Checklist: the most interesting things to order in Iceland
Food
Icelandic lamb, ideally smoked or slow-cooked
Plokkfiskur, a classic Icelandic fish dish
Rúgbrauð, dark rye bread with butter and fish
Skyr with berries, a true Iceland staple
Drinks
Brennivín, Iceland’s most iconic spirit
Local draft beer, especially from smaller breweries
Quick pairings when you order
Lamb: a peppery, herbal red (Syrah-style works well)
Fish: a crisp white with high acidity (cool-climate, mineral-driven)
Skyr + berries: brut sparkling or an aromatic white
The flavours that define Iceland
Icelandic food is built around clear ingredients and a clean flavour profile. The ocean shapes much of the cuisine, and lamb is a strong signature on land. Smoking, slow cooking and simple seasoning let the ingredients lead, which makes it easy to eat locally without overthinking the menu.
Four dishes that instantly feel “Iceland”
Icelandic lamb
Look for dishes where lamb is the main event: slow-cooked, grilled or smoked. The flavour is often rich and slightly herbal, and it works just as well in a casual bistro as in a more refined setting.
Plokkfiskur
A classic you’ll often see on menus. Think comforting, filling and home-style, with fish at the centre. A safe choice when you want something genuinely Icelandic without taking risks.
Rúgbrauð
A dark rye bread that’s typically dense and soft, sometimes with a gentle sweetness. Order it as a side with fish and butter, or as part of a simple lunch to add a local touch to the table.
Skyr with berries
Skyr is a clear Iceland signature. Try it for breakfast or as a light dessert, ideally with berries and something crunchy on top.
Drinks to try while you’re there
Brennivín
A classic pick if you want an Icelandic signature in your glass. It suits anyone who likes bold character and a more traditional feel.
Local beer
Iceland’s beer scene is modern and varied. Go for local beer on draft, especially with salty, smoked or fried food where beer becomes an easy, satisfying match.
Wine in Iceland: what to expect
Wine is almost always imported, so the best wine experience is found in restaurants and wine bars with a strong by-the-glass selection and knowledgeable staff.
Three easy wine choices that usually work
With lamb
Choose a red with a spicy, herbal profile so it stands up to the meat without overpowering it.
With fish
Choose a fresh white with clear acidity and a clean taste for a crisp, “sea-bright” pairing with fish.
With skyr and berries
Choose brut sparkling for freshness, or an aromatic white if you want a fruitier overall feel that plays well with berry acidity.
Bring the Iceland feeling to your own table
Recreate Iceland at home with dark rye bread, good butter, a simple fish dish and skyr with berries. If you want a bold finishing touch, a bottle of Brennivín can be the signature element of an Iceland-inspired evening.
