Cheap Eats in Reykjavik - Meals for about 1000 ISK / under 10$

Looking for a cheap eat in Reykjavik? You’ve come to the right place. 

Known for its high prices, food in Iceland actually doesn’t have to be expensive if you know where to go.

While Reykjavik has its fair share of gourmet restaurants and chic bars, there’s plenty of foodie options for travelers on a budget. Learn more about what you’re eating and where you’re eating it on our tours in Reykjavík.

To help you save money, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite budget bites in Reykjavik. We’ve tried to keep all our recommendations around 1000 krona (under $10US), but sometimes you just have to treat yourself, spend a tiny bit more and enjoy some foodie delights.

Below are some of the best places to get a tasty, warm meal in Reykjavik without having to spend too much money:

Iceland is known for its hot dogs, and this legendary hot dog stands in Reykjavik has a legion of loyal and famous customers – Bill Clinton has even eaten here – and comes with a world-class reputation. The name, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, literally translates to ‘the best hot dog in town’, but what exactly makes them so special?

The hot dogs are boiled in pilsner beer and garnished with ketchup, sweet mustard, fried onion, raw onion and remolaði, a mayonnaise-based sweet relish. When ordering, make sure to ask for the ‘the works’ and get everything with your hot dog.  A hod dog+coke combo costs 700kr. For a slightly more than 1000 kr (about $8-9US), you can get two hot dogs and one Coke – what a bargain! 

Once the best-kept secret in Reykjavik, Noodle Station is now regarded as one of the top fast food places in all of Iceland. The chain has two locations in the city, one in Laugavegur, and another in Kringlan.

The restaurant specializes in authentic Asian soup, which comes in three varieties – beef, chicken or vegetable. Made from a secret recipe handed down through the generations, the hearty veggie noodle soup is the perfect winter-warming dish. A noodle soup dish with vegetables costs 960 kr (less than $10-US) and is a must-try when in Reykjavík.

In Reykjavik, it’s hard to find someone who dislikes Hlöllabátar! The eatery serves up some of the best subs and burgers around and is the perfect option for diners on a budget. The restaurant offers a great selection with lots of varieties of sub to choose from. The prices range from 950 to 1150kr, the more meat, the more expensive. Regular sandwiches are available for 600-800kr. 

All over, the one at Skúlagata has seats. Here you see all the locations. If there’s one thing that everyone in Iceland loves, it’s a bargain, and Dominos’ Þriðjudagstilboð, AKA the Tuesday Deal is one of the best. Every Tuesday, Dominos offer a medium size pizza, with three toppings, for only 1000 kr!

Open late and the purveyor of some of Iceland’s best fast food, Aktu Taktu is a great budget-friendly option for late night feasts.

The chain’s meal deals are always a hit with the locals (and when the locals like something, you just know that it’s good stuff!). On Tuesdays, customers can get one of Aku Taktu’s signature homemade burgers, fries and a coke for 1000 kr (about $8-9US). Vegans can also enjoy a tasty vegan-friendly burger, served with fried mushrooms, onion, BBQ sauce and vegan cheese (yes, such a thing exists!) for 1000 kr as well.

As you’ve probably guessed by the name, Reykjavik’s The Deli serves up delicious, hearty Italian fare. The Deli sells pizza by the slice and lots of tasty paninis, making it the perfect lunch option when sightseeing downtown.

Two slices of pizza cost 970 kr, and there is a nice selection of paninis for 1090 kr a piece. One of the cutest things about The Deli is that the chef grows all the herbs, oregano and basil and such at home. Check out their Facebook, it’s super personal and friendly – worth following even if you never make it to Reykjavik!

If you’re rushing back from an Icelandic day tour, or simply fancy a quick bite to eat, Reykjavik Chips is a great option and is located in the heart of the city. Here you can pick up cheap and cheerful chips and coke combo for only 950 kr, or a large portion of chips for 1050kr.  They’re both great deals if you ask me!

