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The 17 best ice cream shops in Reykjavik
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedFeb 25, 2025
Updated • updatedFeb 25, 2025
When you think of Reykjavik, you might picture stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and a rich history. But what many don’t realize is that this charming city is also a haven for ice cream lovers. From traditional homemade treats to innovative flavors, Reykjavik's ice cream scene is as diverse as its breathtaking surroundings. Whether you're strolling along the picturesque harbor or exploring the colorful streets, there's always a perfect scoop waiting for you to discover.
The Wanderlog team is passionate about uncovering the best local spots, and Reykjavik's ice cream shops are no exception. With a mix of beloved classics and exciting newcomers, these shops offer something for everyone. Imagine indulging in creamy gelato made with Icelandic ingredients or savoring a unique flavor crafted with care. So, grab your friends or family, and get ready to explore the sweetest side of Reykjavik!
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We scoured through the internet and read through 11 reputable sites and blogs like The Culture Trip and Perlan. We gathered all the results in one place and ranked them by how many times they were mentioned so you know you're getting the best of the best. Just look for the "mentioned by" tags on each place like these: 
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Ice cream shop
Food and drink
Valdís is a popular ice cream shop in Reykjavik that has been a local favorite since it opened in 2013. It offers a wide variety of innovative and unique flavors, with some inspired by customer suggestions. The shop is known for its experimental options like beer and curry ice cream, as well as more traditional choices such as chocolate and peanut butter.
Valdís is an absolute gem for ice cream lovers! The variety of unique flavors and creamy texture make it a standout spot.
I tried their local flavors and they were deliciously rich and perfectly balanced. The waffle cones are freshly made and add that extra layer of indulgence.
The ambience is cozy and inviting, and the staff are friendly and helpful when recommending flavors.
Whether you're strolling by or craving a sweet treat in Iceland, this place is a must visit. Highly recommend!
Elias ( — Google review
I tried the pistachio, dubai chocolate and rye bread ice creams and all of them are so rich in flavor!! A great place to go if you're craving sweets even in the cold 🍨
Tasty ice cream or sorbets
Unique flavors including some you will only find in Iceland such as black licorice and rye bread. Fresh made waffles or in a dish. Also has quite a few vegan sorbets. Tasty stop.
Valdís is one of the colourful ice cream places I’ve ever been to! 🍦 The variety of flavors is amazing – from classic favorites to unique, creative ones you won’t find elsewhere. The texture is creamy, the taste is bit different but good. The staff is friendly and patient, happily letting you sample before you decide. Eggless options were also available.
The vibe of the place is cheerful and cozy, making it perfect for families, friends, or even a solo treat.
Lots of flavors, which they let you sample. I tried the salted liquorice, which is definitely unique and made well too. However, we decided to share the melon and strawberry gelato, which you can taste both. I would come back here next time!
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Great service
Loved the flavors
We chose to mix the mango and caramel pecan flavor .. LOVED It
The attitude of the lady behind the counter was horrible. I went with my wife wanting to buy their ice cream. We requested to try the flavors and was was told that my sample quota is up on 2nd try.(First try: Pistachio, 2nd try: Rye bread). *Both flavors are horrible*. After asking, I was told that 1 person is only entitled to try 2 flavors. Even if you share the sample, you are also considered tried the sample. So end up, me and my wife only try 2 flavors and we ended up buying the chocolate flavor ones. We went there seeing so many videos on social media recommending it. But honestly, I will not recommend this store at all.
This is not ice cream, artificial sweeteners and flavors. The strawberry one tastes like bubblegum, and pistachio ice cream should not give light in the dark. There’s an Italian one in the center that is waaaaaaaaay better.
5332+CC7, Grandagarður, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland•
Permanently Closed
affordable
Ice cream shop
Cafe
Joylato is a unique ice cream shop located inside Mother Knows Best, a health food store in downtown Reykjavik. Inspired by the teachings of Indian guru Sri Chinmoy, the bright shop features his quotes and books on its walls. What sets Joylato apart is that it freezes its ice cream with liquid nitrogen right in front of customers' eyes.
What can I say, we loved this place the first time so we came back the next day for seconds. I’ve noticed some poor reviews but we had a great experience. The workers were super friendly and spoke great English. My wife loves crepes and this place did not disappoint. We got the salted caramel crepe topped with caramel corn gelato and it was the perfect mix of savory and sweet. We also tried the lemon sugar crepes with fresh strawberries. The gelato flavors we tried were passion fruit/mango, berry, and salted caramel. They also have some gluten free and vegan options on the menu. It has a nice little atmosphere too. Now we are just hoping we can make time to go back before we head home.
Travis K — Google review
Everything is gluten free! Vegan options available. Cute little restaurant specializing in Nitrogen frozen ice cream, crepes (sweet and savory) and hot drinks. Amongst other baked goods. As a celiac, I was very excited to find this place. Even my gluten-loving better half loved his crepe.
Super delicious. Vegan options. Only had the ice cream, but it was amazing. Free samples. Hope to try the crepes (sweet and savory). Fantastic staff. Definitely stop in if you're in the area!
