The Vegan and Vegetarian Guide to Reykjavik

For vegetarians and vegans, food is usually the first thing you think about when planning a trip. What can I actually eat there? Is there real choice, or will I be picking at side salads for a week? When it comes to Reykjavik, the answer is genuinely encouraging.

Over the past decade the city has grown into a serious food destination. The restaurant scene has expanded well beyond lamb and fish, and plant-based eating has moved with it — not as an afterthought, but as a proper part of how the city eats now.

Reykjavik has always done good food. What’s changed is the range. Fine dining menus lean on fresh Icelandic ingredients and international technique, and that same creativity has found its way into vegan and vegetarian cooking. Whether you’re staying for two nights or two weeks, you won’t go hungry.

Plenty of restaurants here offer vegetarian and vegan dishes as standard, and a growing number have dropped meat entirely. Short visit, long tour, self-drive around the Ring Road — the plant-based options are there if you know where to look.

This guide covers the best of what Reykjavik has to offer: where to eat, what to order, and which grocery stores to hit before you leave the city.

Tips for Vegan & Vegetarian Dining in Reykjavik

• A Flourishing Scene: Reykjavik boasts a thriving vegan and vegetarian food scene, with nearly every restaurant offering plant-based options and several dedicated to this cuisine.

• Grocery Convenience: Stores like Kronan provide a wide selection of vegan products, making it easy for travelers to stock up, particularly before heading out into the countryside.

• Diverse Options: From casual street food and cozy cafés to chic dining spots, Reykjavik caters to all budgets and preferences.

• Plan Ahead: Popular vegan and vegetarian restaurants often require reservations, so booking a table in advance enhances your dining experience.

• Food Tours: Participate in food and drink tours to discover local plant-based cuisine while enjoying the city’s unique flavors.

Eating Vegetarian and Vegan in Iceland

These days, nearly every restaurant in Iceland carries at least a couple of vegan options. Grocery stores have caught up too — the variety of vegan products on the shelves has improved noticeably. If you want to get into the local food culture properly, a dedicated vegetarian food tour in Reykjavik is worth considering.

Members of the Guide to Iceland VIP Club can benefit from exclusive discounts and special offers at various eateries, further enriching their dining escapades.

If your accommodation has a kitchen, cooking some of your own meals is a solid option — especially on a self-drive tour. Pick up groceries at the start and you’ve got flexibility for the days ahead.

Where to Buy Vegetarian and Vegan Food in Iceland

All of Reykjavik’s major grocery stores carry plant-based products, but Kronan is the clear standout. The range is genuinely impressive — vegan meat substitutes, dairy alternatives, baked goods, fresh produce. It covers most of what you’d need.

Iceland isn’t cheap, and many visitors grocery shop to offset restaurant costs. Kronan makes that easy for plant-based eaters without much compromise on quality or choice.

If you’re heading out of the city — particularly in a rental campervan — stock up before you go. Vegan options thin out fast once you’re in rural Iceland. Kronan stores also exist in Akureyri, Vik, and Reydarfjordur, but Reykjavik’s selection is unmatched.

Top 5 Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants Reykjavik Offers

These restaurants serve exclusively vegetarian or vegan food — good choices if you want a meal where plant-based isn’t just a section of the menu.

Chickpea

Right in the city centre, sharing a building with the Kronan supermarket, Chickpea is a family-run place that gets things right without making a fuss about it. The menu is built around the chickpea in various forms — their falafel in particular draws consistent praise. Prices are reasonable by Reykjavik standards, and the atmosphere is relaxed enough that locals keep coming back.

Vegan World Peace

An award-winning vegan restaurant in a building dating to the 1860s. The food is upscale pan-Asian — Korean Noodles, Mapo Tofu, beautifully put together. A good number of dishes are gluten-free. It’s a local favourite and books up, so plan accordingly.

Loving Hut

A short walk from the city centre, Loving Hut does affordable, filling vegan food. Soups, salads, all-you-can-eat buffets — it’s not trying to be fancy, and that’s exactly the point. Good value, consistent, and popular with people who actually live here.

Mama

On Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping street, Mama runs a fully plant-based menu that pulls from Icelandic ingredients and international cooking at the same time. Seasonal, sustainability-minded, and genuinely welcoming.

Kaffihusid Gardurinn | Ecstasy’s Heart Garden

Going strong for two decades now, and still one of the best vegetarian spots in the city. The menu changes weekly, prices stay low, and the daily vegan soup is a reliable highlight. A comfortable, unpretentious place.

Top 10 Restaurants with Vegan and Vegetarian Menu Options in Reykjavik

Not every meal needs to be at a dedicated plant-based restaurant. These ten places have strong vegan and vegetarian options — useful when you’re eating with a mixed group.

