I love to travel and try to do it as often as I can, but as a twenty-something, I don’t have the disposable income to spend on an entire vacation of pricey meals. I’ve found that with a little research, there are almost always more reasonably priced alternatives that can often be more interesting than luxury restaurants. I’m headed to Iceland this week, and I’ve consulted travel books, acquaintances, and the good old internet to compile this round-up of inexpensive to moderately-priced options for our upcoming adventure.
Restaurant Reykjavik
The food here will probably be too expensive for my wallet, but the restaurant also has an ice bar. I fully expect that this joint will be a bit touristy, but how many opportunities in my life will I have to visit a bar made of ice? I plan to bring a down coat; they keep the temperature at 21 degrees Farenheit.
Icelandic Fish and Chips
Seafood is a big part of the Icelandic diet, but it’s not really my thing. I do enjoy fish and chips though, so I’m looking forward to an English-inspired compromise. I’m assuming the fish here would be fresh, based on the restaurant’s proximity to the water.
Hamborgarafabrikkan
This gourmet burger restaurant offers beef, chicken, and lamb options, as well as an unexpected assortment of toppings, from prawns to mango yogurt sauce to a presumably fried egg. Salads are also available, but if you’re really hungry, you can order an entree called “The Last Supper of the Cold War,” a meal supposedly eaten by President Reagan and Russian leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
Baejarins Bestu
I never would have guessed that hot dogs are a celebrated food in Iceland, but they are. Apparently Icelandic hot dogs, or pylsur, are special. Lamb is added into the mix, and these hot dogs can be found at this famous little joint as well as in gas stations all over the country. They also come with a special combination of toppings, which adds to their fame.
Grai Kotturinn
In English, the Grey Cat, Grai Kotturinn just sounds cozy. It’s apparently a great breakfast spot, serving American style breakfasts with Icelandic charm. I’m looking forward to grabbing breakfast here and browsing the book selection in this basement cafe.
Kaffibarinn
This Reykjavik bar boasts artsy clientele, supposedly ranging from unknowns to Bjork. You can stop by during the day for coffee and come back at night for drinks and the DJ.
Mokka Kaffi
I’m told that Mokka Kaffi, the oldest cafe in town, has great waffles and coffee for reasonable prices. It apparently also holds art exhibitions. Who doesn’t love a little art with their waffles?
Saegreifinn
In case my travel partner has a hankering for seafood by the harbor, we’ll have to try out Saegriffin. It offers famous lobster soup and kebabs of seabirds, fish, and other seafood. Saegreifinn was started by a retired fisherman. If we’re feeling adventurous, we may try the whale.
