Most holidays in Iceland will involve a stop in Europe’s most northernmost capital, Reykjavik. Few tourists stay for long. Iceland is, after all, famous for its vast wilderness and also for being expensive. To help you plan your budget and save money in Iceland, here are a few recommendations for some the best cheap eats in Reykjavik.

PS Also checkout my earlier guide to Volcano Hopping in Iceland and a review of the Bus Hostel in Reykjavik.

Where to eat in Reykjavik on a budget

1. Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

Tryggvagata 1, 101 Reykjavík 

The legendary harbourside hot dog stand that’s been feeding locals since 1937, and once got the nod from Bill Clinton.

Once selected by the Guardian as Europe’s best hot dog stand, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (English: The Town’s Best Sausages) for more than half a century have been feeding hungry locals and tourists alike across their chain of hot dog stands in Reykjavík. Billed as Iceland’s national dish, these hotdogs have got the thumbs up from various celebrities visiting the city which include Bill Clinton and Anthony Bourdain. Order the hot dogs with “the works” (in Icelandic “eina með öllu”), i.e., all condiments which include ketchup, sweet mustard, fried onion, raw onion and remolaði, a mayonnaise-based sauce with sweet relish. Hot dogs start from 920 Kr (€6.50).

2. Saegreifinn

Geirsgata 8, 101 Reykjavík 

A ramshackle green fisherman’s hut by the old harbour, famous for its lobster soup and grilled fish skewers.

Saegreifinn, or Sea Baron restaurant down by the old harbour, serves what is claimed to be the best lobster soup on the planet. In a green, old fisherman’s hut you can choose from the lobster soup (2890kr, €20.36) and a choice of fresh seafood (starts from 1990kr, €14) or grilled potato (650kr, €4.98) barbequed on skewers.

3. Noodle Station

Laugavegur 86, 101 Reykjavík 

A spartan noodle counter on the city’s main shopping street, known for its fragrant, star-anise-laced broths.

Noodle Station is a spartan, wee joint that serves up a choice of 3 noodle soups: noodle soup with beef (2610kr, €18.39), noodle soup with chicken (2690Kr, €18.95) and vegetarian noodle (1710kr, €12) soup. Spicy, flavourful with strong notes of star anise and lemongrass, this is a fast and cheap option for visitors to the city.

4. Ramen Momo

Tryggvagata 16, 101 Reykjavík 

Iceland’s first dedicated ramen and dumpling spot, run by a chef-and-partner team using mostly Icelandic-grown ingredients.

Established by ramen chef and founder Kunsang Tsering and his wife Erna Pétursdóttir, Ramen Momo is Iceland’s first restaurant dedicated to ramen and dumplings. The food, similar to Noodle Station, is flavourful and with some great options that include their housemade ramen noodles (1,490 ISK) and gyoza (1,290 ISK). Most of the ingredients used at the restaurant are made in Iceland and you can taste that freshness in the dishes. Special dishes on the menu include their delicious Vegan Tantanmen (3370 Kr), kimchi and seaweed salad (1490 kr each) and Red Beets Gyoza (2350 Kr, 5 pieces).

6. Krua Thai

Skólavörðustígur 21A, 101 Reykjavík 

A fast, friendly and reliably good Thai spot on the road up to Hallgrímskirkja.

If you are visiting Reykjavik and craving something different, then Krua Thai is a great choice for Thai food lovers. Their Chicken Penang Curry and Green curries (starts from 3650 Kr, €25) are fantastic and come highly recommended. Service is quick and friendly, portion sizes are generous and overall a safe option.

7. Reykjavik Chips

Vitastígur 10, 101 Reykjavík 

A cosy Belgian-style chip shop with a serious sauce selection, plus solid burgers and fish and chips.

For the best chips (normal or sweet potato, fluffy on the inside, crunchy on the outside) in Reykjavik plus for excellent fish and burgers at reasonable prices, Reykjavik Chips is the place locals and visitors go. Portion sizes are good and they also have an excellent range of sauces, from ketchup to their signature spicy mayo sauce. Staff are super friendly. Small cone of fries starts from 900kr (€6.35), burgers start from 2590kr (€18.25) and fish and chips from 2900kr (€20.40).

