126, Reykjavík
Opening Hours: Mon - Sun: 10.30AM-2AM
8. Krua Thai Cuisine
Credit: Krua Thai
This choice is not quite to the glorious standards of Ban Thai, but cheaper, and therefore has earned itself its place at the end of this list. Having lived on a Thai island for a few months, I hold a special place in my heart for the country’s delicacies and, I must say, Krua Thai does not disappoint.
One of the best things Krua Thai offers is a large variety of menu options; patrons can choose from classic dishes like Thai-styled Panang, Pad Thai, Tempura and spicy noodles. The restaurant also has takeaway and delivery options and accepts walk-ins without prior booking.
Given the reviews—and my own personal experience, of course—Krua Thai has an excellent reputation for its friendly customer service.
Address: Skólavörðustíg 21a, 101 Reykjavík
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 11.30AM-9.30PM
Sat: 12PM-9.30PM
Sun: 5PM-9.30PM
6. Bio Borgari
Bio Borgariis a new burger joint in Reykjavík, adding further passion to the nation’s penchant for sizzling beef patties. Unlike other fast food outlets across the city, however, Bio Borgari specialises in offering a healthier alternative, using only products that are either organic or have been sustainably farmed.
In 2015, two cuisine-loving brothers, Vífill and Ýmir, went looking to find a location for their new burger restaurant. Two years on, the brothers’ commitment has paid off, with a new Reykjavik restaurant now formally opened for business.
In true organic style, the brothers were responsible for almost every aspect of the new establishment, from the ingredients used and the cooking methods, to the restaurant’s interior decoration.
This attitude towards health and entrepreneurship comes from the brother’s childhood; "Using ingredients grown organically, for us, is the default way to show nature and the resources that Mother Earth has. We can not just take, we must also give back so we can create balance, be constructive and live in harmony with the environment.”
- See also: Iceland's Troubled Environment
Address: Vesturgata 12, 101 Reykjavík
Opening Hours: Mon - Tues: Closed
Wed - Fri: 11AM–2PM, 5PM-9PM
Sat: 12PM-9PM
Sun: 12PM-5PM
5. Grandi Mathöll
Credit: Grandi Mathöll
Grandi Mathöll is a street-food hall in the funky Old Harbour district of Reykjavík. It prides itself on its diversity of dishes and the authenticity of its traders, and seeks to rejuvenate Iceland’s street-food industry.
At Grandi Mathöll, you can get everything from traditional Icelandic lamb and smoked meats to Vietnamese delicacies, revitalising soups and juices to gastro-style takeaway food. There is also an ever-changing pop-up truck, where up-and-coming chefs with a passion of street-food bring a brand new flavour to the hall.
There is a range of prices throughout Grandi Mathöll, though most are very reasonably priced for Reykjavík. The food hall is particularly recommended to groups and families with a diverse range of dietary desires or requirements, as no-one will have to compromise and everyone can grab a plate from their favourite menu.
Address: Hverfisgata 76, 101 Reykjavík
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 11AM–11PM
Sat - Sun: 11AM-10PM
4. Café Babalu
Credit: CurryStrumpet
Café Babalu is known for many things; its eccentric and eclectic interior decor, its surprisingly delicious cheesecakes and its hospitable staff and atmosphere. The cafe has two levels, leaving plenty of seating room; the decoration does, however, make the establishment appear smaller than it is, leaving a cozy, some-might-say claustrophobic, atmosphere.
Café Babalu is instantly recognisable from its bright yellow paintwork, artistic exterior and its second-floor balcony. People travelling to and from the Hallgrímskirkja church, Reykjavík's most iconic landmark, will almost certainly pass it, making it an excellent stop off for a light lunch. Besides scrumptious desserts, the cafe also serves sandwiches, soups and coffees.
