Iceland is a dream destination for nature lovers, but it’s also a surprisingly exciting place for food. From fresh seafood pulled straight from the North Atlantic to comforting lamb dishes and unique dairy products, Icelandic cuisine is all about purity, simplicity, and local ingredients. When you stay with Ourhotels.is in West Iceland, you’re perfectly placed to taste some of the country’s most authentic flavors.
One of the first things to try is Icelandic lamb. Raised freely in the highlands and valleys, grazing on wild herbs and grasses, Icelandic lamb is famously tender and flavorful. You’ll find it as slow-roasted lamb, lamb soup (kjötsúpa), or grilled chops. While staying at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, close to Borgarnes, look for local restaurants serving traditional lamb soup – a hearty bowl filled with root vegetables and rich broth that’s perfect after a day exploring waterfalls, hot springs, and lava fields in the region.
Seafood is another highlight of any trip to Iceland. The cold, clean waters around the country produce some of the freshest fish you’ll ever taste. Cod, haddock, Arctic char, and halibut are common, often served simply grilled or pan-fried with potatoes and seasonal vegetables. In Stykkishólmur, a charming fishing town on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, you can really experience this connection to the sea. When you stay at The Stykkishólmur Inn with Ourhotels.is, you’re just a short walk from harborside restaurants where you can try fish of the day, creamy fish stew (plokkfiskur), or even a seafood buffet featuring mussels, shrimp, and more.
For something truly local, don’t miss Icelandic skyr. This thick, creamy dairy product is similar to yogurt but higher in protein and milder in flavor. It’s often eaten at breakfast with berries and a drizzle of honey, or as a light dessert. Many cafés and bakeries across West Iceland serve skyr-based treats, and you’ll find it in every supermarket. It’s an easy, everyday way to taste a piece of Icelandic food culture while staying at any Ourhotels.is property.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore some of Iceland’s more traditional and historic foods. Fermented shark (hákarl), dried fish (harðfiskur), and sheep’s head (svið) are part of the old preservation methods that helped Icelanders survive harsh winters. These are strong flavors and not for everyone, but they offer a glimpse into the country’s past. You’re more likely to find them in specialty restaurants or during festivals, and they’re often served in small tasting portions so you can try them without committing to a full plate.
In the Westfjords, where Ísafjörður sits surrounded by dramatic mountains and deep fjords, seafood and traditional dishes are especially important. When you stay at Ísafjörður Inn with Ourhotels.is, you can explore local eateries that serve salted fish, fish soup, and sometimes even old-style dishes like blood pudding or liver sausage alongside modern Icelandic cuisine. The town’s cozy cafés are also great places to warm up with homemade cakes, pastries, and a strong cup of coffee after a day of hiking or boat tours.
Bread is another quiet star of Icelandic food. You’ll find dense rye bread (rúgbrauð), often slightly sweet, served with butter, smoked salmon, or pickled herring. In some geothermal areas, this bread is even baked in the warm ground. While exploring Borgarfjörður from Hvítá Inn, ask about local bakeries or farm visits where you can taste traditional breads and pastries fresh from the oven.
For dessert lovers, Iceland offers simple but satisfying sweets. Try kleinur (twisted doughnuts), snúður (cinnamon rolls covered in icing or chocolate), and cakes made with rhubarb or berries. Many of these treats pair perfectly with Iceland’s strong coffee culture. Whether you’re in Stykkishólmur, Ísafjörður, or near Borgarnes, you’ll find small cafés where locals gather, giving you a chance to enjoy both the flavors and the relaxed pace of Icelandic life.
Even Icelandic hot dogs (pylsur) deserve a mention. Made mostly from lamb and served with a mix of raw and crispy onions, ketchup, mustard, and remoulade, they’re a favorite quick bite for locals and visitors alike. They’re easy to find at gas stations and stands along the main routes you’ll travel between Ourhotels.is locations in West Iceland.
Staying with Ourhotels.is – whether at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, The Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords – puts you close to some of Iceland’s most authentic food experiences. Each region has its own specialties, but they all share the same foundation: fresh, local ingredients and a deep respect for nature.
As you plan your trip, leave time to explore local restaurants, bakeries, and cafés near your hotel. Ask staff at Ourhotels.is for their personal recommendations – from the best place for lamb soup on a rainy day to the freshest fish in town. Tasting Icelandic food where it’s made, surrounded by the landscapes that shaped it, is one of the most memorable parts of any journey through West Iceland.
