Your Guide to Vegetarian Food in Iceland

Going on holiday as a vegetarian can sometimes be an element of stress that we’d rather not deal with. When you go to Iceland, though, there is no reason to be anxious at all. Finding vegetarian food in Iceland is as easy as finding sand on the beach. After reading this article, you’ll know all there is to know about the Iceland vegetarian experience.

Eating Vegetarian in Iceland

The main food industries in Iceland are centered around fish, sheep, and cattle. To most people, this doesn’t exactly scream “vegetarian-friendly”, but luckily that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Since Iceland is a volcanic island in the middle of an incredibly cold ocean in a cold part of the world, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that they need to import most of their food. Despite this, finding vegetarian food in Iceland is surprisingly easy as the demand for food diversity has completely exploded in the last couple of years.

A Few Vegetarian Go-to’s in Iceland

As the world embraces the vegetarian lifestyle more and more, Iceland has also adapted to be more accommodating. Luckily, we already had a few vegetarian favorites up our sleeve (without even knowing), but other traditional Icelandic dishes and treats had to be tweaked a bit to be enjoyed by our vegetarian friends. These are some of the vegetarian go-to’s here in Iceland:

Skyr

Skyr is almost an Icelandic staple that most compare to yoghurt, although it’s much creamier and thicker. Just like yogurt, it’s often enjoyed with granola, fruits, or honey, and packs a proper punch in the protein department. You can find Skyr in any of our local grocery stores. 

Rúgbrauð (Rye Bread)

Iceland’s Rye Bread is not your usual. Yes, it might be the same dark and dense health-conscious bread you eat back home, but ours has a little bit of extra Land of Fire and Ice magic to it. You see, our traditional Rye Bread is baked in the ground! 

Just like the volcanic activity on the island heats up our underground water supply and gives us hot springs, it also heats up dough buried in the ground and gives us delicious bread. The bread can be enjoyed with your usual butter, cheese, or jams or even be served with soups or salads.

Plokkfiskur (Mashed Fish Stew)

Yes, we hear you; fish stew doesn’t exactly scream vegetarian. But this traditional Icelandic dish is so incredible that we simply had to adapt it so our vegetarian brothers and sisters can also enjoy it. By replacing the fish with root vegetables and herbs you can get the same warm and hearty dish, perfect for those cold weather days. 

Harðfiskur (Dried Fish)

This is yet another Icelandic non-vegetarian classic that has been converted for all to enjoy. We now have a seaweed version of this popular snack, which has the same type of umami flavor and is growing in popularity (yes, even among non-vegetarians).

Vegetable Soups

This should go without saying. We mean, who doesn’t like soup?! And if you ever taste some of our island soups made from only fresh local produce, you’ll try to get a soup smuggling ring off the ground soon. You will find various flavors here in Iceland such as hearty vegetable and mushroom. Fridheimar Farm also has a tomato soup that is absolutely to die for! 

Vegetarian Dining in Reykjavik

The capital of this smoke show doesn’t have any beef with the ones who want to eat vegetarian food in Iceland. When you’re on holiday, “eating out” is the name of the game because, honestly, who wants to spend the day slaving away in the kitchen when you’re supposed to relax?

Vegetarian Restaurants

Pretty much every restaurant in Reykjavik will have a vegetarian option, but there is a difference between having an option and being a vegetarian restaurant. Below are some of our top picks for satisfying the plant-based cravings in Reykjavik.

Mama Reykjavik

This might be the best vegetarian food experience we have had in Reykjavik. Mama Reykjavik is more than just a restaurant – it’s an experience. This might sound like a cliché, but everything here is paired with music and art, which makes it appealing to not just your mouth and stomach, but also eyes and ears.

This restaurant is completely plant-based and serves delicious food fit for everyone in the family. The prices are not as astronomical as the venue might allude to. A main dish is around 20 USD, and the desserts and drinks go for roughly 10 USD.

Loving Hut

If the name didn’t already give away the main concept, Loving Hut is all about getting good vibes while eating vegan meals. Here, you can choose from a wide selection of soups, noodles, burgers, and delicious desserts at very affordable prices. Remember that there are two locations: one for Loving Hut and another for Loving Hut Vegan World Peace. They are about a 25-minute walk from each other but offer more or less the same thing.

For a standard meal, you won’t have to pay more than 16 USD, even if the look of the meals would suggest otherwise. The plating in this restaurant is above and beyond the price you pay, so you’ll be able to enjoy the meal with your eyes and your stomach. 

Eldur og Is

If you’re a fan of the good things in life, Eldur og Is will be a must-stop when eating vegetarian in Iceland. This crepe-café is an excellent stop if you plan on walking down Rainbow Street from Hallgrimskirkja and want to be rewarded with something sweet.

