Despite Iceland’s small population, we offer a wide variety of foods, and most people will find something to suit their diet. There are quite a few gluten-free options in Reykjavik, so you should find something that suits you.
Check out our blogs on the best breakfast places, seafood restaurants, steak restaurants, vegan and vegetarian restaurants, fast-food restaurants, best restaurants in Reykjavik and best restaurants outside Reykjavik for more options.
For people who are gluten-free for any reason, most grocery stores have gluten-free bread, cookies, chocolate, and more. As well as, of course, everything that doesn’t generally have gluten, such as vegetables, nuts, and meat (be careful about hot dogs, though most of them have gluten). Check out our blog on grocery stores in Iceland to see which one you would like to check out.
Bring your own!
If you are not sure you will be able to get what you want, you can bring up to 3kg (6.5 pounds) of food into the country. You can’t bring raw meat, dairy, or fruits and vegetables. But if there are non-perishable goods you would like to bring with you, by all means, do!
Heilsuhúsið – The Health House
Heilsuhúsið is excellent for finding organic and healthy produce and product. Their store is in the Kringlan shopping mall, but you can also shop in their online store.
They have a juice bar open every weekday between 11:00 and 16:30 and Saturdays between 11:00 and 16:00.
Heilsuhúsið
Kringlan Shopping Mall, second floor
Kringlan 1-3
103 Reykjavik
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10:00 – 18:30, Sat 11:00 – 18:00, Sun 12:00 – 17:00
Gluten-Free Friendly Restaurants
Apotek Kitchen + Bar
Apotek Kitchen + Bar is an exciting restaurant located in downtown Reykjavik. The restaurant is casual-smart, with delicious food in a lively atmosphere and stylish surroundings.
The menu features a fun mix of Icelandic and European cuisine and a smoking hot Argentine grill. Dishes are meant to be shared and enjoyed together. At the cocktail bar, you can get exciting artisan cocktails.
Apotek, located at Austurstræti 16, was one of Iceland’s first large concrete buildings. From 1930 to 1999, the building was known as “Apotekið,” or “the pharmacy,” because it housed Reykjavkurapotek.
Apotek Kitchen + Bar
Austurstræti 16
101 Reykjavik
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11:30 – 23:00, Fri-Sat 11:30 – 00:00, Sun 12:00 – 23:00
The Fish Market
The Fishmarket opened in a historic building in downtown Reykjavik in 2007. The owners, Hrefna and Ágúst are committed to providing high-quality products made from Icelandic ingredients in a welcoming environment.
The restaurant has a delicious wine bar, ideal for a quiet drink with friends or loved ones. Then, you can enjoy an excellent dinner in the hall or private room.
Fried mink whale, tuna taco, seafood soup, sushi, scallop, halibut steak, lightly salted cod, and more are available. Those who prefer meat steaks will not be disappointed.
The Fish Market
Aðalstræti 12
101 Reykjavik
Opening hours: Every day, 17:30 – 22:30
Old Iceland
The Old Iceland restaurant opened in 2014. The emphasis has always been on showcasing Icelandic produce and incorporating herbs and spices from Iceland’s mountains into their dishes. The restaurant is owned and operated by three brothers.
Old Iceland
Laugavegur 72
101 Reykjavik
Opening hours: Every day 11:30 – 15:30 and 17:00 – 22:00
Tapas Barinn
Tapas Barinn is a lively restaurant where traditional Spanish tapas meets the freshest Icelandic ingredients. It is in a cellar at Vesturgata 3 in central Reykjavik. TapasBarinn’s menu includes over 50 different meat, fish, and vegetable dishes, allowing you to take your time and experiment with different flavor combinations. The Icelandic gourmet feast, which is a great way to taste the best of Icelandic produce in one meal, is a must-try. The restaurant has been open since 2000 and is a local favorite.
Tapas Barinn
Vesturgata 3b
101 Reykjavik
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 17:00 – 23:30, Fri-Sat 17:00 – 01:00
Seafood Grill
The Seafood Grill is located on Skólavörustígur, between Hallgrmskirkja church and Rainbow Street. You can get fish of the day, shellfish pasta, salted fish, shellfish soup, grilled fish combo, deep-fried plaice, and more. Those who would rather have meat steaks than fish steaks can choose from, for example, beef tenderloin and cheek, leg of lamb, and lamb shoulder.
Seafood Grill
Skólavörðustígur 14
101 Reykjavik
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11:30 – 14:30 and 17:00 – 22:00, Sat-Sun 17:00 – 22:00
Honorable mentions: Gló, The Grill Market, Snaps Bistro Bar, Café Babalú, Kopar, and The Seabaron.
