The Capital Region (Höfuðborgarsvæðið) of Iceland is the country's most populous and vibrant area, centered around Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital city. It encompasses seven municipalities including Reykjavik, Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður, Garðabær, Mosfellsbær, Seltjarnarnes, and Kjósarhreppur, together forming Iceland's cultural, political, and economic heart. The region blends dramatic volcanic landscapes, steaming geothermal pools, world-class museums, and a legendary nightlife scene unlike anywhere else on earth.
Top food tours
Guided experiences that show you Capital Region through its food.
Reykjavik Food Walk
Reykjavik's most popular food walking tour visits 6-8 food stops including the famous hot dog stand, Old Harbour seafood, artisan bakeries, and specialty food shops with a local guide providing cultural context for each dish.
Includes: Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hot dogs · Harðfiskur (dried fish) tasting · Artisan skyr · Smoked salmon sampling · Local bakery pastries
Kolaportið Market Culinary Tour
A guided tour through Reykjavik's beloved weekend flea market focused on traditional Icelandic foods — tasting hákarl (fermented shark), harðfiskur (dried fish), skyr, and other traditional products with a knowledgeable local guide.
Includes: Hákarl (fermented Greenlandic shark) · Traditional Icelandic dried fish · Handmade Icelandic bread · Local honey and preserves
Reykjavik Seafood Evening Tour
An evening culinary journey through Reykjavik's best seafood establishments, from the iconic lobster soup at Sægreifinn to sophisticated langoustine dishes at upscale harbour restaurants, with a local food journalist as guide.
Includes: Famous lobster soup at Sægreifinn · Fresh langoustine tasting · Arctic char preparation · Local schnapps pairing (brennivín)
Old Harbour Food & Culture Walk
A food and culture walk through Reykjavik's Old Harbour district combining food tastings at fisherman's shacks and restaurants with the history of Iceland's fishing industry and maritime heritage.
Includes: Fresh fish direct from the harbor · Lobster soup tasting · Icelandic fish cake (fiskibollur) · Harbor history
Tour formats
Different ways to experience Capital Region's food scene.
Street food tours
Hot dog and street food crawl from Bæjarins Beztu to harbor food stalls — best done independently with this guide
Market tours
Kolaportið weekend market tours with traditional food tastings of preserved and fermented Icelandic specialties
Restaurant tours
Evening multi-restaurant progressive dinner tours through Reykjavik's seafood and New Nordic restaurants
Specialty tours
New Nordic culinary workshops at Dill restaurant and other top venues; brennivín schnapps and craft beer tasting tours
Cooking classes
Take a piece of Capital Region home with you.
Icelandic Home Cooking Class
Learn to prepare 3 traditional Icelandic dishes including skyr dessert, lamb soup (kjötsúpa), and pan-fried fish with an Icelandic home cook in a local kitchen environment. Hands-on experience with locally sourced ingredients.
Icelandic Seafood Masterclass
A professional seafood cooking class at a Reykjavik cooking school teaching langoustine preparation, Arctic char techniques, and traditional fish cake recipes with a professional Icelandic chef.
New Nordic Kitchen Workshop
An advanced culinary workshop exploring New Nordic cooking philosophy — foraging, fermentation, and modern techniques using Icelandic ingredients. Run by chefs with connections to Reykjavik's fine dining scene.
DIY self-guided food tour
Create your own Reykjavik food tour with this self-guided route through the city's best food stops
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Stop 1 (9AM): Sandholt Bakery (Laugavegur 36) — rye bread, cinnamon rolls, and morning coffee
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Stop 2 (10:30AM): Bónus Supermarket — try Icelandic skyr, harðfiskur (dried fish) and browse local food products
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Stop 3 (12PM): Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (Tryggvagata 1) — the famous Icelandic hot dog with everything
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Stop 4 (1PM): Kolaportið Flea Market (weekends only) — browse food stalls for hákarl and traditional foods
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Stop 5 (2PM): Café Loki (Lokastígur 28) — try rúgbrauðís (rye bread ice cream) and traditional Icelandic plates
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Stop 6 (4PM): Sægreifinn Old Harbour — famous lobster soup and whale skewer
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Stop 7 (7PM): Messinn or Kopar — fresh Icelandic fish dinner for the full seafood experience
Foodie tips
Get more out of every meal.
Book cooking classes and evening food tours at least a week in advance — limited group sizes
The best free food tasting experience is shopping in Bónus supermarket and trying local products
Kolaportið weekend market is the best place to try traditional preserved Icelandic foods including hákarl
Ask restaurant staff about daily catch and seasonal specials — Iceland's fishing regulations mean quality is exceptional
Local food journalists and bloggers like 'Eat This Reykjavik' provide up-to-date restaurant recommendations