Superb! Such a nice place. The hot chocolate is to die for. They have a lot of Vegan options. Also Vegan crepes which are the best I ever had. The place is cozy and nice staff. Well located, just off the big street in Reykjavik. Best place to warm up while there is a snow storm outside.
This ice cream store is nicely located close to the main pedestrians street in Reykjavik.
The ice cream has an exotic taste and is well worth trying out if you’re a big ice cream fan.
- Free WiFi
We ate at this place way too often on vacation, but couldn't help it! The vegan options are plentiful and varied and we didn't have a single bad thing. I very highly recommend getting the avocado lime gelato - is one of the best ice creams I've had in my entire life. I got it repeatedly! I got it on top of a vegan lemon sugar crepe which was just superb. I tried the chocolate, hazelnut, banana crepe and it was very decadent and rich. The spinach, tomato, avocado crepe with pesto was great; hearty and satisfying for a great (for Reykjavik) price. The staff are super friendly, too. We tried other ice cream places in town, but nothing else came close.
Probably the best lactose free ice cream I've ever had! The had options for different types of milk and they made it right in front of you! They do amazing mixed flavours. I got the avocado and lime and the Mrs got the recommended salted caramel by the waitress. It's at the bottom of a hill, very cute, very unique. People watching from the window as you can see in the pic!
Colourful and charming place to get some vegan in gluten-free food. Excellent coffee and Chai. They have wonderful gelato and crepes. Peaceful music playing.
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affordable
Ice cream shop
Located in the heart of Vesturbaer, Ísbúð Vesturbæjar is a popular ice cream shop adored by locals and tourists alike. The cozy establishment offers a wide variety of traditional Icelandic ice cream flavors as well as innovative gelato-style creations. During the summer, long lines form outside the shop, with patrons eager to sample their creamy soft serve and decadent sundaes.
A favourite of Icelanders and a must go if you’re in town! The selection of toppings is huge and it is mixed with a ice cream(that feels a bit like frozen yogurt)!!
Pedro A — Google review
Must visit place for trying the best Icelandic Ice Cream in Reykjavík. They have so many different toppings and the Ice Creams tasted really good. The milk chocolate sauce with the Vanilla & Strawberry flavored Ice Creams was so delicious. Also they offer different cup sizes to choose from. Along with Ice Creams they also have different Milk shakes options.
Cool place that serves icecream in many forms and shapes.
Young staff that were very efficent end help ful.
No place to sit there so be ready for taleaway.
Must go! This is one of the best, of not the best ice cream places in town.
The best thing to order is "þeytingur" = a soft ice cream shake with your choice of 3 candies/fresh berries/sauces blizzed in it.
Just be mindful of the sizes, they are surprisingly big as the tower of ice cream will rise above the cup's edges. 😋
The size in the picture is extra small.
one of my favorite treats to get while in iceland was the blizzard from this shop! the portions are huge so you likely will want to go with the smaller size unless you’re planning to share. you can choose any three toppings/mix-ins but my choices were daim pieces, black licorice and m&ms. you pretty much can’t go wrong with anything though. you can’t leave iceland without trying one of these treats!
Excellent quality, was busy even quite late into the evening!
Awesome ice cream! You can get a cup or a cone with toppings in either a milk-based or cream-based ice cream or get a thick shake/mix in where they mix the toppings in. The portions were generous and prices what you would expect and it was all delicious.
Amazing ice cream and great service 🙏🏾 definitely will be back!
42WP+8X9, Hagamelur, 107 Reykjavík, Iceland•
affordable
Ice cream shop
Brynju ís, a renowned ice cream company originally from northern Iceland, has been serving its handmade ice cream since 1939. The business expanded to Reykjavik in 2016, maintaining the same traditional recipe at both locations. Customers can enjoy a variety of toppings and sauce combinations with their choice of cornet or ice cream pot. The portions are generous, offering up to three mix-ins and sizes ranging from small to extra-large.
Huge portions with up to 3 fun mix-ins. The small is 1/4 liter, medium 1/2, large 3/4 of a liter, and there are even larger sizes. It's not cheap, but it's so worth it. The ice cream by itself isn't special or anything, but tastes so good with the mix-ins. Fun atmosphere and fun experience. Went a few weeks ago after going to the other shop in Akureyri on the Ring Road trip.
Samuel R — Google review
The worst service, I don't know if young girls have hormonal changes. They spoke Icelandic with me when I clearly don't speak Icelandic. They gave me the wrong ice cream and didn't even bother to change it. Bad shakes and ice cream, don't waste your money there
Great place for a quick snack
Just perfect. Top service with a welcoming feel to it. Everything tidy and looked wonderful.
The taste of the icecream was simply surperb in all regards.
Cant recommend too highly if you are looking for a cold and tasty treat for you or the whole family.
Staff were friendly but the ice cream had frozen chunks in it. My partner had vanilla cream dipped in chocolate which was nice but there are better places for ice cream in Vik!
This place is my favorite ice cream shop! The coconut and vanilla ice cream ( wich are vegan) are my favorite! I usually get a "bragðaref" with these ice creams and candy! Tastes amazing, if you go to Iceland or live there this place is a must!
Fun ice cream stop for the kids.
