Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland and is located on the coast, surrounded by nearby hills. Find out about Iceland’s Viking history at the city’s National and Saga museums and visit the attractive, concrete Hallgrimskirkja church. Get a real vista of the city and its surroundings from the top of the rotating Perlan glass dome. Head to nearby Grindavik to enjoy relaxation in the geothermal Blue Lagoon Spa. For remarkable sculpture, visit the Sun Voyager, a striking steel boat sculpture overlooking the sea. Of interest to note, Reykjavik is the only capital city in Western Europe without a McDonald’s outlet or a Starbucks. It is also the only capital city in the world to house a puffin colony. While Reykjavik can tend to be expensive in some respects, dining on a budget is still available at some of the cheapest restaurants in Reykjavik, Iceland. Scroll below to see our top picks.
1. Mandi
Mandi was opened in 2011 and is run by a Syrian family, serving traditional Syrian cuisine at affordable prices. The restaurant soon became popular with locals and visitors alike. You can choose from a range of kebabs and chicken, lamb, or fish shawarma for just under 10 USD and up. Falafel is available for 9 USD, while Mandi chicken, lamb, and fish dishes are priced at 12 USD and up. French fries and salads are also available as well as a range of drinks, coffee, and tea.
Mandi
Address: 3 b, Veltusund, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Website: Mandi
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 2am; Fri - Sat: 10am - 6am; Sun: 11am - 2am
2. Nonnabiti
Nonnabiti is a colorful and friendly fast food restaurant in Reykjavík serving delicious burgers, fries, and subs along with their unique Nonni sauce. There is also a choice of buffet vegetables and other traditional Icelandic food available in the restaurant. All dishes are 10 USD and under. The restaurant is a popular spot for those partying the night away over the weekends.
Nonnabiti
Address: Hafnarstræti 9, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Website: Nonnabiti
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 2am; Sat: 11am - 5:30am (closed on Sun)
3. Aktu Taktu
Sumartilboð í fullum gangi! ?? Ostborgari og kók á aðeins 999kr! Bættu við frönskum á 299kr. *Hægt að fá veganborgara ?
Posted by Aktu Taktu on Wednesday, 14 August 2019
Aktu Taktu is a typical fast food restaurant in Rejkjavik, reminiscent of McDonald’s and offering delicious burgers, hot dogs and French fries, as well as milkshakes and ice cream. Menu items are mostly priced 14 USD and up, which in Iceland is reasonably cheap. Meals can be enjoyed in the restaurant or can be prepared for customers to take home.
Aktu Taktu
Address: Stekkjarbakki, Reykjavík, Iceland
Website: Aktu Taktu
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 8am - 12am; Thu: 8am - 1am; Fri: 8am - 4am; Sat: 10am - 4am; Sun: 11am - 12am
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4. Hlölla Bátar
Við tökum vel á móti þér á Bíldshöfðanum alla daga til 22:30. Um helgar opnum við klukkan 10:00. Á virkum dögum opnum við klukkan 8:00.
Posted by Hlöllabátar/Hlölli - Hinn eini sanni on Sunday, 30 June 2019
Hlölla Bátar is a popular fast food restaurant which from the outside closely resembles an American diner. Located in Reykjavik, they serve a good range of sandwiches, subs, burgers, French fries, sodas, and other fast food menu options for 10 USD or less per item. There is also a vegetarian sub and other suitable options for vegetarians on the menu. The restaurant is located right in the heart of the city in Ingólfstorg Square, close to all the action.
Hlölla Bátar
Address: 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Website: Hlölla Bátar
Opening hours: Sun - Thu 10am - 2am; Fri - Sat: 10am - 5:30am
5. Kaffi Vinyl
Kaffi Vinyl (Vinyl Bistro) is a cafe, bar, and record shop in Hverfisgata, close to the main Laugavegur shopping street. Listen to records while enjoying a snack, burger, salad, coffee, or drink. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. Music on sale includes vintage grooves, classic albums, and electronica. There are live performances and DJs in the cafe at night. Enjoy a range of sandwiches, subs, salads, and other dishes for 10 USD or more, surrounded by a great musical vibe.
