The Best Iceland Vegan Guide: Where to Eat & Stay

Years ago, people jokingly asked me if I lost weight when I traveled — they couldn’t fathom that a vegan could trek around the world and find things (other than carrot sticks) to eat! There have been very few destinations where I have worried about what I’m going to eat (I’m gluten-free, too) — I’ve even stopped bringing snacks with me — that says something. 

But then we decided to go to Iceland. 

I’ll level with you; when we first started talking about going to Iceland, it wasn’t to explore the vegan scene. We (like many people) were really curious to explore the country’s beautiful scenery and, of course, say hey to cute puffins. I knew Iceland wasn’t known for its vegan-friendliness and that I would need to pull that snack bag back out for the first time in a long time.

Luckily though, Iceland is slowly moving to the green side (in more ways than one), and it turned out that we didn’t have to survive on trail mix and protein bars after all (hallelujah)! 

Depending on where you are in the country, most restaurants have at least one option (and, if you’re vegetarian, you won’t really have issues at all), the major supermarkets have vegan sections, and you’ll even find options at gas stations (this was a big surprise to me). 

And, you know the best part? This guide has it all! So, stop worrying about going hungry and start planning glacier hikes and waterfall adventures! 

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Is Iceland Vegan-Friendly?

Some cities in Iceland are more vegan-friendly than others. You won’t have any issues if you’re hanging out in Reykjavik or even Akureyri. If you’re exploring more rural areas of the county, things will be more challenging. Even in rural areas, you will find small markets and gas stations that have surprising options! I found a vegan burger, sandwich, and chocolate-covered almonds at one gas station. I honestly thought I’d only find a banana. There was only one time when my meal consisted of French fries and tortilla chips — I’d say that’s pretty good (also, keep in mind I am gluten-free and if I wasn’t, I could’ve gotten a sandwich). 

Will It Be Hard to Find Vegetarian Food in Iceland?

As a vegetarian in Iceland, you won’t have any issues at all (unless you go to a steakhouse), even in more rural areas. 

Mama Reykjavik

Laugavegur 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
What is it? Vegan restaurant.
What’s on the menu? Healthy vegan comfort food — fresh juices, salads, stews, & more.

Pho Vietnam Restaurant

Laugavegur 101, Laugavegur 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
What is it? Vegan-friendly restaurant. 
What’s on the menu? Extensive Vietnamese vegan menu — noodles, soups, & more. 

Loving Hut

Laugavegur 164, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
What is it? Vegan restaurant.
What’s on the menu? Fast-casual Asian, they have franchises around the world!

Garðurinn

Klapparstígur 37, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
What is it? Vegetarian restaurant.
What’s on the menu? Daily changing menu that features soup and a main entrée; there’s almost always a vegan option.

SÓNÓ matseljur

Sæmundargata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
What is it? Vegetarian restaurant.
What’s on the menu? Seasonal salads, sandwiches, and weekly specials — they also use wild foraged Icelandic herbs and produce from their garden. 

Friðheimar

family-run greenhouse farm known for its innovative approach to sustainable agriculture, particularly in the cultivation of tomatoes and cucumbers. The farm uses geothermal energy, which is abundant in Iceland, to heat the greenhouses and grow crops year-round despite the country’s challenging climate. On the dining menu, you will find clearly labeled vegan options like tomato soup, stone baked tortilla, and a green tomato and apple pie! Reservations are required.

Bautinn Restaurant

Hafnarstræti 92, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
What is it? Vegan-friendly restaurant. 
What’s on the menu? A small vegan menu that features salad, pizza, a burger, and a burrito.   

Ísbúðin

Geislagata, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
What is it? Vegan-friendly ice cream shop.
What’s on the menu? They always have multiple sorbet options and slushies; sadly, there are no ice cream options just yet!

Café Berlin

Skipagata 4, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
What is it? Vegan-friendly café.
What’s on the menu? Vegan toast and smoothie options for breakfast and a vegan burger for lunch or dinner. 

Blackbox Pizzeria

Hafnarstræti, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
What is it? Vegan-friendly pizzeria.
What’s on the menu? They have one vegan pizza — Spicy Vegan, topped with sriracha, mushrooms, chili mayo, and more. 

Krua Siam

Strandgata 13, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
What is it? Vegan-friendly restaurant.
What’s on the menu? Veggie-packed Thai dishes.  

Shanghai Restaurant

Strandgata, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
What is it? Vegan-friendly restaurant.
What’s on the menu? Vegan Chinese dishes — the menu is well marked.   

Lava Café 

Austurvegur 20, 870 Vík, Iceland
What is it? Vegan-friendly café (inside of the tourist mall/center). 
What’s on the menu? Fast casual café with rotating options that usually include vegan sandwiches and pasta. Some smoothies can be made vegan too.  

Black Crust Pizza

Austurvegur 16, 870 Vik, Iceland
What is it? Vegan-friendly pizzeria.  
What’s on the menu? Specialty sourdough pizzas with one vegan option topped with date pesto, mushrooms, onions, veggie meat, and cheese.   

Smiðjan Brugghús

Sunnubraut 15, 870 Vík, Iceland
What is it? Vegan-friendly brew pub & burger spot.  
What’s on the menu? Vegan black bean burger and a massive lineup of craft beer. 

The Soup Company

Víkurbraut 5, 870 Vík, Iceland
What is it? Vegan-friendly soup spot.  
What’s on the menu? Every day they always have a vegan soup option on their menu that comes with a chunk of their house-made bread.    

Strondin Pub Vik

1, Vík, Iceland
What is it? Vegan-friendly pub.  
What’s on the menu? They always have a couple of vegan options, including pasta, soup, or a burger. 

Frystiklefinn Restaurant

Gamla Frystihusid Eystri IS, 720 Bakkagerði, Iceland
What is it? Vegan-friendly restaurant & brewery.  
What’s on the menu? They are not super vegan-friendly, but they have a falafel plate with vegan aioli and house-made hummus. 

Kaffi Hornid

Hafnarbraut 42, 780 Höfn í Hornafirði, Iceland
What is it? Vegan-friendly restaurant.
What’s on the menu? Small vegan menu with a pasta and sandwich option — the menu is well marked. 

Hafnarbuðin

í Hornafirði, Ránarslóð 2a, 780 Höfn, Iceland
What is it? Vegan-friendly burger spot.
What’s on the menu? Vegan black bean burgers, avocado boats, and French fries — all are marked as vegan, so there is no confusion. 

Við Voginn

2, 765, Vogaland, Djúpivogur, Iceland
What is it? Vegan-friendly café.
What’s on the menu? There are a couple of vegan snacks — crunchy cauliflower wings, French fries, and a veggie hot dog in their special Bulsa Bread. 

Ishusid Pizzeria Restaurant 

Heppuvegur 2a, 780 Höfn í Hornafirði, Iceland
What is it? Vegan-friendly pizzeria.
What’s on the menu? They have a vegetarian pizza on the menu but are able to make it vegan. They also have sorbet for dessert.

Pakkhús Restaurant

Krosseyjarvegur 3, 780 Höfn í Hornafirði, Iceland
What is it? Vegan-friendly restaurant.
What’s on the menu? On the lunch and dinner menus, they have a couple of vegan options or things that can be made vegan — vegetable pie, spring rolls, and peanut butter ganache for dessert. Reviewers have also shared that although they don’t have anything on the menu that is vegan and gluten-free the chef is skilled and able to accommodate.

Vegan-Friendly Restaurants on Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Vegan options aren’t as plentiful on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. A few other spots have a vegan burger or special option, and La Colina Pizzeria can make a pizza without cheese. If you’re heading this way, stop at a market before you go and stock up on snacks. 

Sker Restaurant

Ólafsbraut, 355 Ólafsvík, Iceland
What is it? Vegan-friendly restaurant.
What’s on the menu? Vegan and vegetarian burger options with French fries; some other sides might be vegan too. 

Narfeyrarstofa

Aðalgata 3, 340 Stykkishólmur, Iceland
What is it? Vegan-friendly restaurant.
What’s on the menu? Falafel, multiple salads, and side dishes — just look for the little v-shaped leaf. 

Vegan & Vegan-Friendly Markets throughout Iceland 

Before you hit the road or just for fun, check out the vegan options at Krónan and Bónus supermarkets. Both generally always have a vegan section or, at minimum, a few options.  

Krónan

Locations throughout Iceland

Bónus

Locations throughout Iceland

Vegan-Friendly Rest Stops/Gas Stations in Iceland  

The first time we stopped at a gas station/rest stop, I thought there was no way we’d find anything more than maybe an apple or banana — I was wrong (after that, I wanted to go into every gas station I could find). Both offered pre-made vegan sandwiches, a burrito wrap, and chocolate, and one of the Olis stops had a fast-food restaurant with a vegan burger — fantastic, right?

Olís

There are Olís locations near or just north of Reykjavík, near Akureyri, and in Fellabær and Fjarðabyggð. 

N1

There are locations throughout the country, except in the northeast corner. 

Vegan Options at the Keflavik Airport

If you’re on the run or arriving at the airport very early, have no fear, there are vegan options at the Keflavik Airport! You’ll find the best options at these two spots and possibly items at Elda.

Mathús

This casual spot is a grab-n-go convenience shop with drinks (Oatly chocolate milk), pre-made sandwiches, and salads.

Maikai

This acai shop is open in the morning and afternoon, with a great lineup of smoothie bowls and coffee options. All of their topping options are well-marked; one note, their granola isn’t gluten-free (which is why I have a giant blob of cashew butter). 

Vegan-Friendly Hotels in Iceland 

These hotels are peppered throughout the county (use the map below this list to find them). I recommend for the hotels outside of Reykjavik, let them know that you’re vegan before you arrive (to ensure they have non dairy milk stocked, and maybe you’ll get lucky with a special treat).

Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel

Brautarholt 10, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
4-star hotel

Book Your Stay

Storm Hotel

Reykjavík, Iceland
3-star hotel

Book Your Stay

Álfheimar

Bakkagerði, Iceland (it’s right by the puffin wall)
2-star hotel

Book Your Stay

Hotel Smyrlabjörg

Þjóðvegur, Iceland (46 km from the town of Höfn and 34 km from Jökulsárlón)
3-star hotel

Book Your Stay

Hótel Dyrhólaey

Vik, Iceland
3-star hotel

Book Your Stay

Hotel Sveinbjarnargerdi

Svalbarðseyri, Iceland (just outside of Akureyri)
3-star hotel

Book Your Stay

Final Vegan Tips for Exploring Iceland

Connect with Local Vegan Communities for Recommendations 

One of the best ways to find vegan-friendly options in Iceland is to connect with local vegan communities. Check out the vegan travelers to Iceland or Reykjavik Vegans Facebook group before you go, and always ask locals for recommendations on restaurants and shops when you arrive (locals always share things that you won’t typically find Googling). 

Don’t Forget Road Trip & Hiking Snacks

When exploring Iceland as a vegan, especially in more rural areas, planning ahead and bringing your own snacks and meals for long hikes and road trips is essential. While some vegan-friendly options are available at gas stations and convenience stores, they may be limited. Pack items like trail mix, fruit, granola bars, and sandwiches to ensure you have enough to keep you fueled. Additionally, staying at a hotel that can provide vegan breakfast options can help set your day up for success!

Need More Vegan Travel Help?

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