Good ice cream but the prices have gone up by a lot and a baby “bragðarefur” is 990 kr instead of 790 kr. There used to be a lot of vegan options, with clips to identify what was vegan. It has now been removed and i noticed that they do no clean the icecream machine that blends everything together like they used to, it could be really bad especially for people with allergies etc. painted over the beautiful painting on the wall and seating is now weird. I would have gave it a 5 but this has just ruined my experience especially since i just moved back and i was really excited to get my favourite ice cream from my favourite ice cream place. Sucks.
Engihjalli 8, 200 Kópavogur, Iceland•
affordable
Ice cream shop
Ísbúð Vesturbæjar is a beloved ice cream shop that has been serving customers since 1971. It's known for its generous portions and long opening hours, making it a popular spot in the neighborhood. The menu offers a wide variety of options, from simple soft serve cones to elaborate creations like the theytingur, which is a mountain of ice cream with endless flavors and toppings. Customers can choose between old or new ice cream, with the old being creamier.
Such a treat, especially after a day of exploring the island! Went to a couple of locations while there, and in both, we received the same tasty delight! The one closest to our hotel opens at 2pm, so check before going!
Two C — Google review
several flavours of ice cream & lots of toppings to choose from. lovely staff who took time to explain the menu & gave his recommendation even. you get to taste the flavours if unsure before deciding. got the small strawberry & vanilla blend with 2 toppings. also loved the cream based vanilla ice cream!
2025.08 I am sure they will get a 4 or 5 from me. The problem is they don’t tell you what they have. I should have ask too, I just pick a vanilla cone classic, taste like 2% milk, not too sweet. Tons of toppings to choose from. The soft ice cream I got is thick, they also serve milk shake. I see lot of people order that and long line. Price ok. Service I will say can be better. They have small parking lot, or you can walk from Main Street. 10 min.
After eating at a nearby restaurant we wanted to grab a some dessert and came across this store. The staff were very nice and explained their menu. We ended up getting a small cup size and it was already very filling. I believe you get about 3 toppings but I only got 2 for a total of 630isk
Excellent service, helpful staff and really tasty Icelandic ice cream! We got to try some samples, but what you really wanna go for is the old (classic) milk-based ice cream.
Pick the McFlurry style one with toppings mixed in!
My local friends go for a mix of strawberry (or raspberry), licorice powder, Thristur chocolate bars and the small licorice bits. Excellent <3
Just had the worst experience . I bought icecream called “bragðarrefur” it gave me food poisoning and the cookie dough was slimy and tasted really bad as well as the whole icecream.🤢🤢🤢🤮🤮🤮🤮
Never knew ice cream could be like this! It's not really common from my country, so I was really surprised by this great selection and the long open hours! I was full even when eating the smallest portion, don't underestimate it!! 10/10 would recommend when you're in Reykjavík. 🌸
this blizzard (or bragðarefur in icelandic) was one of my favorite treats that i got during my trip to iceland! i went late at night and there were quite a few people there hanging out but the service was fast. the portion sizes at this place are gigantic for a pretty affordable price as well. the mix-in and topping options are limitless but in this one i included daim, sprinkles and m&ms candies. any combination you choose will probably be amazing though. definitely give this a try if you’re close by!
Skipholt 50c, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland•
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affordable
Ice cream shop
Cafe
Eldur og Ís, located in Reykjavik, Iceland, is a popular spot offering a variety of delectable treats. The iconic 'pylsur' or Icelandic hot dogs are a must-try, featuring a unique blend of meats and an assortment of condiments.
This lovely little cafe is opposite the bottom of the famous rainbow street. Had a delicious raspberry and marshmallow ice-cream from here. Prices start from £5 per scoop. Many flavours available. You can sit inside and order crepes which unfortunately I didn't have time to taste. But definitely return to try their other flavours on my next trip to Iceland.
Wei H — Google review
An ice cream shop with an interesting atmosphere. Inside, the colorful walls blend well with the sweets sold.
Not a lot of space and not much room to sit.
The ice cream is big and tasty, but the prices are cosmic.
No parking due to the strict center.
It was our first night in Reykjavik, getting late and there wasn’t very much open. The shop smelled amazing and the variety was really nice. They accommodated my daughter’s allergy. The ice cream that came with the crepe was yummy. The crepe however didn’t have as much flavour or filling as I would have expected, given the price.
I was disappointed. 2 crepes ended up being over $60 Cdn. Not worth it in my opinion.
Absolutely amazing. Watch your order prepared and enjoy!
The only downside is the size, very small and can get very crammed with people.
Found the pancake too sweet, and the staff are unorganised with dishes piling up and no clean cutlery available. They gave us paper spoons to eat with while we waited for them to wash forks.
Quite possibly the best crepe I’ve had in my entire life. I ordered the “surprise” crepe and I received the most delicious combination of flavors!
Trying their dark hot chocolate and pizza crepe. It is amazing and delicious. What I don't expect is it was served into 2 plates
Delicious! I got a sweet crepe with fresh strawberries, marshmallows, white chocolate, and vanilla ice cream. My SO got ice cream. Not only was everything so yummy, the staff was very friendly, warm, and kind. They make you feel at home. The music was also super fun with lots of Latin music. The decor was fun and chic. This was a lovely experience for our first day in Iceland.