• Litli Barinn: A delightful neighborhood bar with a charming atmosphere, serving vegetarian small plates and a selection of vegan-friendly fare.

• Fjallkonan: A restaurant harmonizing traditional Icelandic cuisine with modern dishes, offering a thoughtfully crafted vegan menu.

• Himalayan Spice: Located at the Old Harbor, this spot is famous for its vegetarian and vegan-friendly Nepalese dishes, although dessert options are limited.

• Kopar: Situated near the old harbor, Kopar offers an array of plant-based options, including a remarkable vegan tasting menu.

• Reykjavik Kitchen: A modern, cozy restaurant that mixes Icelandic traditions with contemporary flair, offering excellent vegetarian and vegan dishes.

• Hosiló: This tiny gem changes its menu weekly, providing a fresh dining experience with vegetarian options that often cater to vegan diets.

• Salka Valka Kitchen: Located near Hallgrimskirkja, this inviting spot serves a mostly vegan menu of delicious dishes.

• Kruska: A vibrant diner inspired by Indian vegetarian cuisine, offering generous vegan portions and a rotating daily menu.

• MatBar: Known for its innovative seasonal dishes, MatBar features exciting plant-based options in a trendy setting.

• Sumac: With a Michelin nod, this restaurant stands out for its Middle Eastern and North African culinary influences, showcasing a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Best Vegan and Vegetarian Cafés in Reykjavik

For breakfast, brunch, or something light, Reykjavik’s café scene has you covered. Here are five worth knowing about:

• The Laundromat Café: Enjoy a delicious vegan brunch in a charming diner setting. Also, laundry services are available, making it a unique spot to refresh your wardrobe.

• Grai Kotturinn: This iconic café offers delicious breakfast and brunch options, including vegan hummus and vegetable bagels.

• Kaffihus Vesturbaejar: A popular local café providing tasty vegan and vegetarian meals, conveniently close to cultural landmarks.

• Deig: Specializing in vegan bagels and homemade pastries, Deig is a delightful spot for an affordable treat.

• Emilie and the Cool Kids: Renowned for the best vegan pastries in the city, this café serves delightful treats alongside Deig’s famous bagels.

Best Vegetarian and Vegan Street Food Spots

Need something quick? These street food spots around Reykjavik do plant-based without any fuss:

• Saffran: A fast-food chain offering healthy choices, including a tasty vegan wrap and a kid-friendly menu.

• Lamb Street Food: Despite its name, this eatery serves delicious vegan falafel wraps and various plant-based salads.

• Mandi: Popular for its Syrian cuisine, Mandi offers excellent vegan options like falafel wraps and bowls, and is open late into the night on weekends.

• Black Dragon: With a fusion of French and Asian cuisine, this spot is known for its unique offerings, including delectable vegan dumplings.

Does Reykjavik Offer Enough Vegetarian and Vegan Options for You?

If this has you thinking about a food tour, it’s a good idea — just check with the organiser that they accommodate vegetarian and vegan diets before you book.

From a quick falafel wrap to a Michelin-recognised tasting menu, Reykjavik handles plant-based dining better than most European capitals. It’s got to the point where omnivores are ordering off the vegan menu by choice. That’s usually a decent sign.

FAQs About Vegan and Vegetarian Food in Reykjavik

• Is it hard to find vegan and vegetarian food in Reykjavik?
  No, Reykjavik features a blossoming plant-based food scene with numerous vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants.

• Which grocery stores have the best vegan food selection?
  Kronan is the top choice for an extensive range of vegan groceries.

• Are there budget-friendly vegan restaurants?
  Absolutely! Restaurants like Chickpea and Loving Hut provide delicious meals at reasonable prices.

• Do I need reservations for vegan restaurants?
  For popular spots like Vegan World Peace and Sumac, it’s advisable to make reservations, especially during peak times.

• Are there vegan options available outside of Reykjavik?
  While options may be limited in rural areas, stocking up at grocery stores like Kronan can be beneficial.

• What traditional Icelandic foods are vegan-friendly?
  Adaptations of traditional dishes like rye bread and pickled vegetables are available, with many restaurants offering vegan takes on local cuisine.

• Are there vegan-friendly food tours in Reykjavik?
  Yes! Many food tours cater specifically to vegetarians and vegans, showcasing the city’s culinary landscape.

Get Ready to Dine Out in Reykjavik

Reykjavik’s vegan and vegetarian dining scene covers a lot of ground — neighbourhood cafés, budget street food, and proper fine dining all in the same city. Check our restaurant reviews before you go and you’ll have a shortlist ready on arrival.

We update this guide regularly as new places open and menus change. If you’ve eaten somewhere worth knowing about, drop it in the comments below.