Kaffi Vinyl
Address: Hverfisgata 76, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Website: Kaffi Vinyl
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 3pm - 11pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 11pm
6. Cafe Babalu
Posted by Cafe Babalú on Monday, 5 August 2019
Cafe Babalú offers a colorful and quirky décor, as well as tasty, simple home-made comfort food, such as soups, paninis, salads, desserts and coffee. They also serve a range of home-made cake, such as carrot or chocolate cake. Visitors can sit downstairs or on the upper floor, where they can people-watch from the windows. The owner hails from New York City and is always happy to chat to visitors to his new home town.
Cafe Babalu
Address: Skólavörðustígur 22, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Website: Cafe Babalu
Opening hours: 8am - 10:30pm (daily)
7. Noodle Station
The noodle soup served at Noodle Station is popular with both locals and visitors. There are three variations available – beef, chicken and vegetables – cooked up with a selection of secret ingredients. There are two branches in Reykjavik – one in downtown and the other in Hafnarfjordur. The restaurant is owned by a Thai native, Charin Thaiprasert, and the recipes have been handed down by his grandmother. Prices range from 7 USD to 12 USD.
Noodle Station
Address: Laugavegur 103, 101 Reykjavík (1 other location)
Website: Noodle Station
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 10pm; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 10pm
8. Ramen Momo
The september vegan ramen! ?Vegan tonkotsu [soy milk- mushrooms tare] ?Sweat potato ?Been sprouts ?Bok choy ?Mayu oil ?Available from the 5th of september
Posted by Ramen Momo on Tuesday, 4 September 2018
Ramen Momo was founded by ramen chef Kunsang Tsering and his Icelandic wife in 2014. It is considered to be the only ramen station in Iceland. The restaurant aims to support the local market, buying fresh ingredients locally wherever possible. They are also eco-friendly and sustainable and offer a discount to any customer bringing their own containers. There is also a range of Korean tea, beer, and other drinks on offer. Menu prices range from 7 USD to 16 USD and dishes include meat, fish, vegan, and vegetarian options.
Ramen Momo
Address: Tryggvagata 16, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Website: Ramen Momo
Opening hours: Mon: 5pm - 10pm; Tue - Fri: 11:30am - 3pm; 5pm - 9pm; Sat: 12pm - 9:30pm; Sun: 1pm - 9pm
9. Krua Thai
Posted by Krua Thai Skólavörðustígur on Sunday, 31 July 2016
Krua Thai is a casual Thai restaurant located in downtown Reykjavik. The restaurant serves large portions at an affordable price. There is a good selection of Thai curries and noodles with crunchy vegetables and plump prawns served either in the shopfront or the upstairs restaurant. The family restaurant is located next to the harbor and food is available to eat in-house or to take out. Prices range from 5 USD to 10 USD.
Krua Thai
Address: Skólavörðustígur 21, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Website: Krua Thai
Opening hours: 11:30am - 9:30pm (daily)
10. Durum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Durum on Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Durum is a new Turkish restaurant located in the heart of downtown Reykjavik. The restaurant aims to serve simple but delicious dishes at an affordable price. Durum serves breakfast, soups, salads and sandwiches, including doner kebab, grilled mozzarella, smoked salmon, and Indian chicken. There is also a range of pizzas available on the menu. Customers can enjoy a piece of cake and Turkish coffee in the restaurant. Prices range from 8 USD for a serving of Greek yogurt, up to 24 USD for a pizza.
Durum
Address: Laugavegur 42, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Website: Durum
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
Enjoy affordable eats in Reykjavík
Explore the streets of this modern, bustling Icelandic city, visiting the museums, gazing at art and sculpture and window-shopping, and making sure you take a break to experience the taste of the country’s cuisine and a variety of international dishes and fast food at some of the cheapest restaurants in Reykjavík, Iceland.
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