Skólavörðustígur 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland•
affordable
Ice cream shop
SKÚBB Ice Cream, located in Laugardalur, Reykjavik, offers a unique fusion of traditional Icelandic flavors and creamy indulgence. Inspired by the beloved Skubb dessert, their ice cream features swirls of spiced cake batter with plump raisins and crunchy bits of cinnamon-infused pastry. The store opened in 2017 and has gained popularity for its homemade Italian-inspired ice cream. Their waffle cones are particularly noteworthy for their caramelized flavor.
Incredible ice cream and vibes! There are many flavors of vegan ice cream and you can get the Icelandic blizzard with any flavor of ice cream. Has been voted the best ice cream in Reykjavík for many years now. There's a disco ball in the store :)
Christine G — Google review
If I could give 6 starts I would for this ice cream! Solid list of flavors to pick from with optional toppings. The ice cream is very flavorful without tasting artificial. The texture is a perfect blend of creamy and cold. We didn’t have a line or wait at all.
Wonderful little ice cream shop. We stopped in late for ice cream and was shocked to find multiple vegan flavors. We got the chocolate and vanilla (both vegan) and was blown away! Super creamy and packed tons of flavor! Loved our treats from Skubb!
Best ice cream in Iceland!
I got the Mint Chocolate flavor and was blown away by how good it tasted. It was such fresh and unlike anything I have tried before. It was made with fresh mint and high quality chocolate which led to much enjoyment. Will definitely be back!
Why not try delicious ice cream in Iceland? Skubb Isgerð is one of many lovely spots in Reykjavik with a big variety of tastes and portions. I loved their chocolate option. Big portions, nice atmosphere and friendly stuff made my ice cream experience in Iceland tasty and pleasant. Can be a good follow up after visiting Laugardalslaug swimming pool nearby. Possible to pay with a card and cash.
After reading about this ice cream place in a Reykjavik magazine that called this the best ice cream in the city, we were very disappointed to find that it wasn’t good at all. This doesn’t really taste like ice cream, it’s very watery/icy and has basically no flavour at all. All the flavours we got tasted the same. We had Gaeto Gelato a few days prior and it was amazing! Also Efstidalur farm has amazing ice cream. I wouldn’t even call this ice cream really.. there were so many people coming to this place, they must have just paid for a lot of advertising
I love ice cream, a lot. Had been told of this place and went for a visit. There's a nice store with a bunch of different flavours, although not that much room to sit down inside. Staff were quite friendly.
The ice cream was good, but not the best I've ever had. The licorice was rather mild in flavour, but the chocolate brownie was was nice, thick, creamy and pretty tasty. Salted caramel and strawberry cheesecake were also good. Texture was good although the licorice felt a bit watery somehow.
Prices are about 600-700isk for a medium tub and 900 for a large one. Scoops are pretty generous!
This ice cream place was so delicious and had many options for someone like me who is lactose intolerant. The young girls working here were so willing to help us read the menu and explain the different flavor options we had! You must try this ice cream place!!!!
Laugarásvegur 1, 104 Reykjavík, Iceland•
Ice cream shop
Cafe
Coffee shop
Gaeta Gelato is a family-run gelato shop that combines the finest Icelandic ingredients with top-quality Italian produce. Their creamy gelato flavors include Piedmontese hazelnuts and Sicilian pistachios, which are swirled to perfection. The crispy cones are coated in chocolate sauce for an extra treat, and customers can even choose two flavors in a single scoop. While seating may be limited, visitors appreciate the unique atmosphere of the old bus terminal adorned with historical photographs on the walls.
Great vegan options and every one tastes very good. Welcoming staff and quick service. We tried half and half flavors and worked very well.
N N — Google review
It’s a shame I can’t give zero stars.
I arrived at the shop at 22:10 to order some ice cream. From the start, I was greeted with rudeness when I asked if they still had large cups. I went ahead and ordered what was available, but things only got worse from there.
A friend of mine was choosing her flavors and was rushed by a very rude woman behind the counter, who clearly wanted to close early — despite the door stating the place is open until 23:00. Another customer trying to pay with cash was also rushed in an equally unpleasant manner.
I chose to eat my ice cream inside and observed how every single customer after me was treated. Honestly, I’m shocked this woman still works there. I can only hope she’s the owner, because if she’s an employee, it’s unacceptable for any business to tolerate that kind of attitude.
Later, a family came in and asked for large cones — something the shop advertises. The woman tried to discourage them, saying it wasn’t a good idea. They insisted and were eventually served, but not without being treated poorly.
The service was absolutely appalling.
I love Iceland and I travel the world for work — I’ve never experienced service this bad. It’s such a shame that in a city known for its warmth and kindness, a place like this shows so little care for the people walking through its door.
2 people serving. Slightly line but moves quick. Go outside quick so gelato doesn’t melt too quickly. The food hall is so warm.
The gelato consistency was delicious. Pistachio and espresso are both great.
The ice cream here was great! Get their Hazelnut and their Stracciatella flavors. Both of those were delicious, and their small waffle and their waffle cone were also good too. The staff member was friendly and they had plenty of flavors to offer. Located inside a small cute food court. Worth a stop for some ice cream!
