Reykjavik: Evening Icelandic Food and Drink Tour

Trying to capture the true essence of Reykjavik beyond its stunning landscapes often means diving into its vibrant food scene. The Reykjavik: Evening Icelandic Food and Drink Tour offers a fantastic way to do just that—walking through the city’s central neighborhoods with a knowledgeable local guide, sampling authentic dishes, and enjoying Icelandic beers. With a stellar 4.9-star rating based on 59 reviews, this tour clearly hits the right notes for food lovers seeking genuine local flavors.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the insightful guidance from friendly, well-informed guides like Stevie, Bryndís, and Alfie who bring Icelandic culture alive through stories and food. Second, the tour’s focus on authentic venues—from cozy restaurants to famed street food stalls—delivers an immersive taste of Reykjavik’s culinary scene. Lastly, the mix of delicious food and local beverages, particularly their unique beers, makes for a well-rounded evening.

A potential consideration? The tour does not include hotel pickup or additional drinks outside the tasting stops, so you’ll want to arrive prepared for a relaxed, self-managed evening. Also, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, children under 18, or wheelchair users, which is worth noting if you’re traveling with family or guests with accessibility needs. This tour is an ideal pick for adventurous foodies eager to experience Reykjavik’s culinary highlights in a lively, social setting.

Key Points

• Authentic Icelandic cuisine served in local, off-the-beaten-path venues
• Engaging local guides who share stories and cultural insights
• Tastings include food and drinks, with a focus on beers and street food
• Group size fosters a friendly, social atmosphere
• Accessible for most travelers with wheelchair accessibility and skip-the-line entry
• Perfect for those wanting a relaxed, flavorful introduction to Reykjavik

The Reykjavik Food & Drinks tour is a well-curated journey through the city’s culinary landscape, designed for those who want more than just sightseeing. It’s a 3.5-hour walk that covers five carefully selected stops, each offering a taste of Iceland’s unique flavors. The tour begins at a recognizable meeting point in front of the Exeter Hotel—a spot marked by a yellow circle art—where your friendly guide, easily identifiable by their blue backpack, will greet you.

The Itinerary in Detail

First Stop: Authentic Icelandic Dishes
The tour kicks off with a visit to a cozy restaurant that offers a taste of Reykjavik’s most traditional foods. This might include favorites like Icelandic hot dogs or other local delicacies. It’s a great chance to start your evening with comfort foods, setting a relaxed tone while learning about Icelandic eating habits from your guide.

Second Stop: Local Beers and Bizarre Brew History
Next, you’ll visit a craft beer bar, where your guide will introduce you to Icelandic beers—some of which have a quirky history. Reviewers like Marian mentioned enjoying fun stories from their guide Stefan, who added a lively touch to the experience. Many guests appreciate the quality of the beer selection and the stories behind each brew, making it more than just a tasting but a lesson in Iceland’s brewing culture.

Third Stop: Famous Street Food
The tour then moves to a spot renowned for its street food. Here, you’ll sample some of the most iconic quick bites Iceland has to offer. Guests consistently note how these stops provide a true taste of Reykjavik’s local flavor, with some reviewers commenting that they felt they experienced the “real Icelandic experience” through these dishes.

Fourth Stop: Off-the-Track Culinary Gems
One of the highlights, according to reviews, is visiting slightly off-the-beaten-path venues. These places often surprise visitors with their warm ambiance and authentic menu offerings, further immersing you in local life. Our sources mention food being “interesting” and “delicious,” with some stops offering unique traditional dishes that aren’t found in the typical tourist spots.

Final Stop: A Cozy Bar or Restaurant with a Warm Atmosphere
The evening wraps up at a cozy venue where you might enjoy a glass of wine or another beverage of your choice if you prefer not to stick to beer. The emphasis on friendly, engaging guides—like the personable David, Bryndís, and Stevie—means you’ll leave with more than just a full stomach; you’ll get a richer understanding of Icelandic culture and gastronomy.

What Makes It Special?

