Dining in Iceland is an experience that goes far beyond simply “trying local food.” It’s a window into Icelandic culture, nature, and history—shaped by the sea, the seasons, and a deep respect for local ingredients. If you’re planning a trip to West Iceland, understanding how, when, and where to eat will help you make the most of every meal.
Ourhotels.is offers comfortable stays across the region, and each location puts you within easy reach of memorable dining experiences—from cozy countryside inns to harborside restaurants serving the freshest catch of the day.
First, a few essentials travelers should know:
Icelandic dining culture is relaxed but quality-focused. You’ll find everything from simple home-style cooking to inventive New Nordic cuisine. Reservations are recommended in popular towns, especially in high season (summer and around holidays). Tipping is not expected—service is usually included in prices—but rounding up or leaving a small tip for excellent service is appreciated.
Meal times are familiar to most visitors: breakfast from around 7–10 am, lunch from 11:30–14:00, and dinner from 18:00–21:30 (sometimes later in larger towns). In smaller communities, kitchens may close earlier, so it’s wise to check opening hours in advance.
Seafood is the star of many menus. Cod, haddock, Arctic char, langoustine, and mussels are common, often served simply with potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Lamb is another cornerstone of Icelandic cuisine—free-range, grass-fed, and full of flavor. You’ll also see skyr (a thick, protein-rich dairy product) at breakfast, in desserts, and even in savory dishes.
If you’re curious about traditional specialties, you may encounter dishes like fermented shark, dried fish (harðfiskur), or sheep’s head. These are more of a cultural experience than everyday fare, and you can choose how adventurous you want to be. Most restaurants focus on fresh, approachable dishes that highlight local ingredients without pushing you too far out of your comfort zone.
Vegetarians and vegans will find more options than in the past, especially in larger towns and at modern bistros. Many menus mark vegetarian and vegan dishes clearly, and it’s common to find hearty vegetable soups, salads, and grain-based dishes. Gluten-free options are also widely available; just let your server know your needs.
Prices can be higher than in many other countries, reflecting Iceland’s remote location and high quality standards. To balance your budget, consider a mix of restaurant meals, café lunches, and simple dinners. Many travelers enjoy a substantial breakfast at their hotel, a lighter midday meal, and then a special dinner at a recommended local spot.
Staying with Ourhotels.is in West Iceland makes it easy to explore the region’s food scene at a comfortable pace. Each inn has its own character and surroundings, and all are well placed for discovering local flavors.
Near Borgarnes, Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður offers a peaceful countryside base close to farms, rivers, and hot springs. This area is known for its agricultural heritage, so you’ll find excellent lamb, dairy, and seasonal produce. Many nearby restaurants and guesthouses serve hearty, home-style Icelandic dishes—think lamb soup, fish of the day, and freshly baked bread. After a day exploring waterfalls and lava fields, returning to the calm of Hvítá Inn and enjoying a simple, satisfying meal nearby feels especially rewarding.
On the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, The Stykkishólmur Inn places you right by one of Iceland’s most charming harbors. Here, seafood is the highlight. Local restaurants often serve fish caught just hours earlier, along with mussels and other shellfish from the surrounding Breiðafjörður Bay. It’s an ideal place to try fish soup, pan-fried cod, or Arctic char while watching boats come and go. Cafés in town offer good coffee, pastries, and light lunches, making Stykkishólmur a pleasant stop between sightseeing and evening dining. Staying at The Stykkishólmur Inn means you can walk to many of these spots, then return to a warm, comfortable room.
Farther northwest, Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords puts you in the heart of one of Iceland’s most dramatic regions. Ísafjörður has a surprisingly vibrant food scene for a small town, with cozy restaurants, bakeries, and cafés that reflect both local traditions and modern influences. Fresh fish is again central, but you’ll also find creative takes on Icelandic classics, craft beers, and excellent coffee. After a day of hiking, kayaking, or exploring remote fjords, sitting down to a hot meal in Ísafjörður feels like a reward in itself. From Ísafjörður Inn, you can easily walk to many of the town’s best dining options.
Wherever you stay with Ourhotels.is—whether at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, The Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn—you’ll be well placed to enjoy the full range of Icelandic dining: from simple, comforting dishes to refined plates that showcase the best of local ingredients. Planning ahead a little, asking locals for recommendations, and being open to trying something new will make your meals in Iceland as memorable as the landscapes themselves.
For travelers who want both comfortable accommodation and easy access to authentic food experiences in West Iceland, Ourhotels.is offers a welcoming base in three of the region’s most rewarding areas to eat and explore.