It was tasty. The price was reasonable. The selection was good. It's just that mine and my son's gelato had this part that was dry and hard and had the texture of wierd... hard thing. Other than that, it was great!
Good ice-cream, easy not busy, easy going place at Hlemmur Mathöll. Playground out side for children and table outside when sunshine.
The ice cream was really delicious. I tried the blueberry and it was nice and creamy!
Very yummy ice cream. Great service. Lots of choices
affordable
Ice cream shop
Ísbúð Huppu | Álfheimar is a popular ice cream shop with two types of bases to choose from: Sveitais, a real ice cream, and the Huppu ice cream, which is a cool milk ice cream. The shop offers a great selection of cones and various ways to serve your order.
This is a small but amazing shop. Their ice cream is... different. If you are looking for an American style flavor this is NOT it but its a creamy, real fresh milk flavored and textured ice cream. The staff was super nice and friendly. Do stop by and don't miss eating ice cream while in Iceland
Grey T — Google review
I loved the Ice Cream! I am an Ice Cream lover by heart and seeing that it is an Icelandic tradition to go for an ice cream drive filled my heart with joy. For a German girl it was kinda pricey, but still every time I went there I was happy! My 8 weeks abroad were filled with lots of Ice Cream dates and happy moments! And the merch - amazing!
Nice ice cream flair. The ice cream is just that- ice cream nothing fancy. But!!!! The let you dip your ice cream in white chocolate, dark chocolate and some other dips and then you can roll it in all kinds of amazing toppings. I had the icy ice cream cone, dipped in white chocolate and rolled in malt balls. Omg! Delish!!!
Great icecream.
Staff was amazing and friendly. She was very helpful since we do not speak Icelandic.
One of my favourite ice cream places when I visit Iceland! The staff here is so freindly and are very nice when I attempt to speak Icelandic. I highly recommend the ice cream with 3 toppings. I would go every day if I could!
Good Icelandic ice cream store. Try the ice cream box similar to a blizzard in the USA. Loved it with the peanut butter.
It’s really tasty and love the mixed icecream but there is almost every time no Nutella which is disappointing
Service is sometimes slow but it's always worth it. The monthly specials are neat too. Pairs especially well with some spicy pad Thai noodles nearby.
104 Reykjavík, Iceland•
10Perlan
Natural history museum
Museums
Cafe
Historical landmark
Perlan, also known as the Pearl, is a futuristic glass-domed structure located on Oskjuhlidh Hill in Reykjavik, Iceland. Its primary function is to house towering geothermally-heated hot water tanks that provide warmth to the city's residents.
Great place to spend a few hours learning more about this fabulous country!!! The exhibits are very nice. The lava and glacier exhibits are fun! The restaurant has delicious food and the dining area rotates slowly! The views from the observation deck are breathtakingly beautiful. Love from Kentucky! Get tickets early!!!
Benjamin B — Google review
Very pleasantly surprised! We spent there three hours without even knowing. Volcano show (both) as well as aurora show are incredible. Lots of other interactive stuff. And oh yes, the ice cave. We also enjoyed good cup of coffee in the cafe.
A very impressive and modern museum! There’s a lot of interesting information about Iceland’s volcanoes, glaciers, icebergs, and natural wonders, all presented in an interactive and engaging way. Some of the immersive videos are truly stunning. One of the highlights is the simulation ride where you stand on a platform surrounded by screens and experience what it’s like to travel through a volcano and witness an eruption — very exciting and well done. Another must-see is the ice cave made of real ice and snow, which gives a unique sense of what it’s like inside a glacier. Overall, a great mix of education and entertainment, perfect for both adults and children. Definitely worth a visit while in Reykjavík!
Great visit. Lots of staff to help you on arrival and as you go through the museum. Gave us good suggestions to make our day flow. We loved the Volcano show and the Aurora show - really well put together. The ice cave was fun too. The exhibits were interesting and interactive. The views from the observation deck were very good. We really enjoyed the day and would recommend a visit.
Very nice museum with a variety of exhibits. The ice cave was interesting and up close to a volcano was amazing. Good way to spend a few hours in the city.
A must visit! If you want to know the history of this amazing country, its volcanic activity and northern lights them worth a visit. The ice tunnels and northern lights planetarium are a must do. Great outdoor platform to view the whole city and on the top floor lovely cafe with great cake selection. Highly recommended
Worth a visit, with some highlights and some meh sections, with underwhelming indications/navigation. The videos/shows are actually quite impressive and elaborate, and not that long. The ice cave is a super nice touch, but it’s a bit of a pity you don’t hear about it sufficiently before entering the museum (otherwise we would have brought extra jackets for the -15degrees inside…).
One of the best museums we’ve visited anywhere, and an absolute must if you’re visiting Reykjavik.
A great mix of information and experiences which could keep people of all ages entertained for hours, including the Aurora film, volcano experience and replica ice cave.
There’s free parking at the door, a restaurant upstairs, and a decent gift shop.
Guides were brilliant, and English was spoken and understood everywhere.
An unexpected highlight of our short stay in Iceland.
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affordable
Restaurant
Skalli is a small restaurant in the Reykjavik neighbouring town of Kopavogur. It serves excellent fresh fast food, with friendly employees. The menu includes pizzas, hot dogs, burgers, fish and chips and sandwiches. You can also order ice cream which is Absolutely fabulous!
