Vietnamese$101Daily 11:00-22:00
Mama Kitchen on Laugavegur sets generous bowls of pho and Vietnamese rice plates on a fast counter, a central Reykjavik budget meal on the main shopping.
Try: Pho and Vietnamese rice plates
Tip: Open 11:00-22:00 daily. Pho or a stir-fry plate is the value pick for a quick filling lunch.
Nordic$101Mon-Thu 10:00-02:00, Fri-Sun 10:00-05:30
Hlollabatar has filled cheap hot Icelandic subs since 1986, a reliable budget sandwich chain whose loaded baguettes still undercut a sit-down Reykjavik meal.
Try: Hot subs
Tip: Several branches, some open late. The loaded baguettes are filling enough to skip a second meal.
Nordic$101-grandiDaily 11:30-22:00
Saegreifinn on Geirsgata serves its famous langoustine soup far cheaper than the restaurants, a budget taste of Icelandic shellfish at the Reykjavik harbour.
Try: Lobster soup
Tip: The soup with bread is a full meal for the price. Small and casual, with barrel seats.
Brunch$101Daily 07:00-16:00
Deig near the Old Harbour on Tryggvagata sells cheap doughnuts and filling bagel sandwiches, a low-cost Reykjavik breakfast or quick lunch by the water.
Try: Doughnuts and bagels
Tip: A bagel sandwich here costs far less than a cafe brunch. Open early for a takeaway start.
Indian$101Daily 17:00-21:00
Hradlestin on Hverfisgata serves fast, affordable South Indian dosas and bhatura, a budget-friendly Reykjavik option the Grapevine rates for value.
Try: Masala dosa
Tip: A masala dosa is a big, cheap plate. One of the better-value sit-down meals downtown.
Nordic$101Sun-Wed 09:00-01:00, Thu 09:00-02:00, Fri-Sat 09:00-06:00
Baejarins Beztu Pylsur on Tryggvagata is Reykjavik's cheapest famous meal, a lamb hot dog with everything for under ISK 900 from a kiosk going since 1937.
Try: Icelandic hot dog
Tip: At under ISK 900 it is the single best-value bite in a steep city. Ask for one with everything.