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Hlemmur Mathöll

4.5
·518 reviews·Reykjavík, Iceland

Reykjavik's vibrant food hall offering diverse global and local flavors in a lively, communal setting.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday lunchtimes

Lively but manageable crowds

CrowdMedium
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Hlemmur Mathöll - no image

Hlemmur Mathöll

Best Time

Weekday lunchtimes

Lively but manageable crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Reykjavik's vibrant food hall offering diverse global and local flavors in a lively, communal setting.

4.5
(518 reviews)

"Amazing food hall. If you don’t know what you want or everyone in your party wants something different, this is the place to go."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Order & Find a Seat

Order first, then snag a table. Your buzzer will let you know when your delicious food is ready! :foodie:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Fun

There's a playground outside, making it a great spot for families with kids to enjoy a meal. :child:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Potato & Cheese Croquettes

Potato & Cheese Croquettes

Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside. These croquettes are a must-try, with many visitors dreaming about them.

Blue Mussels

Blue Mussels

Fresh, flavorful, and highly recommended. A taste of Iceland's coastal bounty that shouldn't be missed.

Fish and Chips

Fish and Chips

Often hailed as the best ever, this classic dish is a crowd-pleaser with perfectly cooked fish.

Steak

Steak

Exceptional quality and preparation, offering a more upscale dining experience within the food hall.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace Variety, Beat the Hunger

Hlemmur Mathöll is Reykjavik's premier food hall, perfect for groups with diverse tastes. Order from different vendors and share! It can get busy, so be prepared for a lively atmosphere and potentially shared tables.

Smart Ordering & Seating

Order your food and then find a seat. Your buzzer will alert you when your order is ready. There's a playground outside, making it a great spot for families, though seating inside can feel a bit cramped when it's packed.

Best Times

When
Weekday lunchtimes
Why
Lively but manageable crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Great atmosphere, diverse options
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Reykjavik Food Hall Recomendations

🎯 Order & Find a Seat

Order first, then snag a table. Your buzzer will let you know when your delicious food is ready! :foodie:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Fun

There's a playground outside, making it a great spot for families with kids to enjoy a meal. :child:

reddit.com

Spending a night in Reykjavik and we're hungry

reddit.com

If you're hungry right now in Reykjavík, Gísli Matt is doing a Slippurinn pop up menu at Skál in Hlemmur Mathöll.

🤝 Share the Experience

Don't hesitate to share tables and chat with fellow diners – it's part of the friendly vibe! :peopleholdinghands:

💯 Try a Little Bit of Everything

Perfect for trying multiple Icelandic dishes and international flavors in one go. :ice_cream:

reddit.com

Solo dining in Reykjavík

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Order & Find a Seat

Order first, then snag a table. Your buzzer will let you know when your delicious food is ready! :foodie:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Fun

There's a playground outside, making it a great spot for families with kids to enjoy a meal. :child:

🤝 Share the Experience

Don't hesitate to share tables and chat with fellow diners – it's part of the friendly vibe! :peopleholdinghands:

💯 Try a Little Bit of Everything

Perfect for trying multiple Icelandic dishes and international flavors in one go. :ice_cream:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(518 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Hlemmur Mathöll is celebrated as an amazing food hall offering incredible variety, making it perfect for groups with diverse tastes. Visitors rave about the delicious food, friendly atmosphere, and good prices, with many highlighting specific dishes like potato croquettes and fish and chips. While it can get cramped when busy, the communal vibe and outdoor playground add to its appeal.

"Amazing food hall. If you don’t know what you want or everyone in your party wants something different, this is the place to go. Can feel slightly cramped when busy but everyone was so patient and friendly. Shared a table with an Indian family, happily discussed what everyone got. On the table was wolf fish cream dish, pizza, tacos, gelato, and a pork and rice Vietnamese dish. All amazing.

My absolute favorite was potato and cheese croquettes. I will dream about them…

Order and find a table, wait for food buzzer to go off."

Eli Douglas

"Good food and good price.
Easy going place.
Super Atmosphere!!!
I like this place👍
Play ground outside for children."

Vala

"This was the perfect stop for a quick lunch! It’s a great way to try all different things! I highly recommend the blue mussels from the one location, and the croquettes from Krost. Definitely in great vibe, plenty of seating, and friendly service."

Kristen

What People Like

Amazing food variety
Super atmosphere
Good prices

What People Dislike

Can feel cramped

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hlemmur Mathöll is conveniently located at the main bus terminal, Hlemmur, in downtown Reykjavik. It's easily accessible by foot from most central hotels, or you can take any bus that stops at Hlemmur. It's a central hub, so finding it is straightforward. Reddit

While Hlemmur is a major transit point, dedicated parking directly at the food hall is limited. It's best to use public transport or walk if you're staying centrally. Nearby street parking may be available but can be challenging to find. Reddit

Absolutely! Hlemmur Mathöll is situated within the Hlemmur bus terminal, making it a primary stop for many Reykjavik bus routes. It's an excellent destination if you're exploring the city via public transit. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Hlemmur Mathöll is free. You only pay for the food and drinks you order from the various vendors inside. Reddit