HIDDEN GEM!!! I have been to Iceland many times the past few years and I always make it a priority to visit Skalli bistro on my first and last day. No joke it’s been my first and last meal in Iceland each time and it’s always top notch food! I absolutely love the simple Pizza Margherita. If you were blindfolded and fed this pizza you’d think a master pizzaiolo from Italy had just made you a delicious neapolitan pizza. The dough is out of this world. Light and airy! Quality tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Simple pizza but so direct in flavor! The restaurant also has some of the best fish n chips that you’ll find in Iceland. They do theirs with a panko breadcrumb opposed to the usual batter fried fish but it’s an absolute winner of a fish n chips. The fish is always perfectly cooked and fresh! Great tartar sauce. The burgers here are delicious as well. They make their own burger buns utilizing what appears to be a similar technique to how Japanese Hokkaido milk buns are made. This results in a burger bun that you’ll find yourself dreaming about after you eat it… trust me when I tell you this restaurant is a powerhouse in producing quality and delicious food that warms your soul! I’ve eaten here 8 times and it just keeps getting better. I absolutely recommend Skalli bistro to anyone and everyone looking for potentially the best casual restaurant in Iceland!
EmeraldCiTyF30 — Google review
Very impressed with the amazing quality of the food! Pizza was excellent, especially the crust, which you can tell was prepared by someone who knows how to make a make a true Neapolitan style dough (high hydration, and a long, slow cold ferment?). Cheeseburger was equally good, and the homemade bun really elevated it. Fish and chips and lamb soup were other excellent standouts. Highly recommend!
Very friendly and foreign friendly. Lots of locals come in and go. Pizza feels like the specialty here. Prices are standard, definitely a lot more affordable than in the city center. I would come again!
The staff were kind and friendly.
Lamb soup was delicious and come with a fresh, yummy roll. Cheesy bread tasted fresh and flavorful. Mushroom burger was also tasty.
Skalli Bistro used to be a sweaty gas station burger. They recently did a re-inventing and it worked out great. Much better better food and everything is just a little nicer. I will say the interior is lacking and little to no service was had nor needed, I can forgive them for not waiting on tables at a place like this.
Overall, I was very happy with my burger.
Delicious food, its pretty much self service, they will bring the food to your table but you will have to get your own cutlery as well as drinks to the table.
If you want to try horse I recommend this place, the horse came a little too raw foe my taste, I would suggest you tell the staff to cook the horse at a medium level. Good crunchy fries
One of the best burgers for me! The home made bun was just insanely good and beef patty also had a special texture that you don’t simply get anywhere else. A MUST if you happen to be in the area or even worthwhile for a detour.
Nice Bistro just outside Reykjavik (but you can take bus n.2 to reach them in 40 minutes). Nice environment, there is space between tables so you don’t feel overcrowded as in any McD or BK. Staff is friendly and there is a dish of the day if you want to save some money. I had a Dallas Hamburger at midday, buns are home made as well as the pizza dough. They really care for quality of ingredient and I wish I would have spent one more day in Iceland to try their pizza. If you are staying in a rented flat in the area you can choose this as your favourite restaurant because variety of choose is enough for some days.
Ögurhvarf, 203 Kopavogur, Iceland•
Coffee shop
Ice cream shop
Arna Ís og Kaffi is a dairy company situated in the West Fjords of Iceland, specializing in lactose-free dairy products. Recently, they have expanded their offerings by opening a café and ice cream shop in Eidhistorg, just a short distance from Reykjavik center. The café boasts a beautiful interior and offers stunning views, making it an ideal spot to relax.
Cafe with families and business type people.
Prices are fairly and the atmosphere is chilled and relaxing. Lovely view of the mountain across the bay.
Staff very friendly. Quality of coffee was very good.
We had ham and cheese toasties, very fair price and good quality. Overall very happy and would come everyday if I lived in iceland.
MOO S — Google review
Love the Esja view here! I ordered chicken panini, it was delicious and full of filling (so make sure to place your napkins). Insides there were some big pieces of chicken, fresh veggies and sauce as you might find out a part of them via the picture. Besides, they cleverly use couches to devise comfy spaces and they have a “green house style” area with blurry sunlight(we need it in iceland!) to provide warmer room temperature. Also they have a cute kids corner with little chairs and tables for kids to have proper social life😆
Another highlight is that they have a lot of lactose free icecream choices!
A good place to study, meeting friends, family gathering or just grab an ice cream after visiting the lighthouse Grótta nearby!
What a lovely place to rest and recover after a walk to Grotta through the sunny windy, blizzardy weather! Great coffee, lively jazz, good service and candles. Candles! At 11am! ❤️
Very good atmosphere and good coffee. I didn't try the ice cream, but it looked so good that I will have to go back and have some :)
Great coffee shop away from the tourists. Nice view and quiet.
Excellent coffee with decent price. Good service. Nice and relaxing environment. Highly recommended. 😌
We got 2 very strong coffees and 2 skyr bowls - classic and espresso and both were amazing. What is nice you can choose between peanut and almond butter.
We expected slightly different menu reading previous reviews (for example skyr cake), but overall we weren't disappointed.