Where to drink in Reykjavik on a budget

8. Kaffi Vínyl

Hverfisgata 76, 101 Reykjavík

A relaxed vegan- and vegetarian-friendly café with a vinyl shop attached, strong on electronica and vintage grooves.

A nice relaxed place for a coffee.

9. Grótta Lighthouse

Grótta, 170 Seltjarnarnes

A tidal lighthouse at the northwesternmost point of the peninsula, with a geothermal footbath tucked among the rocks.

Bring your own drink when visiting the north-westernmost point in Reykjavik where the Grótta Lighthouse is located. From here you enjoy the views over Flaxaflói bay, Esjan and on a clear day see even Snæfellsjökull glacier. Dip your feet into the warm geothermal waters of the Grótta footbath which you can find amongst the rocks by the seashore.

10. Kex Hostel

Skúlagata 28, 101 Reykjavík T

The hostel bar in a converted biscuit factory, centrally located with a strong live music programme.

Or grab a beer here. Centrally located and with a big emphasis on live music, this place is a popular meeting point between locals and tourists.

11. Gaukurinn

Tryggvagata 22, 101 Reykjavík

A lively venue for live music, karaoke, standup comedy, cult movie screenings and a weekly drag cabaret.

From live music, karaoke and standup comedy nights to cult movie screenings and a weekly drag cabaret: Gaukurinn is definitely worth stopping by. Happy Hour starts from 2 till 9pm with beers starting at 600kr (€5).

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With over 160 nationalities represented and situated at the meeting point of France, Germany and Switzerland, Basel is one of Europe’s most diverse and culturally rich cities and this is perfectly represented in its food culture. You can eat well from a wide variety of interesting locations, from market halls to food courts to street food trucks. From Thai, Indian to Syrian to Mexican, there is a big range of international dishes you can choose from. Basel, however, like the rest of Switzerland is an expensive place to visit and the average price of a main dish will start at around 20 CHF. However, the main supermarkets, Migros and Coop have their own branded restaurants which are great value for money and there are also a few notable cheap eats in Basel, which I have listed below. Plus, there are number of excellent doner kebab joints in Basel ( Kebab Square is excellent ) where you enjoy a classic doner for are around 10 CHF.

1. Sapori Del Sud

Address: Spalenvorstadt 34, 4051 Basel

Beloved Italian-Sicilian takeaway near Spalentor, famous for pastrami sandwiches and arancini

Right next to the Spalentor lies a slice of Italian and Sicilian heaven – Sapori Del Sud is a takeaway run by the affable Antonio Russo and his mother, Grazia who specialise in preparing paninos and their signature pastrami sandwiches, which in a bite takes me back to New York. The prices are very reasonable – 11 CHF for a Jumbo Sandwich, which is enough to feed two people

2. Coop Restaurant Basel Pfaufen

Address: Freie Strasse 75, 4051 Basel

Self-service Coop buffet restaurant atop the Pfauen department store, pay-by-weight salad and hot buffet

Whether you are looking for takeaway sandwiches, snacks or a proper sit down meal, Coop is your life saviour in Switzerland. If you are looking for simple, affordable meal in Basel with lots of good options that include their signature salad buffet plus chicken and fish, prepared on demand in front of your eyes, then definitely pop into Coop Restaurant at the top of the Pfaufen department store on Freie Strasse, Basel’s popular shopping street. The buffet which you pay by weight and plate size, includes plenty of vegan/ veggie options that include fresh salads and self-serve dishes to sandwiches, soups, desserts and both sweet and savoury snacks. For a stacked plate from the buffet with a mix of items, expect to pay around 15 CHF. It can get crowded around lunch time so be prepared to wait a little. They also have daily value specials that range from pastas to Asian classic dishes. Currently they are offering Fried Halloumi on Mediterranean-style rice for just 9.95 CHF or Arabic casserole with aubergines, tofu, herby bulgur and cucumber salad with pomegranate for 13.95 CHF. If you are looking for a great breakfast buffet, they also offer a all-you-can-eat breakfast for CHF 19.95 per person- you can refill your plate and cup as often as you like, until 10.30. Plus they do a coffee and cake combo from 2pm everyday for 5.95 CHF too.

