Picture this: You’re driving the Ring Road, craving something hearty, and the next town is 40 minutes away. Finding vegetarian food in Iceland used to mean surviving on gas station candy bars. Not anymore — most restaurants now offer at least one plant-based main, and grocery stores stock tofu and veggie burgers. This guide covers exactly where to find them, from downtown Reykjavik to the furthest N1 stop.
Vegetarian options in Iceland: widely available in restaurants and grocery stores · Vegetarian restaurants in Reykjavik: more than 20 dedicated or strongly vegetarian-friendly · Traditional vegetarian dish: Skyr (dairy, often served plain or with berries) · Vegetarian-friendly grocery chains: Bónus, Krónan, Netto · Global vegetarian index: not in top 10, but Reykjavik is often cited as vegan-friendly
Quick snapshot
- Most Reykjavik restaurants offer vegetarian mains (Guide to Iceland)
- Grocery chains sell plant-based milk, tofu, and frozen veggie burgers (Iceland With A View)
- Skyr is widely available and vegetarian (Cars Iceland)
- Gas stations carry pre-made vegetarian sandwiches and salads (Curious Travel Bug)
- Exact number of vegetarian restaurants in small villages is not documented
- Whether all traditional Icelandic dishes can be modified to vegetarian is uncertain
- Availability of vegan cheese in remote areas is inconsistent
- 2015: few vegetarian options outside Reykjavik (Go Car Rental)
- 2020-2024: growth in vegan restaurants and plant-based sections in supermarkets (Go Car Rental)
- 2025: Reykjavik considered one of Europe’s most vegan-friendly capitals (Go Car Rental)
- More traditional restaurants expected to add vegetarian versions of classic dishes
- Self-catering will remain the safest strategy for road trips
- Plant-based Icelandic cuisine gaining visibility in international food guides
Iceland’s vegetarian infrastructure has quietly outpaced its reputation — the numbers below show a country that’s moved from survival mode to genuine choice.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Capital | Reykjavik |
| Population | 376,000 (2024) |
| Official language | Icelandic (English widely spoken) |
| Currency | Icelandic króna (ISK) |
| Vegetarian-friendly chain supermarkets | Bónus, Krónan, Netto |
| Number of dedicated vegetarian restaurants in Reykjavik | 12 |
The pattern: a small population, but one where plant-based eating has moved from niche to normal.
Is Iceland good for vegetarians?
Yes — and the answer gets stronger every year. Guide to Iceland reports that “most restaurants in Iceland offer at least one vegetarian main course,” and the selection goes well beyond salad. Even small village restaurants and gas stations have pre-made vegetarian sandwiches or salads, according to Curious Travel Bug.
Vegetarian options in Reykjavik
- Fully vegan restaurants: at least 12 dedicated spots in Reykjavik, per Go Car Rental
- Standard restaurants: nearly all offer one or more vegetarian mains
- Bakeries: several in Reykjavik have vegan pastries
- Supermarkets: Krónan stands out with a dedicated vegan section (Guide to Iceland)
The implication: Reykjavik alone makes Iceland a solid choice for vegetarians. You won’t go hungry.
Vegetarian food outside Reykjavik
Travelers on the Ring Road need a different strategy. Small-town restaurants typically offer one vegetarian option — often a soup, pasta, or burger. Gas stations like N1 and Orkan sell pre-made veggie sandwiches and salads. Curious Travel Bug recommends stocking up on basics in larger towns before heading into remote stretches.
A gas station sandwich in the middle of nowhere might cost $12, but it beats driving 45 minutes to the next option. Pack snacks from a Bónus or Krónan before you leave Reykjavik.
The pattern: outside the capital, vegetarian food exists but requires forethought. It’s not a spontaneous buffet.
Which is the number one vegetarian country in the world?
By population percentage, India leads globally — estimates range from 20% to 39% vegetarian, depending on the survey. In Europe, Go Car Rental notes that Switzerland, Germany, and Israel have the best vegetarian infrastructure. Iceland does not crack the global top 10, but it has improved dramatically since 2015.
Top vegetarian-friendly countries globally
- India: highest percentage of vegetarians by population
- Switzerland, Germany, Israel: top tier for infrastructure and restaurant variety
- United Kingdom, Sweden: strong supermarket and labeling systems
Where does Iceland rank?
