Funny, I've had this bookmarked for two years since I visited Iceland in 2013...still look at it from time to time. What an incredible experience, I fell in love with everything except the food. I think Anthony Bourdain said the only place in the world where he's absolutely hated the food was Reykjavik...I can't say the man is wrong. But everything else is wonderful.
I really liked: The bakery culture for breakfasts, good and fresh seafood (if you're okay with eating whale, there's that too), a bit of variety in the diners and fast food places. We hit up a Chipotle-esque place called Serrano that wasn't bad, for instance.
Additionally, in the last few years though there's been a bit of foodie revolution; Kex hostel has some pretty solid dining at their in-house restaurant, and there are a number of 'American New' places sprouting up, both diner- and pub-style.
Anyway, I agree, Iceland was magical. The people were so, so great, the country was gorgeous and full of history, and (for my money) the food wasn't half bad.
> Kex hostel has some pretty solid dining at their in-house restaurant, and there are a number of 'American New' places sprouting up, both diner- and pub-style.
That's the restaurant where my friend worked...though he has moved on.
The best lobster soup (actually, best any soup) I ever had was at Saegriffin, which appears to be either just off the map (bottom left) or not marked, and I also found the incredible hot dog hut.
So our food experience was good, but agree - the experience was incredible. Without a doubt the best day of my travels anywhere in the world was our Golden Circle tour from Reykjavik - 6 friends, great tour guide, drinking chilled vodka in a hot spring while it snowed on us.
I'm with you. Flying in I was watching a show on the entertainment system called "Delicious Iceland" or something. The skies in the show were always blue and the food fresh and awesome. I didn't experience either of those while there. Everything else was fantastic in the true sense of the word.
A little fuzzy since it's been a couple years, but I absolutely hated their obsession with aggressively putting mayo-based sauces on seemingly everything.