Another Icelandic classic! Nonnabiti is said to make the best subs in the world, but we’ll let you be the judge of that. Although subs are priced somewhat higher than our 1000kr budget (from 1599 kr), you’ll find other delicious options for a cheaper price as well. A small portion of fries costs 499kr, a ham sandwich is available for 999kr and cheeseburgers are offered for 1099kr.

Nonnabiti is popular with the after-hours crowds, who’ve finishing partying and want something tasty to eat. Generally, Icelanders are split into two groups – Hlöllabátar fans or Nonnabiti fans. Our advice is to try both and see which one lights up your taste buds!

The classic Subway sandwich has long been a favorite with foodies across the globe, and Iceland is no exception. Pick up the small sub of the day for only about 650 kr, ideal if you’re determined to stick to a tight budget or just fancy a quick bite. There are plenty of options (6-inch sub) available in a price range of  900-1100kr. The cheapest 12-inch sub is the Veggie, costing only 1089kr.

Mandi serves up a taste of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine right in the heart of Reykjavik. Mandi is a local favorite with their kebabs, falafel and hummus going down a treat.

A portion of Lebanese stuffed pitas with fries (Arias Maria) costs 650 kr, while a large portion of chips costs 750 kr. Falafel bowl starters are available for 650kr and the price of the falafel sandwiches is slightly higher then 1000kr, they cost 1100kr. Still perfect if you need to pick up some lunch on the cheap!

With a name like that, it’s pretty obvious what type of food you’re going to order here. Fans of American BBQ and homely southern cooking will be right at home in Dirty Burger & Ribs.

Customers can order anything from succulent BBQ ribs, juicy burgers and crispy chips. For diners on a budget, you can order six BBQ chicken wings for 1090 kr.

Dirty Burger & Ribs is known for its selection of craft beers and ice-cool milkshakes. If you plan on stopping by, make sure to order one of their vanilla milkshakes, which are priced at 990 kr (less than $10-US).

No trip to Iceland would be complete without some authentic Icelandic home-cooking. Icelandic Street Food is a small, inconspicuous cafe near City Hall, which is known for its deliciously hearty and 100% Scandinavian fare.

The menu is limited, but don’t let that put you off. Everything on it is simply amazing. The soups are served in warm bread bowls, and cost 1390 kr. If you fancy dessert after your meal, we highly recommend the Happy Marriage Cake, which is made from oats, brown sugar, homemade strawberry jam and served with freshly whipped cream – divine!

Speaking of dessert…

These tasty treats can be enjoyed as a standalone snack, an after-dinner dessert or as a meal on their own (we’re not judging)!

Chocolate connoisseurs rejoice! We’ve found the sweet shop of your dreams. Vínberið has been around since forever and is a little slice of heaven on Earth! The shop has hundreds of artisan chocolates, which are all displayed and on view in the shop.

If you fancy picking up some authentic Icelandic chocolate for family and friends at home, this is the place to find a souvenir or two.

This Belgian waffle truck is amazing! Picking up a waffle with whipped cream and jam for under 1000 kr (about $8-9US) is perfect for when you’re on the go, strolling through Reykjavík or after a long night out. The prices range between 590-890kr. At the weekend the truck stays open until 6 am – just in case!

Sometimes all you want is a great cup of coffee and a slice of delicious cake. Well, Café Haiti offers all of this and more! Situated next to Reykjavik’s marina, the cafe was founded in 2007 and offers coffee-lovers blends from Haiti, Turkey and even some local Iceland flavors.

When it comes to desserts and mouth-watering cakes, customers can choose from brownies, pancakes, chocolate cake, pecan pie, apple pie and an oh-so-wonderful cheesecake. Pancakes with cream, jam or chocolate are available for 600kr, sandwiches from 650kr, and a selection of cakes and pies for 950kr.

Want to grab a beer but still stay within your budget? Download the AppyHour app, available in the App Store or Google Play. There you can find all the pubs that have Happy Hour, they are always kept up-to-date and feature the best deals in town.

While you’re ‘researching, be sure to check out our guide to Icelandic beer. 

Skál! (Cheers!) 

Eat your way through Iceland’s capital on one of our Reykjavik Tours.

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