The Best Fish and Chips in Iceland: A Delight You Can’t-Miss
In this post, we’ll share our picks for the best fish and chips in Iceland. So, sit back and get ready for an incredible culinary journey.
Fish and chips is probably the second most popular street food in Iceland, right after hot dogs, which undeniably take the crown.
Are you wondering why this dish, despite not being local, is so widely consumed? Well, there are two simple reasons: First, the abundance of white fish (like haddock and cod) and potatoes, which are the main ingredients of this dish. Second, the British influence, whether through the trade relations the two nations shared in the past or the presence of British military forces during World War II, when Iceland was used as a base. These soldiers brought with them their culinary habits, including fish and chips.
Because of this, it’s now quite easy to find this iconic dish all over Iceland. However, to discover the very best fish and chips in Iceland, you’ll need to keep reading.
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Best fish and chips in Iceland
REYKJAVIK FISH RESTAURANT
Reykjavik is the capital of this country and surely the place with the most restaurants across the entire territory, so you won’t have trouble finding this dish during your brief visit to the city.
In my opinion, the best one in the city (I’ve lived here for a while) is served at this restaurant, which not only prepares one of the best fish and chips in Iceland but also offers various classic Icelandic fish-based dishes.
You won’t have trouble finding this restaurant, as it’s located right in the city center (Downtown). The fish is crispy on the outside and super tender and juicy on the inside, served with crispy fries and a nice beer. What more could you ask for on your first day on this island?
BACCALÁ BAR / EKTAFISKUR – Best fish and chips Iceland
During our stay, we visited Hauganes, a small fishing village located about 20km from Akureyri, the second most important city in the country.
We came here for other reasons (we’ll tell you all about it in the future post), and we stumbled upon what, in my opinion, is one of the best fish and chips in Iceland. The sea in its purest form, fried and crispy on the outside.
It turns out that the restaurant owners are fishermen, of course! So, the raw ingredients are of excellent quality, making this place a must-visit for eating fish in Iceland, including their fish and chips!
TIP: Right next to the restaurant, there’s a fish stand selling fresh or frozen fish at great prices, with incredibly high-quality ingredients.
Our Tip: Wise is a great card when you are travelling to a country with a different currency than yours like the Czech Republic. We use this online bank during our trips and we never had problems, even in remote places around the world.
FISH AND CHIPS LAKE MYVATN
Lake Mývatn is one of the most beautiful places in all of Iceland. Mystic landscapes and plenty of things to do and see in the surroundings make it a great spot to spend a few days enjoying the natural beauty and also the food.
Yes, because although there are very few restaurants, we found not only one of the best burgers here but also one of the best fish and chips in Iceland.
In the village of Reykjahlíð (not to be confused with the capital, Reykjavik), there’s a small restaurant that offers only and exclusively fish and chips. Unlike the other places described earlier, and the typical preparation of this dish, the fish here isn’t battered in a semi-liquid dough. Instead, it’s coated in breadcrumbs, making it a much lighter dish.
In addition to the fish and chips, it’s served with delicious homemade sauces, which is a lovely touch. All in all, if you pass by here, don’t forget to try one of the best fish and chips in all of Iceland.
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KJOT&FISKUR
My last recommendation is located in the eastern part of the island, just on the outskirts of Egilsstaðir (the largest city in the area) and right next to the main road N1 that circles the island.
In this case, it’s not a restaurant, but a fish and meat shop where, in addition to selling meat, fresh and dried fish, they also offer some traditional Icelandic dishes, including delicious and juicy fish and chips.
The place is only open in the morning and early afternoon, and if the weather allows, they offer some outdoor tables where you can enjoy your meal during a break while you’re between a fjord and a waterfall.
What can I say, the fish, naturally super fresh, is perfectly battered and seasoned with a light, crispy coating that, with the first bite, delivers an explosion of flavors and textures that aren’t always easy to find in Iceland.
It’s worth mentioning that the wedge fries also deserve a visit. Since this place isn’t a full-fledged restaurant, but rather a shop selling fish and meat, it offers very competitive prices.
Although all the sauces are extra, the overall price is still among the best you’ll find on the island, making it the perfect spot if you want to eat something delicious without having to sell a kidney to afford it.
Map with all positions – Fish and chips Iceland
Conclusions – Fish and chips Iceland
After virtually traveling all around the island with me in search of the best fish and chips in Iceland, we’ve concluded this article.
I hope these lines are helpful for your next trip to this beautiful island, and if you try any of the suggested restaurants or spots, we’d love to hear your personal opinion.
You can also reach out if you know other delicious places to enjoy this dish, or simply if you want more information about the island.
Both Mika and I would be happy to chat with you or reply any questions you may have.
Now, I’ll say goodbye, and I hope to see you again here to read more about our trips.
More incredible and delicious culinary adventures are waiting for you.
Hugs…
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