Are you in the city on the prowl for quick eats? Reykjavík has plenty of options for hungry travellers looking for fast food. Whether you’re looking for a greasy burger or a filling noodle soup, you will be sure to find what you’re craving. In this article, we will list the best places for a quick bite in Reykjavík.
Rib-sticking burgers
Let’s talk burgers. With this subject, we can’t skip over Hamborgarabúllan. Búllan likes to keep things simple with a no-nonsense burger with beef, fresh vegetables, condiments, and freshly baked buns. Their concept is a winner, as is proven by the fact that this is one of the most popular burger joints in Reykjavík. If you like your burgers differently shaped, head to Hamborgarafabrikkan for juicy, square burgers. And you can follow real-time population growth in Iceland when you eat there, since they keep track of it on a big board in all their restaurants.
Cheesy pizzas
Next on the list: pizza! The best fast-food options for pizza in downtown Reykjavík are The Deli, Devito’s, and Flatey Hlemmur. The Deli is a small pizza place with a passion for Mediterranean cuisine located on Laugavegur. They only have seating for about six people, and a lot of people go for the takeaway option. A bit farther down Laugavegur, Devito’s is located. They serve delicious pizzas with a zesty sauce. Feeling more like fresh Neapolitan pizza? Then head to Flatey Pizza inside Hlemmur Mathöll for traditional pizzas made with simple, flavourful ingredients.
Hearty soups
On a cold winter’s day, there’s nothing better than a hot soup to warm you up again. Head to Noodle Station for a quick, tasty meal that won’t break the bank. Not only is it reasonably priced, their noodle soup is also filling and flavourful. Perfect for a short stop after a busy day. Ramen Momo is a cosy ramen bar close to Reykjavík’s old harbour. They produce their own organic noodles and use mostly Icelandic ingredients in their dishes. They offer a discount if you bring your own container.
Filling sandwiches
There are some excellent sandwich joints in downtown Reykjavík. Subway, the international sandwich chain, has several locations around Iceland and two in Reykjavík. You can go there to get your usual sub, but it might be more fun to try local concepts instead. Hlöllabátar, lovingly called Hlölli, has been serving flavourful subs for more than 30 year. The bread is baked fresh every day and the subs are topped with fresh Icelandic ingredients and a secret sauce.
No-fuss hot dogs
You will not have to tap into your reserves when you’re getting a hot dog in Iceland. Many people say you can get the best hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu, a small but very famous hot dog stand in the city centre. Just ask for “ein með öllu.” And yes, it’s the one where Bill Clinton ordered his famous hot dog. Reykjavík Street Dog on Skólavörðustígur, right by Hallgrímskirkja church, is one of the newest additions where you can get your hot dog fix. They serve a lamb, beef, and pork sausage in a bun with ketchup, special hot dog mustard, and cronions. A third solid choice downtown is Pylsuhúsið. Try the Icelandic Classic with raw onion, cronions, mayo, ketchup, mustard in the bun, and Icelandic hot dog mustard on top.
Let’s wrap it up
Time to wrap it up… literally! For the best falafel and kebab wraps, make a beeline for Mandi, serving the best Middle Eastern cuisine in Reykjavík. Their food is delicious and reasonably priced. Plus, they make, without a doubt, the best hummus in Iceland. Try Lamb Street Food for Icelandic lamb meat with a Middle Eastern twist. They focus on healthy, local ingredients without additives, and present these in refreshing combinations. On the menu are different homemade wraps with Icelandic lamb meat and other local ingredients such as Icelandic herbs and sea salt. They also offer vegan wraps with falafel and hummus.
Looking for something a bit more fancy? Read our guide to food halls in Reykjavík.