Staff was polite, professional and friendly.
Place is kids and disabled friendly (toilet is adapted for it and there is space dedicated for children so they can play).
Nice views to Esja. It can get crowded so the best spots are taken unfortunately.
Definitely worth the visit!
Very good coffee house & ice cream store. It's branded by Arna, which is a well known brand of lactose free products. Therefore, everything they offer is lactose free. It's not only about ice cream and coffee, they also have a good selection of food. We tried the panini with ham and red pesto. I tried to take a picture of it but it was too good, sorry. The place is cozy, full of sofas with warm blankets. They have a special place for kids where they can play safely. Highly recommendable.
4.3
(46)
5.0
(20)
Mentioned on
Ice cream shop
Hot dog stand
Ísbúðin Laugalæk is a popular ice cream shop in Reykjavik that offers many flavors and toppings. It's located close to the swimming pool, and it's a great place to enjoy gelato or shakes with friends. The hot dogs here are also very good.
Cute shop, reasonable prices and lots of options for toppings! The menu on the wall is in Icelandic but they have a printed english one in a book if you ask (or if you look confused like we did they may just offer it up). The soft serve was creamy amd delicious!
Geanna G — Google review
The staff was very nice they speak English very well, the hotdogs were really good with local flavors and interesting toppings.
There are no more options for food but plenty of options of ice creams...
The only "bad" thing is that prices were not updated in the menus so we didn't know how much was for each stuff, apart from that everything else was good.
We visited as it was not far from where we were staying and had seen it on a search. We wanted to try the Islandic sausage and it didn't disappoint. The coleslaw, salad and toppings were all good too. The girls serving were excellent, even though we threw them a bit when we ordered Lattes. They figured out how to make them and they were very good too.
The ice creams and milk shakes looked good, we would have tried them but were cold from taking several buses back from the Sky Lagoon.
By far the best ice cream we had in Reykjavík!! Better than the local chain store ice cream we tried and better value. Would recommend the cream based vanilla soft serve to anyone craving a creamy treat :).
Sad that we found it on our last night here. Will definitely be going back here if I return to Iceland!!
Ok! This place is definitely the best joint for milkshakes and ice creams in Reykjavik. I have tried the 3 most famous places and this one wins my approval.
I have had better milkshakes but these guys are good and I would definitely recommend this place over the others.
My only gripe being that, why do all the milkshake joints have such thin straws. Its a think milkshake, please get fatter straws. Every time I had to throw the straw away and use a spoon. Ruins the fun of a milkshake.
The only reason why this place gets 4 stars and not 5.
I was lucky enough to stumble across this place whilst exploring and I'm so glad I did, simply the best ice cream I've ever had. I've been to Iceland twice and this is always one of my first stops. I look forward to going back on my next visit.
Very good ice cream shop in a residential area in Reykjavik. They have lots of choice for sauces and toppings, and serve thick shakes, sundaes as well. The hot dogs are also excellent.
English menu available. Good hours, open til 11:30 pm! Staff can speak English and is very helpful. Gelato and soft serve available. There’s also pricing for with dipping or sweets, and also both dipping and sweets. I tried the soft serve: vanilla and strawberry. Medium soft serve is 520 isk. Satisfied! Not over sweet and tastes delicious!
Laugalækur 8, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland•
Ice cream shop
Chocolate artisan
Chocolate factory
Chocolate shop
Omnom Chocolate Ice Cream Shop is an extension of the award-winning and world-famous Omnom chocolate brand. While they don't make their own ice cream, they offer a delightful twist by elevating milky vanilla soft serve into a kawaii art form with gourmet toppings and flourishes.
Top stop for soft serve ice cream with a great selection of quality fun toppings. They have a menu of ready desserts but make your own option is also available (choose size, sauce and 2 toppings).
The best ice cream I had in Reykjavik so far (and I tried all top recommended places) 🍦
Aszlaq — Google review
I had this saved in my places to visit in Reykjavik. We went before the lava show, only a couple of minutes walk away. Really good chocolate and ice cream! We had a unicorn and a create your own. The caramel is really nice. I would recommend the chocolate liquorice bar. We went for opening on a Monday and it was busy. Also served hot drinks and had a selection of the chocolate to try before you buy.
Definitely stop if in the area. Great stop after the lava show. Fun ice cream treats and awesome that they even name their own syrups. Also a wide variety of award winning chocolate bars. Buy 6 for a discount and carrying bag that beats the prices at Bonus grocery store.
We were very excited to try this. As a group, we loved the polar bear (toasted marshmallows) but not the other choices. Ice cream isn’t great (a bit bland, as are the toppings) but we purchased chocolate to bring home and are hoping it’s a bit more interesting.
Omnom ice cream shop with interesting creations. I tried the polar bear. They torch the marshmallow right in front of you. The ice cream was good and I enjoyed the oatmeal crumble.
If you want to try an Icelandic vanilla ice cream in Reykjavik, I suggest that you go there. The place is a bit on the outskirts of the city, but it's worth the visit. You can choose between various toppings and even try their hot chocolate. You also buy chocolate bars of many sorts there, and enjoy your ice cream either inside on a cushion, outside at one of their tables, or as a takeaway if you are on the go.