The quality of the guides is a recurring theme in reviews. Stevie, Bryndís, and Alfie are praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and storytelling skills. As Lois shared, David was “very personable and very knowledgeable,” adding depth to the experience. Their ability to balance fun facts with genuine local insights makes the tour engaging for all.

The venues selected for this tour are notable for being authentic, with some slightly off the tourist trail, giving a more genuine feel of Reykjavik’s food scene. Guests often comment that the tour offers a good mix of well-known spots and hidden gems.

The food and drink tastings are another strong point. Reviewers like Tricia and Manuela appreciated the interesting and delicious options, from local beers to traditional Icelandic dishes. Many mention feeling they got an authentic, “real Icelandic experience” that’s difficult to replicate on their own.

Logistics and Value

At $170 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience that combines guided walking, food and drink tastings, and cultural insights. The inclusion of skip-the-line entry and a knowledgeable guide maximizes value, especially considering the quality of the venues visited and the amount of food and drink sampled.

This isn’t a hurried, rushed experience—it’s relaxed enough for conversation and soaking in the atmosphere while covering five stops. The 3.5-hour length strikes a balance, allowing enough time to enjoy each venue without feeling overwhelmed.

Group sizes tend to be small to medium, fostering a friendly environment where everyone can participate comfortably. The tour’s wheelchair accessibility and the option of a skip-the-line entrance make it more inclusive for diverse travelers.

What’s Missing?

While the tour includes a good range of Icelandic foods and beers, it doesn’t include hotel pickup or additional drinks outside the tastings, so you should plan to meet at the start point and bring some extra cash if you wish to purchase more drinks. It’s also worth noting that this tour isn’t suitable for children under 18, pregnant travelers, or those with mobility issues, as the walking can be moderate and venues may not be fully accessible.

This experience is perfect for adventurous foodies eager to taste genuine Icelandic dishes and beers. It suits travelers who enjoy meeting new people, sharing stories, and exploring local gems that aren’t on every tourist map. Given the emphasis on authentic venues and cultural insights, it’s ideal for those wanting a deeper understanding of Reykjavik’s culinary scene.

It’s especially valuable for visitors who prefer a guided experience that combines education and entertainment without feeling overly structured or touristy. If you’re arriving in Reykjavik and want a relaxed evening full of flavor, conversation, and local hospitality, this tour ticks all the boxes.

Final Thoughts

The Reykjavik: Evening Icelandic Food and Drink Tour offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of Iceland’s capital’s culinary scene. With friendly guides, carefully selected venues, and a wide variety of tastings, it provides an inside view into Reykjavik’s food culture that’s hard to match elsewhere. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or simply curious about Icelandic cuisine, this tour delivers value and memorable moments.

While it’s not aimed at families with young children or travelers with mobility needs, it’s an excellent choice for adults seeking a fun, informative, and delicious evening out in Reykjavik. For those eager to explore beyond the usual sights and indulge in local flavors, this tour offers a delightful, flavorful adventure.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour begins at a designated meeting point in front of the Exeter Hotel. You’ll need to make your way there on your own.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs for approximately 3.5 hours, making it a relaxed yet comprehensive way to spend an evening.

Are drinks included in the price?
Yes, the price covers food and drink tastings, primarily focusing on Icelandic beers and local specialties. Additional drinks are not included.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, though the walking may be moderate. It’s advisable to check with the provider if you have specific needs.

Can children join this tour?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 18, as alcohol is a part of the tasting experience.

What should I bring?
Bring outdoor clothing suitable for walking in Reykjavik’s weather, which can be unpredictable even in summer.

Do I need to pay upfront?
You can reserve your spot now and pay later, giving you flexibility in planning your trip.

To sum it up, this Reykjavik food and drink tour offers an engaging, authentic, and delicious way to experience the city. From knowledgeable guides to carefully chosen venues and tasty tastings, it’s an excellent choice for travelers wanting a meaningful taste of Icelandic culture. If you’re after a memorable evening filled with flavors and stories, this tour is definitely worth considering.