3. Buon Gusto Streetfood Basel

Address: Marktplatz, 4001 Basel

Food truck serving Sicilian-inspired burgers and steak paninis

Dominated by its vibrant rouge red 16th century town hall, the Marktplatz is a definitely worth wandering, especially during the week when there’s a busy weekly market on where locals come to buy fresh vegetables, fruit and flowers. If you are looking for good quality burgers and panini sandwiches at the market at a reasonable price, then Buon Gusto Streetfood truck is a popular choice with locals and visitors. Burgers ( veggie, cheeseburger ) and Paninis ( include famous steak panini ) start at 13.50 CHF and portion of fries is 5 CHF.

4. Pilz Hüsli

Address: Marktplatz, 4001 Basel

Mushroom and truffle specialist stand also serving risotto and pasta dishes

If you are a mushroom and pasta lover, then the Pilz Hüsli food truck at the Marktplatz is also a great choice. Open from Monday to Saturdaym ( till 2.30pm ) besides offering fresh and dried mushrooms, they also serve an inexpensive delicious lunch, from an excellent mushroom risotto to a four cheese ravioli with mushroom sauce, all from 13 CHF.

5. Mum’s Kitchen

Address: Margarethenstrasse 45, 4053 Basel

Cosy Vietnamese restaurant near the SBB train station, known for pho and lunch menus

Close to the main train station, this Vietnamese restaurant offers a lunch menu offer of a choice of main dishes ( from thai red curry chicken to fried tofu with veggies ) and water for 18 CHF. Good price-quality ratio for Basel

6. Za Zaa

Address: Petersgraben 15, 4051 Basel

Stylish Syrian-Lebanese restaurant for mezze, salads, hummus and falafel

A stylish Syrian-Lebanese eatery in the heart of Basel, Za Zaa  offers a nice range of dishes, from homemade soups ( Yellow Lentil soup with Curkuma: 9.50 CHF) to traditional salads ( from 12.50 CHF) , excellent hummus, both cold and warm mezze and great falafel teller. ( from 23.50 CHF)

7. Lily Maxim

Address: Rebgasse 1, 4058 Basel

Modern Asian eatery blending Thai, Indian and Chinese dishes

Serving a mix of classic Thai, Indian and Chinese dishes, if you are looking for an  unpretentious dining experience with fast, good service, then you will like Lily Maxim. The food is adapted to local tastes but there is a good range of condiments to customise the dish to your style. Curries ( Thai Green or Red of Yellow Curry start from 23.50 and their Lentil Dahl Curry is 19.50 CHF)

8. Klara

Address: Clarastrasse 13, 4058 Basel

Kleinbasel food court with nine international kitchens around a central bar

Another excellent option for dining is Klara, a food court that serves culinary treats from Japan, Argentina, Thailand and Africa. Locals rave about the hummus and pita from Yoya Pitabar and the pasta and pinsa from Lamia Pastaria. Our pick of the bunch was the Vietnamese Diner, Nón Lá Vietnamese Corner. Sabrina loved the Bun Bo Nam Bo ( 24.30 CHF with 10% discount for takeaway ) and I tried the Banh Mi with their special lemongrass chicken ( 16 CHF) and it was fab.

9. Markthalle

Address: Steinentorberg 20, 4051 Basel

Historic market hall turned lively international food court near the train station

Located near the train station in a beautiful listed building that originally served as the local market lies the Markthalle. Since 2014 it has been repurposed into an international food Court featuring dishes from all around the world at very reasonable prices. There is a great variety of choice here,  from delicious empanadas to ceviche to kebabs and also delicious curries. When we visited, late on the weekend, we also found an excellent local preloved clothes market packed with locals.

10. Coffee at Café Unternehmen

Address: Gerbergasse 30, 4001 Basel

Grand former-bank coffee house is “Basel’s living room” with organic lunches, cakes and coworking space

This architectural gem dating back to 1912 was formerly the Swiss Volksbank and is Basels unofficial living room where you will find people hunched over their laptops working away, tired shoppers lounging on the stylish Eames chairs sipping on coffee or locals enjoying their excellent terrace, scoffing one of their delicious range of cakes and pastries.

11. Jakob’s Basler Leckerly

No trip to Basel is complete without sampling the famous Basler Leckerli biscuits, a ginger biscuit popular in the region that reminded us a lot of the popular German Xmas treat, Lebkuchen gingerbread cookies. The place to try the Basler Leckerli is Jakob’s Basler Leckerly, the oldest biscuit manufacturer in Switzerland, dating back to 1753.

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