Viator Viator Travel Blog

When you think of great eating during your travels you probably think of France, or a great foodie town like New York or San Francisco. Maybe you dream of an authentic meal in India or Thailand. Really though, everywhere has got great food, even where you least expect it.

Even Iceland.

Iceland? Yes. Iceland.

Fishing is the country’s number one industry, and while the seafood is great, there’s plenty of diverse cuisine on the island. Iceland’s lamb hot dogs can’t be beat, we loved them, and we’re in good company. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton enjoyed the lamb hot dogs at Bæjarins Bestu. You can order up a “Clinton” and get exactly what the President preferred, a dog with just mustard.

For finer dining, there are lots of options in Reykjavik, but we enjoyed two relative newcomers to the scene, Salt and Vin Og Skel (in English, wine and shell). Salt had a fresh, tasty crab and tuna salad, and a fantastic homemade Amaretto ice cream. True to its name, each table gets three kinds of sea salt to taste with dinner. Vin Og Skel has amazing langoustines, and some great wines from around the world.

Never count a country out, good food can be had everywhere, even on a small volcanic island. Once you’ve had your fill, we recommend continuing the decadence with a visit to the Blue Lagoon, burning off those extra calories by exploring Iceland’s dramatic landscape or find your own things to do in Iceland.

– Tips provided by Kelly G, Viator’s marketing director, from a trip she took to Iceland with her husband in June 2006

For more information:
Bæjarins Bestu – Tryggvagötu 101, Reykjavik
Salt, Hotel 1919, Pósthússtræti 2, Reykjavik
Vin Og Skel, Laugavegi 55b, Reykjavik