If food is your compass, Reykjavik won’t disappoint. This 3-hour tour is built around traditional Icelandic food and stops in the heart of the city, with a special add-on on weekends: the Reykjavik Flea Market food stalls. You’ll eat your way through local favorites while your guide ties the plates to Icelandic culture, not just calories.

What I like most is how much you pack into a short walk. First, the tour leans hard into authentic Icelandic flavors, including a standout shark tasting that many people remember. Second, the guide is trained—graduates from the tour guide school in Iceland who can explain what you’re eating in plain, interesting ways.

One drawback to plan for: it’s outdoors and it involves walking between stops. If the weather is nasty (Reykjavik does that), you’ll want real layers and shoes you trust. Also, the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, so you’ll be starting on your own at the meeting point near Ingólfstorg Square.

Key highlights worth circling

• Weekend Flea Market food stalls: extra local energy when the weekend market is running
• Handpicked traditional stops: you’re not just hunting—your guide brings you to the right places
• Shark tasting is a memorable moment: a bold Icelandic item you’ll actually get to try
• Trained English-speaking guides: graduates from the Iceland tour guide school who know how to teach while entertaining
• Food plus beverages, including alcohol: part of the experience is paired drinks with your tastings

Reykjavik food that actually feels local

Reykjavik is packed with places to eat, but it’s easy to miss what’s truly Icelandic if you only rely on menus and vibes. This tour is designed for the opposite problem: you don’t have to decode Icelandic food culture on your own. Your guide takes you to a sequence of local tasting spots, then talks you through what you’re tasting and why it matters.

The “authentic” part isn’t just marketing language. You’re sampling traditional Icelandic food, and the pacing is built around small bites so you can try more than one kind of specialty without feeling like you need to power through a heavy meal.

And then there’s the weekend twist. When the timing lines up, you get to add the Reykjavik Flea Market’s food stalls. Even if you’re not a flea-market person, the food scene there is its own small slice of local life—less formal, more curious, and very Reykjavik.

Getting oriented: meeting at Hlöllabátar by Ingólfstorg Square

Your starting point is outside Hlöllabátar (the sandwich shop) facing Ingólfstorg Square, with the two tall stone pillars nearby. CenterHotel Plaza is to your right, and there are benches, tables, and a covered ceiling where you can wait out bad weather.

This matters more than you might think. Reykjavik can move fast—streets look similar, and winds can make walking unpleasant if you’re fumbling around. With a clear landmark and a sheltered waiting area, you can arrive, get your bearings fast, and focus on the fun part: eating.

If you’re trying to spot your group, guides are usually in a light blue jacket with Your Friend in Reykjavik on the back. Show up about 5 minutes before the start time so you don’t feel rushed.

How the 3-hour walk works from stop to stop

This isn’t a sit-and-listen tour. It’s a steady rhythm: short strolls between tasting locations, then guided tastings where you can actually talk with your guide and ask questions.

You’ll be moving on foot through the central area, with several short stretches—think about 5 to 15 minutes between stops—so the total walking time stays manageable. That pacing is good because it keeps you engaged while still letting you taste at a human speed. You’re not sprinting between restaurants, and you’re not stuck standing in one place for the whole time.

Also, the tour is designed around repeated tastings. That’s a smart way to handle Icelandic food, because some items are strong, salty, or rich. Instead of overcommitting to one dish, you get variety and context across multiple stops.

The tastings: what you’ll actually be eating

The tour is built around food tasting at several handpicked locations. The key point: you’re not just getting one snack and a vague story. Your guide brings you to traditional Icelandic food stops, with tasting portions that let you compare flavors across the country’s style of cooking.

One detail that really stands out from past guests: the shark tasting tends to be a highlight. Iceland has a long relationship with fish and seafood, and shark is one of those foods that can sound intimidating until you taste it. On this kind of tour, you don’t just get the bite—you also get the explanation that makes it easier to appreciate.

Beyond that single standout, the common theme is variety. You’ll see the Icelandic approach to ingredients and preservation, and you’ll learn how local foods show up in everyday eating. If your goal is to check off Icelandic “must tries” without spending a whole day researching restaurants, this tour is structured to make that easy.

The Reykjavik Flea Market food stalls (weekend-only bonus)

If your visit lines up with the weekend, this tour adds a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market food stalls. This is one of the best ways to experience Reykjavik like a local rather than like a checklist.

Why flea market food is so worthwhile: it tends to feel less staged. You’re dealing with smaller vendors, more personality, and a menu that reflects what’s popular that day. It also gives you a different pace than the more formal restaurant stops—more curious, more spontaneous.

Timing matters here. The flea market component is available during weekends, so if you’re traveling on a weekday, you won’t count on that extra stop. But even without it, the core tour is still focused on traditional Icelandic tastings.

Your guide makes the difference: trained and animated

A lot of food tours claim local knowledge. This one puts a clear emphasis on guide training: guides are graduates from the Iceland tour guide school, and they’re there to entertain and educate at the same time.

