Vegan in Reykjavík: where locals eat plant-based
Vegan food in Reykjavík is easier to find than many visitors expect. Where to eat, which Icelandic classics are (and aren’t) vegan, and how to shop plant-based.
Vegan pick of the month
Chickpea (Hallveigarstígur 1, downtown) makes vegetarian and vegan food fresh every day: falafel, wraps, flatbreads and homemade soups. The Reykjavík Grapevine named it the best vegan meal in town in 2025 and 2026. On a cold day, order the vegan soup with pita and hummus.
Where to eat vegan in Reykjavík
Places open and close. Check opening hours and whether a place is fully vegan or vegetarian before you go; we last checked this list in October 2026.
- Mama Reykjavík, right in the centre: plant-based comfort food, bowls, stews and fresh juices.
- Plantan Kaffihús (Njálsgata 64) is a plant-based café with coffee, bakes, sandwiches and a different soup every day.
- Loving Hut (Laugavegur 164), at the far end of the main street, does quick and filling Asian-style vegan food.
- Vegan World Peace has a big menu of vegan Asian dishes, from noodles to curries.
- Garðurinn (Klapparstígur 37) is a small vegetarian café. The soup and main course change daily and there’s almost always a vegan option.
- Kattakaffihúsið (Bergstaðastræti 10a), Iceland’s first cat café. Vegetarian, with plenty of vegan cakes.
- Chickpea: vegetarian Middle Eastern-style bowls and pitas, with vegan choices.
Most other restaurants in town have at least one vegan dish, and staff are used to the question. Just ask.
Is Icelandic food vegan?
Mostly not. Traditional Icelandic food is built on fish, lamb and dairy. Skyr is a dairy product (more in is skyr vegan?). The classic hot dog is lamb, pork and beef, and the remoulade contains egg, so ask about plant-based options where you buy.
Bread is often easier. Rye bread (rúgbrauð) is often made without animal products, but recipes vary, so check the label. Flatkökur (flatbread) is usually just flour, water and salt; ask to be sure.
As for sweets, most Icelandic chocolate contains milk. Some liquorice is dairy-free, so read the ingredients. There’s more in our candy guide.
Shopping vegan in Iceland
Krónan and Bónus both have plant-based sections with oat milk, plant yogurts, tofu and meat alternatives. Imported fresh produce is pricey. Icelandic greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers are grown locally. Tap water in Reykjavík is safe to drink, so there’s no need for bottled water.
Read our full guide to Icelandic grocery stores.
Dietary needs on our food tour
Our food tour is built around Icelandic classics. If you have dietary needs, contact us before booking and we’ll tell you what we can offer.
Quick answers
Is Reykjavík vegan-friendly?
Yes. There are several fully vegan and vegetarian places in the centre, most restaurants have a vegan dish, and supermarkets stock plant-based basics.
Is traditional Icelandic food vegan?
Mostly not, as it’s based on fish, lamb and dairy. Skyr is dairy and the classic hot dog is meat with an egg-based sauce. Rye bread and flatbread are often vegan, but check.
Can I do a food tour in Reykjavík as a vegan?
Our tour is built around Icelandic classics, many of which aren’t vegan. Contact us before booking and we’ll tell you what we can offer.
Sources
Written by Elfar Tjörfi Steinason. We checked the facts in this article against these sources on 19 October 2026:
