I anxiously chuckled while investigating the vegan scene in Reykjavik when I came across the question, “Can a vegan survive in Iceland?” On the one hand, the question-askers concern was valid — Iceland has a long seafaring history that includes consuming puffins and sharks and still participates in whale hunting.
That doesn’t exactly scream vegan-friendly, does it?
On the other hand, like in many countries, public awareness about a plant-based diet’s environmental and health benefits is growing, which plays into Iceland’s sustainability efforts. The country is well underway to become carbon neutral no later than 2040; anywhere you go, you’ll find companies touting their green achievements. Reykjavik is also home to the only plant-based seafood producer in the Arctic, Loki Foods.
With that in mind, vegans can let out a sigh of relief that it’s not all carrot sticks and lettuce in Reykjavik.
Many restaurants in Reykjavik will have at least one vegan or vegetarian option but lucky for you (and me), we don’t have to settle for that! In addition to vegan-friendly restaurants, you will want to check out the multiple fully vegan and vegetarian restaurants and bakeries. There is even a giant vegan market (touts itself as one of the world’s largest)!
So without further ado, let’s get planning your vegan Reykjavik adventure!
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Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Reykjavik
Exploring more than just Reykjavik? Then don’t miss my complete vegan guide to Iceland! It covers popular cities and places like The Golden Circle, Akureyri, Vik, and more.
Vegan World Peace
Aðalstræti 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
If the bright green accents don’t catch your attention, the “Vegan world peace” sign will! Right in Reykjavik’s city center is this welcoming Asian restaurant with a bit of unexpected Italian influence — Pad Thai and Panna Cotta? Why not! The menu takes inspiration from Korea, Thailand, China, and more, with a massive lineup of hearty dishes. A testament to the tastiness was the quiet slurping as we shoveled chopstick-fulls of noodles into our mouths — there wasn’t an ounce left!
Mama Reykjavik
Laugavegur 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Up a narrow staircase into what looks like someone’s private space is a vegan oasis. The hippie haven is serving up an array of comfort dishes meant to fuel your body and mind. If you’re feeling sluggish, cozy up with a warm bowl of daal topped with their house-made sweet chutney and yogurt. Don’t skip over their fresh juices for an extra boost — the Green Magic will pep you up if you are fighting a cold or jet lag (like I was). Save a little room for something sweet; they have a terrific lineup of decadent cakes or mini chocolate bliss balls.
Chickpea
Hallveigarstigur 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Looking for something healthy and delicious? Look no further than this Middle Eastern-inspired vegetarian café! The casual spot is perfect if you’re on the run — there are a few seats inside, but it’s not ideal if you’ve got a giant group of people. If you’re indecisive, their menu is perfect — choose one of their colorful salad bowls or load many of those same ingredients into a freshly baked pita. You also can’t go wrong with their house-made falafel — the mix of savory sauces with the fresh crunch of veggies and herbs is top-notch.
Loving Hut
Laugavegur 164, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
This family-owned vegan restaurant franchise has eateries in over 200 locations worldwide — pretty awesome, right? So, if you love their food in Reykjavik, you might be able to sample it again somewhere else! The casual spot has an affordable lineup of dishes like fresh spring rolls, golden tofu, Pad Thai, and more. One more bonus, the menu is well-marked for allergens.
Garðurinn
Klapparstígur 37, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Variety is the spice of life, and this little vegetarian café likes to keep things spicy! Every day, the café is cooking up a new soup and main dish to delight its guests, and there is generally always a vegan and gluten-free option! If you want to know what’s on the menu before you go, check their website, it’s updated regularly!
SÓNÓ matseljur
Sæmundargata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
This eclectic vegetarian café is a little outside the city center but worth the bus ride (or walk if you’re up for it).The menu celebrates the seasons with veggies from their garden and wild foraged Icelandic herbs. Their plant-based approach is meant to celebrate the variety and flavor that Mother Nature provides. No matter when you visit, you’ll always find some variation of hearty sandwiches, fresh salads, and special weekly creations. Make sure you save room for a slice of one of their raw cakes!
Don’t Miss These Other Helpful Iceland Travel Articles!
Is the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour Worth It?
The Best Day Trip from Reykjavík to Explore Iceland
G Adventures Review: Best of Iceland Tour
Where to Stay & What to See on Iceland’s Ring Road
Is the Golden Circle Worth Visiting?
Don’t forget to book your ticket with FlyBus before you head to Iceland! It’s the most affordable ground transfer option from the airport to Reykjavik.
Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Reykjavik
Many restaurants throughout Reykjavik will have at least one vegan option on the menu but for the best selection of veggie eats, check out these spots.
Grandi Mathöll
Grandagarði 16, Grandagarður 16, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
This bustling food hall is in Reykjavik’s old harbor district, filled with various restaurants waiting to take you on a culinary journey from Korea to Italy! Sadly, there isn’t a vegan spot in the food hall (just yet), but there are multiple spots with delicious options. For a “treat yo’ self” kind of dish, head to Korean Street Food (KORE) and grab an order of their Filthy Vegan Fries covered in spicy cauliflower, onions, chili, kimchi, and gochujang sauce. In addition to KORE, you’ll also find vegan pizza at Trunó Pizza & Bar and vegan burgers at the Gastro Truck.
Wok On
Borgartún 29, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
Whether you’re feeling Very Vegan or Mega Vegan, Wok On has just what you need! This casual Vietnamese bowl spot has multiple vegan options loaded with zucchini noodles, tofu, mushrooms, baby corn, and more. If you’re not feeling Very or Mega vegan, that’s ok because a few of their other bowl creations can be made vegan too — the Peanut Dream has my attention (sans chicken, of course).
Lóa Restaurant
Laugavegur 95-99, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Have your fancy pants on and looking for a chic dinner spot? Look no further! The sophisticated spot always has vegan and gluten-free options at every course, but if you need something special, the staff is more than happy to try and accommodate! The sweet and savory tomato tartare with a fun Icelandic-inspired cocktail is the perfect way to start a meal!
Pho Vietnam Restaurant
Laugavegur 101, Laugavegur 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
This casual Vietnamese spot really stepped up to the vegan plate — they don’t just have a couple of options; they have over 10! I wasn’t all that hungry when we sauntered in there to meet friends, but how can you resist a lineup like that? You’ll find traditional Pho, spicy yellow curry, Udon noodle stir-fry, and more.
Ramen Momo
Tryggvagata 16, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Ramen lovers can’t miss the very first ramen spot to grace the streets of Reykjavik, especially when everything is house-made, right down to the noodles! Their vegan-friendly menu isn’t extensive, but you don’t need a million choices when it’s this delicious. Grab an order of red beet or carrot gyoza to go along with your vegan Tantanmen ramen!
Reykjavík Chips
Vitastígur, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
This chip shop has brought a little piece of Belgium to Iceland! The famous Belgian frites are generally not vegan-friendly, but these are! In addition to frying the potatoes in vegetable oil, they also have vegan mayo and satay sauce (along with ketchup) for dipping.
Viet Noodles
Grandagarður 9, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
By now, it’s clear that if you like Asian cuisine, you will have plenty of options in Reykjavik! You’ll find all of the traditional favorites here — fried noodles with tofu, veggie-packed spring rolls, and more. One kind of odd thing, they don’t have a vegan Pho, but you can definitely get that elsewhere in the city.
Vegan-Friendly Breakfast Restaurants in Reykjavik
Plantan Kaffihús
Njálsgata 64, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
No matter if it’s a Tuesday or Saturday morning, there’s no better place to start your day than this vegan coffee shop. During the week, you can pair your latte with a freshly baked scone, breakfast sandwich, or a hearty bowl of oatmeal topped with fresh fruit. On Saturday and Sunday, you’ll want to get up early to ensure you snag a seat for their special brunch platter — tofu scramble, golden waffles, muesli, yogurt, house-made bread, and much more.
The Laundromat Café
Austurstræti 9, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Old world maps, Barack Obama, and photos of retro laundromats cover the walls of this effortlessly cool café. Slide into one of their high-back red vinyl booths to start your day or for a snack in between sightseeing stops — there are vegan options all day, but I have to say I am partial to their breakfast lineup. In the morning, you can’t go wrong with their hearty vegan brunch plate piled high with pancakes, tofu scramble, chia pudding, fruit, and toast — everything you need to conquer the day! Also, if you’ve got a load of clothes to wash, bring it along! There is a public laundromat in the basement.
Joe and The Juice
Multiple locations throughout Reykjavik
If you’re just in the mood for a smoothie or fresh juice in the morning, this global juicery can get you started! You’ll find almost every blend of juice and smoothie you can imagine. If you like green things, go for the Green Shield packed with cucumber, lettuce, broccoli, spinach, and apple — you’ll be ready to tackle the day!
Vegan Hot Dog Spot in Reykjavik
Víkinga Pylsur
Frakkastígur 25, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
It will most likely come as a surprise, but hot dogs are one of the most popular foods in Iceland! The love affair started as an affordable snack and has now grown into a culinary battle of who can come up with the most creative concoction, and this includes vegan options! If you want to try a vegan version, head to this small hot dog stand outside the Hallgrímskirkja church.
Vegan Bakeries & Cafes in Reykjavik
Kattakaffihúsið
Bergstaðastræti 10a, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
If you’re a cat lover, you can’t miss giving a few chin scratches to the kitties at Kattakaffihusid. Technically, Iceland’s first cat café isn’t a bakery, but the stars of their café menu (in my opinion) are vegan sweet treats (there are a few other things to try, too!). While you’re making a new furry friend, you can enjoy a slice of cake, a golden waffle topped with coconut whipped cream, and a latte! Their café menu has a never-ending lineup of sweet vegan treats, specialty coffees, and even a few hearty sandwiches.
Plantan Kaffihús
Njálsgata 64, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Tucked amongst a lineup of grey and white homes is this quaint little café quietly caffeinating the local community. While there isn’t anywhere else better to get your latte or chai fix, what you really can’t miss are their vegan treats! In addition to serving breakfast and lunch eats, they also have a mouthwatering lineup of cakes, cinnamon rolls, cheesecake, pastries, and more!
Vegan-Friendly Bakeries & Ice Cream Spots in Reykjavik
VALDÍS
5332+CC8, Grandagarður, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
This popular ice cream shop is well known for its unique and inventive flavors— over the last five years, they’ve crafted over 400 flavors! Maybe one day, all 400 will be vegan! Until then, you’ll always find a fruity lineup of house-made sorbets and sometimes coconut and almond-based ice creams. The flavors rotate regularly!
Brauð & Co
Multiple locations throughout Reykjavík
It’s hard to miss the colorful flagship bakery at Frakkastíg 16 — it looks like a Hippie hot spot, which in my mind means vegan options! The bakeshop is well known for its freshly baked sourdough bread (which is vegan), along with a myriad of other baked goods. On the sweet side, they always have a vegan cinnamon roll, or if you’d prefer savory, grab one of their giant soft pretzels!
Omnom Chocolate
The shop is located at Hólmaslóð 4, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, but the chocolate is sold in supermarkets and shops throughout the city.
When in Iceland, you’ve got to try Icelandic-produced chocolate! Two friends founded this brand in Reykjavik and create the chocolate using locally sourced ingredients and cocoa beans from Madagascar, Nicaragua, and Tanzania. What’s even cooler is that all of the chocolate is produced using geothermal energy. On the vegan side, they have multiple dark chocolate bars to try. Sadly, their ice cream shop doesn’t have vegan options (hopefully, that will change).
Eldur og Ís – Ice cream and crepes
Skólavörðustígur 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
You don’t have to settle for just sorbet at this vegan-friendly sweet shop — get ready to enjoy light and airy crepes! This spot is well known for its delicious vegan and gluten-free crepes that you can fill with caramelized apples, dark chocolate, fresh strawberries, and even vegan lemon curd! If you’re more of a savory crepe fan, no worries, they also have vegan cheese, falafel, and fresh veggies. The menu is super well-marked, so you don’t have to play the “Is this vegan” game!
Loo.koo.mas
Laugavegur 30a, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
At first glance, you might think there is no way this decadent donut spot is vegan-friendly, but it is! The plump house-made Greek donuts (traditionally called loukoumas) are vegan by default — YAY! You can enjoy them plain or top them with an assortment of treats; just ask which toppings are vegan (most toppings are not).
Passion
44QR+246, 104 Reykjavík, Iceland
The light and buttery croissants are worth the bus ride to this vegan-friendly bakery! The small shop will also delight you with a lovely lineup of other drool-worthy pastries, donuts, coffee, and more. It’s about a 40-minute bus ride from the city center or an hour’s walk — definitely worth the trek.
Vegan-Friendly Hotels in Reykjavik
If you’re looking for a centrally-located hotel with decent vegan breakfast options, check out these spots! Breakfast is included at The Storm Hotel but is an additional charge at the Fosshotel Baron and Eyja Guldsmeden. Breakfast generally includes a variety of cereals, oatmeal (always double check that they didn’t add milk), bread, jam, nut butter, fruit, coffee, and nondairy milk(s).
Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel
Brautarholt 10, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
4-star hotel
Storm Hotel
4 Þórunnartún, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
3-star hotel
Fosshotel Baron
Barónsstígur 2-4, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
3-star hotel
Vegan-Friendly Markets & Wine in Reykjavik
In addition to visiting Vegan búðin, these two markets are all over Reykjavik (and Iceland) and have a great selection of vegan products. One note, you’ll also find other markets throughout downtown Reykjavik; they aren’t worth your time! These markets are geared towards tourists, which means the prices are sometimes more than double or triple what you’d pay at Krónan or Bónus, and the selection of products isn’t great.
Krónan
Multiple locations throughout Reykjavik
Bónus
Multiple locations throughout Reykjavik
Vínbúðin
Multiple locations throughout Reykjavik
If you’re looking for wine, beer, or spirits, come here! These booze markets have a massive selection of options from Iceland and around the globe, but the best part is that they mark which of their wines are vegan!
Vegan Options at the Keflavik Airport
If you cannot grab something to eat before you head to the airport, have no fear, there are decent vegan options at the Keflavik Airport! I was honestly surprised and thought I’d have to settle with a latte and an apple. For the best options, check out these two spots. You can also find limited options at Elda.
Mathús
This is a grab-n-go convenience shop with drinks, pre-made salads, and vegan sandwiches.
Maikai
This acai shop is open in the morning and afternoon and has a terrific smoothie bowl and coffee lineup. All of their topping options are well-marked; one note, their granola isn’t gluten-free.
Vegan Reykjavik Map
Want to easily see all the vegan hot spots? Use this map! The map highlights all of the vegan, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly restaurants throughout Reykjavik.
Vegan Travel Inspiration
Looking for more vegan travel fun? You’ve come to the right place! Check out these other guides and articles to help plan your next trip.
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11 Scenic Day Trips from Vancouver
13 Delicious Vegan Breakfast Spots in LA
Ultimate Vegan Guide to Chicago
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