Eating in Iceland is an experience that blends fresh local ingredients, centuries-old traditions, and a growing modern food scene. Whether you’re exploring the West of Iceland or staying with Ourhotels.is at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn, you’ll find plenty of memorable flavors along the way.
Icelandic cuisine is deeply connected to nature. The cold, clean waters around the island provide excellent fish and seafood, while the harsh climate has shaped a food culture based on preservation, simplicity, and quality ingredients. Expect menus that highlight fresh fish, lamb, dairy, and seasonal produce, often prepared in a straightforward way that lets the ingredients speak for themselves.
Fish is a cornerstone of Icelandic food. Cod, haddock, Arctic char, and halibut are common, often served grilled, pan-fried, or baked with simple sides like potatoes and vegetables. In coastal towns such as Stykkishólmur, you’ll find restaurants and cafés that serve incredibly fresh seafood, sometimes caught the same day. When staying at the Stykkishólmur Inn with Ourhotels.is, you’re perfectly placed to explore local eateries that specialize in fish soup, plokkfiskur (a comforting fish and potato mash), and shellfish from Breiðafjörður Bay.
Lamb is another highlight. Icelandic lamb is free-range, grazing on wild herbs and grasses, which gives the meat a distinct, delicate flavor. You’ll see lamb in many forms: roasted, grilled, in hearty stews, or as smoked meat. While staying at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, close to Borgarnes, you’re in one of the country’s rich agricultural regions. Local restaurants and farm-to-table spots often feature lamb dishes alongside fresh dairy products and homemade breads, giving you a taste of rural Icelandic life.
Dairy plays a big role in everyday eating. Skyr, a thick, protein-rich cultured dairy similar to yogurt, is a staple at breakfast and as a snack or dessert. You’ll also encounter excellent butter, cheeses, and ice cream made from local milk. At Ourhotels.is properties like Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, you can start your day with a traditional Icelandic breakfast featuring skyr, breads, cold cuts, and cheeses before heading out to explore the dramatic fjord landscapes.
Iceland is also known for its traditional preserved foods, developed long before refrigeration. You may see items like hangikjöt (smoked lamb), harðfiskur (dried fish, often eaten with butter), and rúgbrauð (dense, dark rye bread sometimes baked in geothermal heat). These are worth trying if you’re curious about authentic Icelandic heritage. Many cafés and bakeries in towns like Borgarnes, Stykkishólmur, and Ísafjörður offer modern twists on these classics, making them more approachable for visitors.
For those who have heard about more “extreme” Icelandic foods—such as fermented shark (hákarl) or sheep’s head—these are not part of everyday eating and are usually found in specialty places or during festivals. If you want to sample them, ask the staff at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn for recommendations; they can point you to local spots that serve these traditional delicacies in a respectful, informative way.
Vegetarians and vegans will find more options than in the past, especially in larger towns and popular travel areas. Many restaurants now offer plant-based dishes, soups, salads, and grain bowls. In the West of Iceland, you’ll still want to check menus in advance, but the staff at Ourhotels.is can help you locate suitable dining options near each inn.
Eating out in Iceland tends to be casual but high quality. Portions are generally generous, and you’ll often find daily specials based on what’s freshest. Prices can be higher than in many other countries due to Iceland’s small population and import costs, so it’s worth planning your meals and mixing restaurant visits with supermarket stops for snacks and picnic-style lunches. All three Ourhotels.is locations—Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn—are well placed near local grocery stores and bakeries, making it easy to balance your food budget.
You’ll also notice a strong coffee culture. Even in small towns, you can usually find a cozy café serving good coffee, pastries, and cakes. Try kleinur (twisted doughnuts), vínarterta (layered cake), or a slice of homemade cake with rhubarb or berries. After a day of exploring waterfalls in Borgarfjörður, islands around Stykkishólmur, or the fjords near Ísafjörður, relaxing with coffee and something sweet is a simple Icelandic pleasure.
Seasonality matters in Iceland. In summer, you’ll see more fresh vegetables, berries, and herbs on menus, while winter brings heartier dishes and warming soups. No matter when you visit, you can expect clean flavors, high-quality ingredients, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
Staying with Ourhotels.is in West Iceland gives you a great base to explore this food culture:
– At Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, you’re close to farms, greenhouses, and local producers, ideal for tasting fresh lamb, dairy, and vegetables.
– At Stykkishólmur Inn, you’re right by the sea, with easy access to seafood restaurants and boat tours that highlight the richness of Breiðafjörður Bay.
– At Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, you can enjoy a mix of traditional fish dishes, modern bistro-style cooking, and cozy cafés in one of Iceland’s most scenic regions.
Eating in Iceland is about more than just trying new dishes; it’s about experiencing how Icelanders live with their environment. From simple fish soup in a harbor café to a lamb dinner after a day of exploring waterfalls and fjords, your meals become part of the journey. With Ourhotels.is as your base in West Iceland, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to discover the flavors that make Icelandic food unique.