Iceland is not in the global top 10 for vegetarian-friendliness, but its improvement since 2015 has been significant. Reykjavik now ranks among Europe’s most vegan-friendly capitals, per Go Car Rental. The catch: the country is small — 376,000 people — so even a handful of quality vegetarian restaurants per town makes a big difference.
What food is a must try in Iceland?
Iceland’s traditional food culture revolves around lamb, dried fish, skyr, and dairy, according to Go Car Rental. But travelers don’t have to eat meat to taste the country. Several iconic foods are naturally vegetarian or widely available in plant-based versions.
Traditional Icelandic foods for vegetarians
- Skyr — a thick, protein-rich dairy product often compared to Greek yogurt. Available in plain and flavored versions at every grocery store (Cars Iceland)
- Rúgbrauð — dense rye bread traditionally baked in geothermal ovens. Vegetarian and unique (Go! Girl Guides)
- Vegetable soups — often made with local herbs and root vegetables
- Seaweed — used in modern Icelandic vegetarian cooking
- Arctic berries — found in desserts and jams
Must-try vegetarian dishes
Go! Girl Guides highlights Café Loki in Reykjavik, which serves a vegetarian traditional Icelandic platter. Many chefs now create plant-forward versions of classics like plokkfiskur (a fish-and-potato dish) using mushrooms or cauliflower instead of cod.
You can taste Iceland’s culinary heritage without eating lamb or fish — but you’ll need to seek out specific restaurants and ask for modifications. The default menu is meat-heavy.
Why this matters: Vegetarian travelers who skip the traditional platter miss a key part of the cultural experience. Plan ahead and you won’t have to.
Is it hard to be vegan in Iceland?
Easier than it was five years ago, but harder than being vegetarian. Vegan cheese and plant-based milk are available in major grocery chains. Go Car Rental confirms that Reykjavik has several dedicated vegan restaurants and plant-based supermarket sections.
Vegan challenges in Iceland
- Small villages have limited vegan options; plan ahead
- Many traditional dishes contain dairy or fish — vegans need to ask for modifications
- Vegan cheese in remote areas: availability is inconsistent, per Curious Travel Bug
- Gas station sandwiches may contain dairy-based spreads
Vegan-friendly restaurants and stores
Reykjavik remains the stronghold. Guide to Iceland reports that plant-based supermarket sections and groceries are available in the capital, making self-catering feasible for vegan travelers. Krónan is repeatedly recommended for its dedicated vegan section and wide range of substitutes.
The catch: vegan travelers on road trips need to self-cater or accept limited options at rural restaurants.
Are there vegetarian options in Iceland?
Yes — and they’re more common than most first-time visitors expect. The key is knowing where to look: grocery stores, restaurants, and even gas stations all stock vegetarian food.
Vegetarian options in grocery stores
Iceland’s three main grocery chains — Bónus, Krónan, Netto — all stock plant-based milk, tofu, and frozen vegetarian burgers. Iceland With A View notes that Bónus is the cheapest option and sells a popular vegan veggie wrap. Guide to Iceland describes Krónan as having the best selection, including meat substitutes, dairy alternatives, and pastries.
- Bónus: cheapest; sells veggie wraps and basic plant-based staples
- Krónan: widest vegan selection; dedicated section for substitutes
- Netto: mid-range; carries fresh vegetables and frozen vegetarian items
- Hagkaup: most expensive but largest variety (Reddit r/Iceland)
Vegetarian options in restaurants
Most restaurants in Reykjavik offer at least one vegetarian main, and many in larger towns follow suit. Curious Travel Bug confirms that regular grocery stores stock vegetarian options and many restaurants offer choices. Pizza shops and burger joints across towns offer vegetarian variants.
Vegetarian options in gas stations
N1 and Orkan stations sell pre-made vegetarian sandwiches and salads. Curious Travel Bug describes these as reliable, if basic, fallbacks for remote stretches. Not gourmet — but it’s food.
The pattern: Iceland’s infrastructure for vegetarian travelers is functional, not luxurious. Self-catering is your best friend.
What to be careful of in Iceland?
Beyond the standard travel warnings about unpredictable weather, vegetarian travelers face specific pitfalls. Food labeling is in Icelandic — learn words for meat (kjöt) and dairy (mjólk). Some traditional dishes contain whale, horse, or puffin, and Go Car Rental warns that vegetarians must actively avoid those. Always confirm with restaurant staff that a dish is fully vegetarian — no fish broth.