This is not a restaurant in the classical sense, but since it’s one of our favorites, it had to be on the list. The price point lies roughly between 10 and 30 USD per dish, depending on how extravagant you want the crepe to be. The coffee is great, and there is a massive selection of both vegan and gluten-free options.

Arabian Taste

Sometimes, getting something fast and robust is a must when bouncing between sights and entertainment. Arabian Taste is the perfect option to eat something quick or have a takeaway on your Reykjavik adventure. In this establishment, falafel in all its forms is available for vegetarian customers, and it is always delicious!

The price is on par with a fast-food restaurant, even though the food is a couple of levels above that. Expect to pay roughly 10 – 20 USD for a meal here, and don’t forget to take a good look at the many different sauces to find a nice match for your meal.

Unique Experiences for Vegetarian Food in Reykjavik

Iceland in itself is a unique experience, but there are two specific places you should try if you want to get something out of the ordinary in the capital.

Chickpea

A family-owned restaurant that does nothing but whole food and takes the versatile chickpea to its absolute creative limit. All meals are vegetarian and can be made vegan upon request. Chickpea also ferment some of their foods in-house, so keep an eye out on the counters for anything that might look extra delicious.

The prices are also reasonable, so you won’t have to break the bank to get a good meal at this family establishment. The prices vary between 10 and 20 USD per meal – well worth the money, in our opinion.

Kaffihúsið Garðurinn | Ecstasy's Heart-Garden

This small restaurant used to be the only pure vegetarian place in Reykjavik in the early 2000s. The family who runs Kaffihúsið Garðurinn all meditates with the spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy and aims to live in and create a peaceful atmosphere, something you can feel immediately as you sit down at the table.

The prices here are marginally higher than the previously mentioned restaurants. But the special aspect of this restaurant is that the menu changes every week. Expect to pay anything from 10 USD for the small soup and bread to 33 USD for a dish of the day + a soup. The restaurant also advertises free meditation resources for those who want to find some inner peace.

Vegetarian Highlights in the Rest of Iceland

Even though most of the Icelanders live in Reykjavik, there is an entire island to explore, and there is no lack of vegetarian food in Iceland as a whole. Below are some notable stops in different parts of Iceland that might help you on your northern adventure.

South Dining as a Vegetarian

Driving the south coast of Iceland is always a pleasure. Eating along the south coast of Iceland is almost as good.

Soup Company

The Soup Company in Vík is one of our favorite places to stop when doing a Ring Road 1 trip. The hearty vegetarian soups and the pasta are perfect after a long day of driving, and their home-baked bread is to die for.

They sport one soup and one pasta dish that are vegetarian, so check it out on the Soup Company website before you arrive to curb any unpleasant surprises. Price-wise, you should count on spending about 20-30 USD for a full meal here.

Midgard Restaurant

If you’re looking for good vibes and top-notch food on your south Iceland road trip, Midgard is a safe bet. Here, you’ll find a large selection of vegetarian and vegan meals for a reasonable price. Bear in mind that this is along the popular Ring Road 1, so the prices are slightly above average. The quality of the food is high, making this a spot for vegetarian food in Iceland that’s well worth the price.

Dining in the North of Iceland

When you’re gallivanting around the northern parts of Iceland, it’s important to know where to go for a good meal. The sights and the people in the north are amazing, and they have the food to match!

Naustið

A classic Icelandic seafood restaurant – with plenty of vegetarian options. When eating at Naustið in Húsavik, you can sit comfortably and look through the menu as there are multiple vegetarian and vegan options to choose from. The food style is the hearty Icelandic dishes, and it carries through to the vegetarian options too, which is a gift from above when it’s cold.

The pricing is reasonable, around 10 – 30 USD, depending on how much you eat.

Verbúðin 66 on Hrisey

This all-round establishment has a little bit of everything on offer. When eating vegetarian in Iceland, it’s nice when a traditional seafood restaurant puts the vegetarian options in a golden frame on their menu. It adds that little extra to the experience.

The food here is of the highest quality and sits perfectly well after the boat ride to the Island. A vegetarian main dish is around 20 USD at Verbúðin 66, so reasonably priced for a remote location in Iceland.

Eat Vegetarian in the East

East Iceland is tricky when it comes to specific vegetarian restaurants. This is the least populated and most rural area of the island, which unfortunately shows when looking for food in Iceland for vegetarians.

Gisthusid

The restaurant, Gisthusid, at the Lake Hotel in Egilsstadir, is the top pick for us on a road trip in east Iceland. So far, this is one of the few restaurants in the area that consistently provides high-quality vegetarian food with some variation on the menu.

Here, you can either go for an 85 USD three-course meal or pick single dishes for roughly 30 USD each.

Vegetarian Cuisine in the Wild West of Iceland

Heading out in the Wild West, either on horseback or in the front seat of a rental car, is always an adventure. Along the deep fjords and abundance of Puffins, you’ll find tasty vegetarian treats and stunning sights.

