Last week I spent 4 days in Iceland! I had the most incredible trip and did not want to come home. Iceland is a magical place and the scenery is so beautiful! The food is also incredible, but traveling when you, or someone you know is a fussy eater can be a bit of a worry, so I really wanted to do this blog to help any fussy eaters or families with children going to Iceland soon. I stayed in downtown Reykjavik (close to the harbor and city center) and since we were bed and breakfast, we ended up eating out in the city a lot. Therefore, all the places I’m recommending are in the heart of the city and very walkable if staying in the downtown area. If you are going to Iceland, Reykjavik is a great base for your travels. It has quite a relaxed vibe and the some of the best shops to bring back little Icelandic nick knacks. Anyway, before I get carried away, let’s get to the food! All the restaurants and cafes mentioned in the post are places that I truly loved I would 100% return to. Be prepared to get hungry…
Cafe Babalú
(Skólavörðustígur 22, Reykjavik)
This is a little quirky cafe just opposite the Hallgrímskirkja church. It has very welcoming staff and an Oreo cheesecake that is literally to die for! It also offers hot food such as paninis, soup, savory crepes and lovely vegetarian options too (all fussy eater approved!). The hot chocolate is also very good…
P.S The decor is also extremely cool and comes complete with a star wars themed bathroom and a water hog head balancing a pretty teacup (the water hog is a soft toy!)
The Laundromat Café
(Austurstræti 9, Reykjavik)
Another quirky spot in downtown Reykjavik close to the parliament building. This café doubles as a laundromat (hence the name) and has an impressive downstairs area compete with both washing machines and Lego for kids to play with! The upstairs café had plenty of options for fussy eaters and foodies alike with burgers, toasted sandwiches, soups and more (P.S there is also a kids menu for little ones). There were also two jugs of flavored water set out for people to help themselves, the tap water is safe to drink in Iceland, a great money saver! This spot is perfect for any snack or meal of the day and is perfect for both kids and adults.
Harry’s
(Rauðarárstigur 33, Reykjavic)
This restaurant has something for everyone with pasta, meat and seafood dishes. They offer a creamy bacon and chicken pasta is you want some comfort food on a cold evening. The cheesy garlic bread and the great range of deserts also make this restaurant a must!
The Hamburger Factory (Hamborgarafabrikkan)
(Höfðatún 2, Reykjavic)
Although this is a hamburger restaurant it still offers a slice of Icelandic culture as it is a restaurant loved by Icelanders and tourists alike. Much like TGI Friday’s this restaurant likes to celebrate birthday’s so be prepared to hear some Icelandic voices over the tannoy announcing an unsuspecting individuals birthday followed by clapping and music (If it’s your birthday you get to pick a song played out across the restaurant). A word of warning if you like you like your meat well done - beef burgers are prepared medium rare – so ask in advance if this isn’t to your taste. Much like the Laundromat Café there is a kids menu and there is plenty of choice with a variety of buns and fillings.
Gamla Vinhusid Steakhouse (or the Old Vine house in English)
(Laugavegi 73, Reykjavic)
This steakhouse is just off the high street and is the Perfect place for steaks, burgers and pizza’s! There is even whale and horse steaks if you are traveling with someone who is prepared to try some different Icelandic cuisine. However, the beef steaks, pizzas and burger are fussy eater friendly and are very good indeed!
