What to Eat in Akureyri: Local Dishes and Food Streets

From geothermal-baked rye bread to North Iceland lamb, here is where to find Akureyri's best bites and the streets worth wandering.

The Essential North Icelandic Tastes

Akureyri's food scene is rooted in what the fjord and surrounding farmlands provide. Start with skyr, the thick, tangy dairy product that Icelanders eat with cream and berries. At cafes along Hafnarstræti, the main shopping street, you will find it served simply or folded into cakes. For something savoury, look for plokkfiskur, a creamy fish-and-potato mash often made with haddock or cod. It appears on lunch menus across town, including at the Akureyri Fish Company near the harbour. Pair it with rúgbrauð, the dense rye bread that is traditionally baked underground near geothermal areas like Hveravellir and Mývatn. Many restaurants in Akureyri serve it with butter or smoked trout.

Lamb is the other cornerstone. Icelandic lamb is free-range and grass-fed, giving it a distinct, mild flavour. In Akureyri you will see it as lamb soup (kjötsúpa) - a hearty broth with root vegetables - or as slow-roasted leg. For a quick bite, try a lamb hot dog from a stand; the most famous is Bæjarins Beztu in Reykjavík, but Akureyri has its own versions near the bus station. Expect to pay around 1,500-2,500 ISK for a main dish at a mid-range restaurant, and 800-1,200 ISK for a hot dog or soup. The best months for fresh local produce are July to September, when markets and farm shops are stocked with berries and vegetables.

Street Food and Casual Eats

Hafnarstræti is the main drag for casual food. Here you will find bakeries like Kristjánsbakarí, where you can grab a cinnamon roll or a sandwich to go. The street runs from the bus station to the heart of town, and it is lined with cafes and small restaurants. For fish and chips, head to the harbour area, where Bryggjan is a reliable spot - though it is best to check opening hours as they vary by season. Another local favourite is the grilled cheese sandwich at Café Laut, located inside the Akureyri Library on Skipagata. These casual options are ideal if you are arriving on a budget flight and want a quick meal before exploring.

Do not miss the ice cream. Icelanders love their ice cream, and Akureyri has several shops, including the popular Brynja, which has been operating since 1939. A single cone costs around 500-700 ISK. For something more substantial, try the fish stew at Strikið, a restaurant on the top floor of a building on Skipagata with views over the fjord. It is a bit pricier - expect 2,500-3,500 ISK for a main - but the location and quality justify it. If you are self-catering, the Bónus supermarket on Tryggvagata is the cheapest place to stock up on skyr, bread, and local cheese.

Sweet Treats and Local Specialities

Icelandic baking is underrated. In Akureyri, look for kleinur - twisted fried doughnuts - and pönnukökur, thin pancakes rolled with sugar. These are sold at bakeries like Bernhöftsbakarí on Hafnarstræti. Another local treat is the chocolate-covered liquorice, which you can find at the Nammi candy store on Hafnarstræti. For a savoury snack, try the dried fish (harðfiskur) with butter, available at gas stations and supermarkets. If you are visiting in February or March, you might catch the annual Food and Fun festival, when local restaurants offer special menus - but check dates locally as they change yearly.

For a sit-down meal that showcases local ingredients, try Rub23, a restaurant on Kaupvangsstræti that focuses on seafood and sushi. Their fish is sourced from the North Atlantic, and they offer a tasting menu - though prices vary, so ask. Alternatively, the restaurant at the Icelandair Hotel Akureyri serves a good lamb fillet. For dessert, the skyr brûlée at Café Kaffi Kú on Hafnarstræti is a popular choice. Note that many restaurants close by 9 pm on weekdays, so plan dinner accordingly. Also, alcohol is expensive in Iceland; a glass of beer can cost 1,000-1,500 ISK, so many travellers stick to water, which is free and excellent from the tap.

Where to Stay and Eat Nearby

Most of Akureyri's restaurants are concentrated in the compact centre, roughly bounded by Hafnarstræti, Kaupvangsstræti, and Skipagata. Staying within this area means you can walk to most places. The Icelandair Hotel Akureyri is on Þingvallastræti, just a block from Hafnarstræti. The Kea Hotel is on Hafnarstræti itself, and Hotel Kjarnalundur is a bit further out on Kjarnalundur, about a 15-minute walk from the centre. For budget travellers, the Akureyri Backpackers hostel on Hafnarstræti is centrally located and has a communal kitchen. If you have a car, the campsite at Hamrar is a 10-minute drive from town, but you will need to drive for meals.

When booking, consider a hotel with breakfast included, as many offer a spread of skyr, bread, cheese, and cold cuts - a great way to start the day without spending extra. The best time to visit for food is summer, when fresh seafood and produce are abundant, but winter offers its own charm with hearty stews. If you are coming in June, book well in advance, as the summer solstice brings crowds. For a quiet food-focused trip, September is ideal: the summer rush has passed, but restaurants still have good hours. I would book a hotel on Hafnarstræti for convenience, then walk to Bryggjan for fish and chips on the first night.

Questions, answered

What is the most typical dish to try in Akureyri?

Plokkfiskur, a creamy fish and potato mash, is widely available and a true taste of North Iceland. Try it at the Akureyri Fish Company near the harbour, or at many cafes along Hafnarstræti. Expect to pay around 1,800-2,500 ISK.

Are there affordable places to eat in Akureyri?

Yes. Bakeries like Kristjánsbakarí on Hafnarstræti sell sandwiches and pastries for under 1,000 ISK. The Bónus supermarket on Tryggvagata is good for self-catering. Hot dogs from stands cost around 800-1,200 ISK.

Which street has the best food in Akureyri?

Hafnarstræti is the main street with the widest choice of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants. It runs through the town centre and is walkable from most hotels. For harbour views, head to the area around Skipagata.

Should I book a hotel with breakfast in Akureyri?

Yes, many hotels offer breakfast with local items like skyr and rye bread. It saves time and money, as breakfast options outside hotels are limited before 8 am. The Icelandair Hotel and Kea Hotel both provide good spreads.

What time do restaurants close in Akureyri?

Many restaurants close by 9 pm on weekdays, and some close earlier on Sundays. It is best to check ahead or eat dinner by 7 pm. During summer, hours may extend slightly, butdo not assume late service.

Is it worth trying fermented shark in Akureyri?

Fermented shark (hákarl) is a traditional Icelandic delicacy, but it has a strong ammonia taste. It is not commonly served in Akureyri's regular restaurants; you might find it at the occasional food festival or specialty shop. Most travellers skip it.

Can I find vegetarian food in Akureyri?

Yes, though options are limited. Cafes like Café Laut in the library offer vegetarian sandwiches and salads. Many restaurants can adapt dishes, but it is best to ask. For a dedicated vegetarian meal, try Rub23, which has vegetable sushi options.

What local food should I buy to take home from Akureyri?

Dried fish (harðfiskur), chocolate-covered liquorice, and local salts are good souvenirs. Buy them at supermarkets like Bónus or at the Nammi candy store on Hafnarstræti. Avoid fresh dairy due to customs rules.

← Iceland's page