Vegetarian & Vegan Food in Iceland

Vegetarian & Vegan Food in Iceland

Your Guide to the Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in Iceland. Although Icelandic cuisine is famous for lamb and fish, it’s a common misconception that vegetarian and vegan food in Iceland is neglected. Quite the contrary!

It’s nice to have personal recommendations of locals who have a considerable dining experience. We always strive to recommend only what we would deem the best restaurants in Iceland. That’s why we have created the list featuring the 10 best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Reykjavik. Even people who eat meat will agree that tasty vegan options available at these restaurants will please their palate.

Is Vegetarian Food Available in Iceland?

Iceland is generally a very vegetarian-friendly destination. A simple “I am vegetarian” will get you delicious grilled vegetable risottos, salads, and pasta dishes enriched with spices and grains. Needless to say that pescatarians can enjoy a range of fish, from the luscious fresh salmon to the controversial fermented shark Icelandic delicacy. After all, we are a famous seafood nation!

Is Iceland Vegan Friendly?

Iceland may not be globally famous for vegan food, but there’s a surfeit of it available. Whether you’re in for street-food or a full-course meal, you’ll see that Iceland is a wonderland for non-meat eaters. Popular plant-based food options in Iceland include steamed greens, veggie burgers, soy cheese, and more. And you will find a lot of vegan dishes in our Asian restaurants! When you’re sick of hearing your friends about how you don’t get enough protein as a vegan, just take them to one of these restaurants and show them plenty of protein options on the menu.

5 Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in Reykjavik, Iceland

Veganæs

Veganæs has a bit of a grunge rock overall vibe that goes quite well with the alternative style of the vegan food. They put their care for animals in the foreground and spread the sustainable health message throughout Reykjavik. The ingredients are fresh, the service is quick, and it’s one of the best candidates in town for a night out. It’s also a perfect grab-and-go opportunity in case you’re limited on time. They’ve got seitan burgers, fish & chips, grilled cheese, vegan stakes, potato omelets, and more. The restaurant serves a consistent level of quality that some other lunch chains cannot guarantee. Finish with an order of ginger raisin oatmeal cookies or peanut butter cupcakes for a complete experience.

And the beverage menu? Extensive. It truly has anything you may look for. Even if you’re fully carnivorous, this place is worth checking out.

Krúska

Krúska is not an entirely vegan restaurant, but it does not rely heavily on animal products. In fact, meat dishes are restricted only to chicken ones. On the other hand, there are a plethora of vegetarian and vegan dishes. They have mastered different kinds of salads – but their vegan renditions of lasagne, quiche, stews, home-made bread, and hummus give you a chance to truly experience Icelandic meat-free cooking.

The black-and-white interior with plants on each table and lots of sunlight brought to life by the creative team behind Krúska is great for a casual and enjoyable meal. Vegan coffee options are sometimes synonyms with disappointment because restaurants make it with milk. Thankfully, Krúska swooped in soy milk for vegans.

Garðurinn (Ecstasy’s Heart Garden)

The name of this café-restaurant says it all: the owners are nature-lovers, and the whole place is oriented toward greenery and peace. The staff is so dedicated to creating a zen experience that they study meditation with a professional teacher! Thus, you’ll come for their delicious food but stay for the outstanding ambiance.

Their lentil-based patties are among the best veggie burgers in Reyjkavik, but the healthy vegan menu does not end there: peanut soup and turnip, spinach tart, and groundnut stew all compete for the spotlight. Sweet options may include carrot cake, vegan cheesecake, and cookies with dates, apricots, sunflower seeds, and raisins. It’s also one of the best places in Reyjkavik to have vegan coffee with soy or oat milk.

Núðluskálin

The atmosphere in Núðluskálin leans toward trendy casual and attracts the same crowd. They nudge vegan cuisine in a new direction, with the overall feeling of Indian ramen dressed up with Mediterranean spices and comforting Middle-East touches. You can get two types of signature bowls at Núðluskálin: broths and noodles. From rice noodles with tofu to vegetable broth infused with garlic, ginger, and everything in between, you’ll indulge in some delicious bites. There’s also the create-your-own-bowl option. The menu is not exclusively vegan, but any entry can be made vegan by request by replacing meat with tofu.

They will ask you to specify your preference on the “Heatometer” – 0 being very mild to 6 being very hot, and then serve the dish according to your liking.

Gló

Gló is the kind of restaurant you want to hang out in for a long time, slowly working your way through the interesting menu inspired by a mix of cuisines. The sole fact that Gló sells its own vegan products, many of which are organic, speaks about its dedication to producing the tastiest vegan food in town. These include a juicy peanut butter steak, home-made vegan chocolate cake, and pesto sauce that is out of this world. Their other meatless takes on traditional diner fare include breakfast bowls, vegan wraps, and veggie & fruit platters.

Also, Gló fresh home-made juices are something we would drive across the town for. Order the beet and ginger juice even if you hate beet – we promise it’s 100% refreshing and delicious. Other options include cucumber, carrots, and pineapple.

Final Words

Icelandic restaurants have something for everyone’s dietary needs. So, if you’re leading a certain lifestyle or you simply want to cut down on dairy and meat consumption, you don’t have to compromise when travelling here. The best vegetarian & vegan restaurants in Reykjavik won’t disappoint you, from breakfast and brunch to fine-dining and late-night snacking. Meat-free delights will satisfy even the most discerning vegan’s palate, and vegetarian restaurants boast tasty fare of substantial dishes.

See here our restaurant & dining blogs:

Fine Dining in Reykjavik

Best Asian Restaurants in Reykjavik

Best Fast & Street Food in Reykjavik

Traditional Foods in Iceland

What to Eat in Iceland

Best Hotels in Reykjavik