Food allergies and labeling
- Learn Icelandic terms: kjöt (meat), fiskur (fish), mjólk (dairy), ostur (cheese)
- Ask about fish broth in soups and sauces — it’s common
- Check ingredient labels in grocery stores for hidden non-vegetarian items
Vegetarian travel tips
Packing a reusable thermos and a bag of oats may sound basic, but it’s the difference between a relaxed drive and a hungry one when the next open restaurant is 80 km away.
Upsides and Downsides of Vegetarian Travel in Iceland
Upsides
- Reykjavik has 12+ dedicated vegetarian restaurants
- Grocery stores stock plant-based staples nationwide
- Gas stations offer emergency vegetarian sandwiches and salads
- Traditional skyr and rye bread are naturally vegetarian
- English is widely spoken, making dietary requests easy
Downsides
- Small towns have very limited vegetarian options
- Many traditional dishes contain fish, dairy, or meat by default
- Remote gas station options are expensive and basic
- Vegan cheese and specialty items are inconsistent outside Reykjavik
- Labeling is in Icelandic, requiring extra attention
The pattern: Reykjavik rewards spontaneity, the countryside rewards planning.
Steps for Planning a Vegetarian Trip to Iceland
- Plan your route — Identify towns with restaurants that have vegetarian options. Use travel blogs and Reddit for recent recommendations.
- Stock up in Reykjavik — Visit Krónan or Bónus for tofu, veggie burgers, plant-based milk, and snacks before heading out.
- Learn key Icelandic words — Kjöt (meat), fiskur (fish), mjólk (dairy), grænmeti (vegetables).
- Pack emergency food — Oats, nuts, dried fruit, and instant soup can save the day on long drives.
- Use gas station stops wisely — N1 and Orkan have pre-made sandwiches and salads; check the label for dairy.
- Ask restaurants explicitly — Confirm no fish broth, no butter in vegetables, no meat stock in soup.
For Reykjavik-based travelers, the decision is clear: pack snacks for the Ring Road, but enjoy the capital’s growing plant-based scene. For rural adventurers, self-catering isn’t optional — it’s survival.
Quotes from Travelers and Experts
“My number one grocery recommendation for vegetarians (or anyone) is Skyr.”
— Guide to Iceland travel blogger
“Even small village restaurants have a vegetarian (usually vegan) option.”
— Reddit user on r/VisitingIceland
“Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Vik and Hveragerdi are doing creative things with local produce.”
— Curious Travel Bug blogger
“Reykjavik is comparatively easy for vegans, with fully vegan restaurants, vegan bakeries, plant-based supermarket sections, and cafes with at least a few vegan options.”
— Go Car Rental guide
For the vegetarian traveler eyeing Iceland, the real picture is clear: Reykjavik shines, the countryside demands strategy, and the food — from geothermal rye bread to skyr — is genuinely worth the trip. Bring snacks, learn three words of Icelandic, and you’ll eat well.
165.227.148.41, icelandplaces.com, thefloralvegan.com, deshvideshtravels.com, veganvstravel.com
Frequently asked questions
Is Iceland good for vegetarians?
Yes — particularly in Reykjavik, where most restaurants offer vegetarian mains and grocery stores stock plant-based staples. Outside the capital, options exist but require planning.
What vegetarian food is available in Icelandic grocery stores?
Bónus, Krónan, and Netto sell tofu, frozen vegetarian burgers, plant-based milk, fresh vegetables, and skyr. Krónan has the widest selection of meat substitutes.
Are there vegetarian options at gas stations in Iceland?
Yes — N1 and Orkan stations sell pre-made vegetarian sandwiches and salads, though they may contain dairy. Check labels or ask staff.
What traditional Icelandic foods can vegetarians eat?
Skyr (dairy), rúgbrauð (rye bread), vegetable soups, seaweed, arctic berries, and potato-based dishes are all naturally vegetarian. Some restaurants offer plant-based versions of traditional meat dishes.
How do I find vegetarian meals in small towns in Iceland?
Call ahead or check Google Maps for recent reviews. Most small-town restaurants offer at least one vegetarian option, but availability varies. Self-catering is the safest strategy.
Do restaurants in Iceland clearly label vegetarian dishes?
Not always. Menus are in Icelandic, and terms for meat and fish can be subtle. Ask staff explicitly and confirm no fish broth or dairy-based sauces.
What should I pack for a vegetarian trip to Iceland?
Pack emergency snacks (oats, nuts, dried fruit), a reusable water bottle, a small container for leftovers, and a printed list of Icelandic food terms. It’s also wise to carry a portable stove for remote areas.