Khoollect explores: a foodie guide to Reykjavik, Iceland

***Rachel Khoo would like to thank all the inspiring people who helped make the Khoollect studio a hive of creativity. Although the Khoollect studio’s doors have now closed, you can keep up with Rachel’s newest adventures on RachelKhoo.com and on Rachel’s Instagram and Facebook pages – and, continue to enjoy the Khoollect website’s stories and recipes, which will remain available.***

Spending your days traversing through Iceland’s diverse, sprawling landscapes can make for a big appetite. Iceland’s coast-skimming capital, Reykjavik, is an unexpected foodie haven. Although this city’s offerings tends to be on the pricey side, the options for noshing range from street vendor to fine dining and everything in between.

Here are some of our favourite places to eat in Reykjavik:

Breakfast on the go

Sandholt Bakery: in the centre of town the scent of freshly baked breads, freshly brewed coffee and freshly arranged cakes lures you into this dine-in and takeaway locale. Pick up a baguette filled with delicious ingredients to take on your travels.
Braud & Co.: look for the rainbow-swathed wall that marks Braud & Co., a little bakery that sells big baked loaves, crispy pastries and still-warm cinnamon scrolls.

Coffee and snacks

Kaffi Vinyl: a vegan-cafe-meets-record-store, Kaffi Vinyl serves up a mean vegan lasagne, delicious salads, great coffee and, naturally, excellent tunes to boot.
Reykjavik Roasters: form an orderly line out the door of this roastery where locals and tourists to Reykjavik await the city’s finest coffee. take a seat on a comfy corner sofa, or take your brew on the road as you explore Iceland’s best scenery.
The Laundromat Cafe: a popular hub for coffee, snacks and lunch provisions, The Laundromat Cafe’s shelves are lined with books and is almost always buzzing with people.

Lunch at your leisure

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur: hot dogs are a big deal in this part of the world, and this stand is Reykjavik’s most famous. Among its visitors have been American presidents, Hollywood stars and famed foodies. Get there early; there’s a wait (but you will have a nice view of the sea).
Rok Restaurant: from the top of the hill overlooking the city, you’ll spot a black wooden shack with a grassy lawn-covered roof. Rok Restaurant is an idyllic spot for a leisurely lunch over shared plates, and glass of wine or two.
Lebowski Bar: feeling burgers and fries with a White Russian? Hop to a The Big Lebowski-themed bar for bowling alley vibes, retro music and generous serving sizes.

Wining and dining

Pizza with no name: this nameless locale tucked underneath Mikkeller & Friends is a purveyor of extremely fine pizzas. Delicious toppings, soft bases and inventive flavour combinations tempt the taste buds. And, you can order a drink from upstairs to pair with your meal.
Mikellar & Friends: on the top floor of a house-shaped establishment, overlooking the green of a neighbourhood park, Mikellar & Friends is the place to be for beer aficionados. Striking, distinctive artworks, colourful furniture and fringed light shades create an ambient setting. Not into beer? Try their hot cherry wine and ciders too.

Have you visited Reykjavik? What are your best foodie tips?