Heimabyggð

We never count on finding vegetarian-friendly restaurants in the Icelandic wilderness, but this restaurant has a special place in our hearts. The menu is continuously updated, and you can have pretty much every meal as a vegan alternative if you want to. Simply the best in the West.

You find Heimabyggð in Isafjörður, the capital of the Westfjords. The prices change along with the menu, but you won’t have to break the bank to eat here.

Bjargarsteinn Mathus

If you’re looking for a fine dining option in the West, look no further! Bjargarsteinn Mathus is a pricy experience in Grundarfjörður that can be worth the hole in the budget. The vegetarian meals are constant success stories, and everything is put together like little pieces of art on display.

Count on spending 32 USD and up for a meal here, and that is without drinks. However, if you are a food enthusiast, it will be worth it.

Grocery Shopping for Vegetarian Food in Iceland

Restaurants are all fair and game, but if you’re on the market to save a buck or two, cooking for yourself is a great option. So, restaurants work well, but is Iceland vegetarian-friendly for grocery shoppers? Absolutely!

Just like with the restaurants, you will have a virtual cornucopia of vegetarian choices in the supermarkets. The last decade has brought with it the possibility of eating vegetarian food in Iceland and not being stuck with just a handful of options.

Everything from meat substitutes to regular vegetables can easily be found at reasonable prices. There are a few main stores you should visit if you want quantity as well as quality.

Bónus is the most common supermarket in Iceland and can be found in all shapes and sizes all over the island. You don’t need a member card, and it is kind to your wallet.

The runner-up to Bonus is Krónan. Marginally harder to find but pretty much on the same level as Bónus. For a vegetarian in Iceland, Krónan has pretty much everything you could ask for, so it’s worth dipping into a store if you get the chance.

Netto serves as the cheaper option, with locations in the major towns rather than the rural areas. This is a quantity-over-quality kind of store, and is good if you’re thinking of camping in Iceland and want to buy bulk.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Unfortunately, budget and vegetarian protein rarely go well together, and Iceland is no exception. There are a couple of good and well-known options you can work with on your trip.

Eggs are often one of the cheaper options in Iceland for vegetarians. Boiling some eggs when you get the chance and keeping them with you will make a big difference in the long run, especially if you’re hitting long stretches of road.

Skyr is all the rage when it comes to eating vegetarian in Iceland. It’s something that resembles Greek yogurt, but is somehow a little different. It has a high-protein content without the usual high amount of fat, making it perfect as a healthy snack or breakfast.

If you want to go full vegan and plan on doing some cooking, there is a brand with a soy-based meat substitute called “Oumph!” that is easy to cook and works excellently with a store-bought sauce.

Lastly, when you arrive in Iceland, don’t scoff at the tax-free. This is probably one of the cheaper places to get a good haul of snacks for a reasonable amount of money.

Eating Vegetarian on the Road

When traveling around Iceland and having to eat vegetarian on the road, your main options will be snacks, restaurants, and gas stations.

In most countries, gas station food has a bad reputation, but this bubbly little island of fire and ice is different.

Gas Station Food

Since it’s so far between the towns here, the people of Iceland have leveled up their gas station game. This is not limited to pumping gas and pumping tires. When you step into a gas station in Iceland, you step into a friendly atmosphere of snacks, drinks, and a surprising amount of food.

If you want to dive into this sub-culture, order a “veggie pylsa með öllu” (veggie hot dog with everything). You are guaranteed to make someone’s day, and they will likely give you the most elaborate veggie hot dog of your life. Icelanders live for the hot dog with everything on, and that includes even the vegetarians.

What is common and appreciated is the vegetarian sandwiches at the stations. These range from simple lettuce with cheese and cucumber classics to extravagant slices of sourdough baguette with falafel, hummus, and the whole nine yards.

The best part of this is that it doesn’t matter which brand of gas station you visit – everyone will have pretty much the same options.

Honorary Mentions on the Road

Two more spots are too good not to mention before we start wrapping this up.

Friðheimar

When you drive along the Golden Circle in Iceland, there is a small place in Reykholt that is a must if you’re looking for a unique dining experience. The horticultural tomato farm and restaurant Friðdheimar offers tables in their growing house with food made from the plants you’re sitting next to.

Móss

If you are going to look for culinary experiences as a vegetarian, you should have a look at Móss restaurant at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. This is the only Michelin-star restaurant in the country that offers a complete vegan menu. There are two others, Dill and Óx, but they have a set menu and don’t accommodate food preferences.

Eating Vegetarian Food in Iceland – as Easy as Pie!

Whether you’re eating out or on your trip, you won’t have an issue with finding vegetarian food in Iceland. The grocery shops are all caught up with the world, and the restaurants are above and beyond. Being a vegetarian in Iceland is easy, and you won’t have to worry about it at all. All you need to do is to rent a car in Iceland and head out on your vegetarian adventure!