The best ice cream i've ever had. Simply cant say otherwise, the creaminess, the texture, the mix of tastes, just wonderful. The staff was also really nice, a generous young lady. There was no waiting time whatsoever, id love to go once again just to try another combination. If I ever visit iceland again, it will be on my trip list.
They really know how to pull up the quality of an ice cream. Strong tastes, delicious and esthetic at the same time. However, we couldn't sit outside due to the smell of trash in the area that came from a nearby container. We had to sit in the car. But one cannot blame Omnom for that. I really recommend you trying their ice cream.
Hólmaslóð 4, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland•
Ice cream shop
Ísbúð Yoyo is a one-of-a-kind frozen yogurt spot where you have the freedom to customize your delectable dessert. You begin with an empty bowl or cone and then make your way through a buffet of delightful toppings to add as much as you desire. Whether it's extra sprinkles or a generous serving of fruit, the choice is entirely yours.
We went last weekend and we enjoyed
Vanilla, caramel salted, mango, strawberry, kiwi all of it was delicious.
San R — Google review
It didn't seem totally fresh. The strawberries were like the frozen strawberries you get in a bag. The frozen yogurt came out really fast so watch that, but it tasted good. Oreo, chocolate, strawberry, raspberry, kiwi were some of the flavors they offered.
Minimal customer service and the bathroom smelled disgusting and was very dirty. The yogurt and combinations were satisfying but I would look elsewhere if you are seeking inexpensive yogurt and a hygenic enviornment with good customer service.
Sooooo expensive ! For this quality, it's a joke ! Buy an icecream in Bonus, near to this shop, and you'll pay less for a better quality. The frozen yogurt is not so tasty. Hot chocolate is cold and it's not chocolate but a disgusting topping. Snikers, Mars, Oreo, ... are old ! Wow... never ate something like that !
Absolutely love the yoyo ice cream. Probably the most yoyo ice cream I've ever had
Loving the concept of a self service ice cream parlour with a clean and simple environment. Goes to show you don't have to put the bells & whistles on to make a good idea great. It's a heaven for fat kids & I was gladly one of them queuing up 😄
Nice place for great yoghurt ice cream. It's self service, you walk to the ice cream machines and can pick different kind of flavours. Choose the toppings and a variety of sauces.
All frozen yogurts are artifically flavoured and super sweet. Might be passable for children, but those seeking a high quality frozen yogurt should look someplace else.
Nýbýlavegur 18, 200 Kópavogur, Iceland•
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4.5
(61)
Mentioned on
Restaurant
Candy store
Ice cream shop
Skalli Árbæ is a small dining spot located in Kopavogur, near Reykjavik. It offers a casual menu featuring pizzas, hot dogs, burgers, fish and chips, sandwiches, and homemade ice cream. Despite its unassuming appearance, it's highly regarded for its authentic and delicious offerings. Visitors praise the juicy burgers and recommend trying the delectable ice cream before leaving.
This burger joint, convenient store, and ice cream shop is a diamond in the rough. Don't let the outside appearance fool you. This simple stop is a wonderful burger experience! Get the ice cream before you leave. Enjoy!
Daniel P — Google review
This is the pinnacle of classic Icelandic fast food. Greasy food from quality ingredients. Some healthy options also, but I go there for fried high energy after a long day.
Skalli is the go-to spot for a straight-up, no-nonsense burger. The bacon burger? An absolute must-try. No frills, just pure deliciousness! 🍔
There’s something inherently authentic about Skalli. And if you talk to Icelanders, you’ll get it: it’s a sort of store that used to be everywhere. It ahs delicious sandwiches, instead of the same-taste you’ll get in the pverexpensive restaurants around town. Do yourseæf a favor, and invest in Skalli and other such stores!
I love this old joint, juicy burgers, delicious icecream...To bad it closes wayyy to early :/ Recommend having at least open until 22:30...it will pay off soon😉🙏👨👩👧👦family-friendly💙💚❤️🩷🤎💛🧡🩶🖤💜🩵🤍
Have this mood, nice food it was exactly what I was looking for i would love to come back every month there
Up to now best relations between price and quality and service in little grill restaurants of Reykjavik.
See you quick again!😎
A lot of food for the money, don’t go if you don’t like greasy food
4.1
(42)
Mentioned on
Ice cream shop
Ísbúð Huppu is an ice cream chain located in Reykjavik and other parts of Iceland, offering a wide variety of flavors and constantly experimenting with new tastes. The shop provides gelato-style ice cream with numerous topping and sauce combinations, making the options endless. Customers praise the delicious ice cream, extensive choices, great customer service, and friendly staff.
Very good ice cream and service was fantastic. Both girls were really welcoming and polite, even when we spoke English.
Annika — Google review
I cant imagine that there is a huge demand for ice cream in Iceland, but if you're on the hunt... look no further! The ice cream here is delicious!
Very good icecream and best thing good price.
Delicious ice cream, so many choices, and great customer service. Would absolutely return.
very good ice creams, top service, and friendliness of the staff
Great Icecream and really good candy and the staff was really nice
The Icelandic (un official) national food. Ice cream.
Beautiful ICE CREAM
5627+6CW, 112 Reykjavík, Iceland•
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