- See also: Gay Iceland | All You Need to Know
One drawback of Cafe Babalu often cited is its small menu. Visiting the cafe more than three times during your visit will most certainly exhaust it., but that’s not to say your enthusiasm will diminish. Quality over quantity, after all. Cafe Babalu is also known as an LGBT-friendly cafe; the owner Glenn Barkan opened the cafe in 2004 after moving to Iceland to marry his longterm boyfriend.
Address: Skólavörðustígur 22, 101 Reykjavík
Opening Hours: Mon - Sun: 11AM-11PM
3. Hlemmur Mathöll
Credit: Hlemmur Mathöll
Hlemmur Square is the central bus station of Reykjavík, and for years the space was barely utilised. Finally, in 2017, a long awaited food hall was introduced and met with great enthusiasm: Hlemmur Mathöll.
Hlemmur Mathöll provides a range of different flavours from ten different vendors, much of which can be bought at a reasonable price. For example, Brauð & Co. is an artisan bakery that serves a range of rolls and cakes; La Poblana focuses on Mexican tacos; Báhn Mí provides Vietnamese street food; and Jóm Frúin serves Danish-style open-faced sandwiches.
If travelling on a budget, you are likely to be using the bus service anyway, so why not break up your travels with a delicious bite to eat, with vendors tailoring to all members of your party?
Address: Laugavegur 107, 105 Reykjavík
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 8am-11pm
2. Noodle Station
Credit: Noodle Station
Noodle Station is an incredibly popular stop off for guests and locals alike, serving large and cheap portions of one of Asia’s signature dishes; Noodle Soup. More than anything, Noodle Station is authentic, a family run restaurant owned by Thai national, Charin Thaiprasert. According to urban legends, his noodle soup recipe has been in the family for generations.
The soup at Noodle Station quickly became something of a national treasure upon the restaurant’s opening in 2009 and is available with either beef, chicken or vegetable—plus, of course, a handful of secret ingredients.
One minor issue with Noodle Station is the establishment’s size. Given its popularity, finding a seat to eat your soup can be easier said than done.
Address: Laugavegur 103, 101 Reykjavík
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 11AM–10PM
Sat - Sun: 12PM–10PM
1. Ramen Momo
Credit: Ramen Momo
Ramen Momo is dedicated to providing Reykjavík with such culinary treasures as ramen, dumplings and many other delicious delights.
In regards to taste, texture and presentation, Ramen Momo is authentic to its roots, having been founded by Kunsang Tsering and his wife Erna Pétursdóttir, in 2014. The venture paid off, making waves immediately across the city, and even finding some diehard fans abroad (the restaurant was given a glowing review by The Washington Post.)
The four major dishes Ramen serves are as follows: Ramen noodles, Udon noodles, momo dumplings and steamed bun sandwiches. Conscious of both the environment and healthy eating habits, the restaurant boasts the only organic noodles in the city—noodles they make themselves—the ingredients for which are all sourced locally.
Ramen Momo will even offer a price discount for those who bring their own containers to the establishment, thus saving plastic and a pretty penny.
Credit: Ramen Momo
One point should be made clear with Ramen Momo; this is a tiny noodle station, with indoor seating for approximately eight people only. There are sometimes a further two seats outside, but all in, Ramen Momo is something of a standing-room, grab-and-go type deal.
That does nothing to deter anyone from the reasonable prices, however; one could order a Tonkotsu soup with Ramen noodles and pork for 1890 ISK. Alternatively, one could buy a Kimchi Salad for less than a 1000 ISK, or eight pieces of Japanese pan-fried Gyoza for 1690 ISK.
In 2017, the couple opened Ramen Lab Reykjavik, a store that furthered the franchises’ devotion to Asian fusion by selling organic noodles, soups and Japanese cooking utensils. This includes wooden spoons, origami paper, ceramic bowls and traditional chopsticks.
Address: Tryggvagata 16, 101 Reykjavík
Opening Hours: Mon - Saturday: 11.30 AM–2 PM, 5.30 PM - 9 PM
Sunday: Closed.
Written by Mike Chapman