What that means for you in real life is simple. You won’t just get facts dropped like trivia cards. You’ll get explanations in a way that helps you make sense of what you’re tasting—especially for foods that aren’t common back home.

And because the guide is with you while you’re eating, you can ask questions on the spot. That’s a big advantage. Food makes people curious, and you don’t have to wait until you’re back at your hotel to find answers.

Drinks included: plan around beverages and alcohol

Beverages are included, and the tour also includes alcoholic beverages. That’s part of the value, and it can turn a tasting into a more social, relaxed experience.

Just plan smart. If you want to drink less (or not at all), be ready for the fact that alcohol is included as part of the tour offering. Bringing that preference into your mindset helps—so you don’t end up feeling pressured halfway through.

On the flip side, if you’re the type who enjoys trying local pairings, this is a plus. Reykjavik’s food culture doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and drink pairings can help you understand how locals enjoy these foods in context.

Dietary needs: how flexible is it?

The tour states that they do their best to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies. That’s good to hear, because Icelandic menus can include ingredients that are common locally but harder for visitors with specific needs.

Practical tip: when you book, make sure you communicate your needs clearly and early. Don’t assume a standard accommodation will cover your exact situation. If your restriction is severe, it’s worth being extra explicit.

Also remember: this is a tasting tour. Even if you can’t have one item, you’ll likely still be able to enjoy other stops. The key is making sure the guide knows what you need before tastings start.

Price and value: is $147 for 3 hours fair?

At $147 per person for a 3-hour experience, this isn’t the cheapest option in Reykjavik. But it also isn’t a bare-bones snack-and-stroll.

Here’s the value equation I see:

• You get multiple food tastings rather than one meal.
• Beverages are included, including alcoholic beverages.
• You have a professional guide who is trained and speaks English.
• All taxes and fees are included in the price.

So you’re paying for convenience and guided access. In a city like Reykjavik, that matters. If you tried to replicate this on your own, you’d spend time figuring out where to go, how much to order, and how to compare traditional foods without either missing key items or eating too much of the wrong thing.

The tour also avoids hotel pickup, which helps keep things simple and keeps the schedule tighter. If you’re comfortable meeting at a specific landmark and walking between stops, the price starts to make more sense.

Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)

This is a strong match if you want:

• Traditional Icelandic food without doing heavy research
• A guided explanation of what you’re eating (not just tasting)
• A chance to try a memorable item like shark
• A weekend add-on at the flea market if your dates line up

It’s less ideal if:

• You hate walking in cool, windy weather
• You need hotel pickup and don’t want to manage meeting points
• You want a fully alcohol-free experience and would rather pay for a customized itinerary (this one includes alcoholic beverages)

If you’re a first-time visitor who wants a compact, local-food overview, I’d treat this as one of your best “set-piece” experiences.

Quick practical tips before you go

Bring real outdoor clothing. Weather-appropriate layers aren’t optional in Reykjavik. You’ll be outside while moving between stops, and you’ll likely stand for small amounts of time while waiting to taste.

Also, arrive hungry. This is a food tasting tour, but tastings still don’t feel satisfying if you’ve already had a big meal. If you’re tempted to snack right before, hold off and let the tour feed you.

Finally, keep your pace flexible. The walk is not long, but the tasting breaks are part of the rhythm. If you’re trying to squeeze sightseeing right before and after, leave breathing room so you don’t feel rushed.

Should you book this Reykjavik food tour?

I’d book it if you want a guided path to traditional Icelandic food in the center of town, with enough tastings to feel like you learned something—not just ate something. The weekend Reykjavik Flea Market option is a real bonus, and the shark tasting is the kind of Icelandic item that’s hard to work into a normal meal plan.

I’d hesitate if you strongly dislike walking outdoors or you’re worried about drink content. Because beverages (including alcohol) are part of the package, think about what kind of experience you want—relaxed and social, or strictly controlled and quiet.

If you’re unsure, check your travel dates first. If your weekend lines up, you get more for the same 3-hour time. If not, you still get a focused, guide-led food route that’s aimed at giving you the Icelandic flavors you came for.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?

The tour lasts 3 hours.

Where does the tour start?

You meet outside Hlöllabátar, facing Ingólfstorg Square and the two tall stone pillars.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, the live tour guide speaks English.

Does this tour include food tastings?

Yes, food tasting is included.

Are beverages included?

Yes, beverages are included, including alcoholic beverages.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Does the tour visit the Reykjavik Flea Market?

On weekends, the tour is able to visit the Reykjavik Flea Market food stalls.

Can dietary restrictions or allergies be accommodated?

They do their best to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies.

What should I wear?

Wear weather-appropriate clothing. Reykjavik weather can be unpredictable, and you’ll be outside during the walking parts.

What is the cancellation policy and refund window?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Winter Ice Cave + Climbing Private Photoshoot – 20 Shot PackageAskja & Holuhraun, Super Jeep Day Tour from Lake MyvatnThe Cave ExplorerTop-Rated Family Rafting-Warm Drysuits, Volcanic Canyon, Epic Fun