Hlemmur Mathöll typically opens around 11 AM and stays open until late evening, often around 10 PM or later, though specific vendor hours may vary slightly. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date times. Reddit

Hlemmur Mathöll operates on a first-come, first-served basis for seating. While you can't reserve a specific table, the system of ordering and waiting for your buzzer means you can usually find a spot, especially if you're flexible. Reddit

There are no entrance fees or cover charges to enter Hlemmur Mathöll. It's a public food hall where you purchase food and beverages directly from the individual food stalls. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Hlemmur Mathöll offers an incredible variety, from traditional Icelandic dishes like fish and chips and wolf fish cream soup to international favorites like pizza, tacos, and Vietnamese pho. You can also find gelato, pastries, and excellent coffee. Reddit

Yes, many vendors offer vegetarian and vegan options. You'll find choices like vegetable tacos, vegan pizzas, and other plant-based dishes. It's always a good idea to ask the specific vendor about their offerings. Reddit

Visitors rave about the potato and cheese croquettes, the blue mussels, and the fish and chips. The steak is also frequently mentioned as exceptional. Reddit

Prices are generally considered good for Reykjavik, offering a range of options from affordable snacks to more substantial meals. You can expect to spend roughly 2000-4000 ISK for a main dish, but this varies by vendor. Reddit

You order your food directly from the vendor of your choice, pay, and receive a buzzer. When your food is ready, the buzzer will go off, and you can collect your order from the counter. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, Hlemmur Mathöll has a vibrant atmosphere and diverse food offerings, making it a great spot for food photography. The lively setting also provides interesting shots of people and the bustling environment. TikTok

Early weekday afternoons can offer slightly less crowded conditions for clearer shots. Evenings are more atmospheric but can be challenging due to crowds and lighting. TikTok

Focus on the colorful food displays, the unique dishes being prepared, and the general buzz of the food hall. The exterior, especially at night, can also be photogenic. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hlemmur Mathöll is a fantastic choice for families. The biggest draw is the playground located just outside, allowing kids to burn off energy before or after their meal. The food hall's variety means even the pickiest eaters can find something they'll enjoy, from pizza to simpler pasta dishes. Reddit

Parents can relax knowing there are diverse options, and the casual atmosphere means you don't have to worry about formal dining etiquette. Sharing tables is common, and the general vibe is very welcoming to children. It’s a stress-free way to feed the whole family with minimal fuss. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While Iceland can be expensive, Hlemmur Mathöll offers some of the best value for money in Reykjavik. You can find delicious meals at reasonable prices, especially compared to sit-down restaurants. Opting for dishes like pizza, tacos, or even sharing a few smaller plates can keep costs down. Reddit

It's a great place to sample a variety of foods without committing to a single, expensive meal. Look for vendors offering lunch specials or smaller portions if you're on a tight budget. The ability to choose from multiple vendors also allows you to mix and match to fit your spending. Reddit

couples

For couples, Hlemmur Mathöll offers a fun and interactive dining experience. You can each choose different dishes from separate vendors and share, creating a personalized tasting menu. The lively atmosphere provides a great backdrop for a casual date night. Reddit

Consider visiting in the evening when the food hall has a vibrant buzz. It’s a relaxed way to enjoy a meal together, perhaps trying a new cuisine or revisiting a favorite. The variety ensures you can cater to different moods or cravings, making it a versatile choice for any couple. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Culinary Heart of Reykjavik

Hlemmur Mathöll is more than just a food hall; it's a vibrant hub that revitalized the historic Hlemmur bus terminal. It brings together a diverse array of local and international culinary talents under one roof, offering a dynamic gastronomic experience for locals and tourists alike. The concept is simple yet brilliant: provide a space where everyone can find something they love, regardless of their preferences. This makes it an ideal spot for groups or families where individual tastes might differ significantly. Reddit

Visitors often highlight the super atmosphere and the easy-going vibe of the place. It's a place where you can casually grab a quick lunch or enjoy a more leisurely dinner, all while soaking in the lively energy. The shared tables and communal seating encourage interaction, turning a meal into a social experience. It’s a testament to Reykjavik’s modern culinary scene, blending tradition with innovation. Reddit

Key takeaway: Hlemmur Mathöll is a must-visit for anyone looking for diverse, high-quality food in a lively and welcoming environment. It’s a place that truly embodies the spirit of communal dining in Iceland's capital. Reddit

Navigating the Flavors: What to Eat

The sheer variety at Hlemmur Mathöll can be overwhelming in the best way possible. From the highly praised potato and cheese croquettes that have garnered a cult following, to the exceptionally good fish and chips and succulent steaks, there's a dish to satisfy every craving. Don't miss the blue mussels, a fresh taste of the ocean that many find to be among the best they've ever had. Reddit

Beyond these standout dishes, explore options like Vietnamese pork and rice, pizzas, tacos, and creamy wolf fish dishes. The food hall also features excellent gelato and coffee vendors, perfect for dessert or a pick-me-up. The ordering system is straightforward: order, pay, and wait for your buzzer to signal that your culinary adventure is ready. Reddit

Pro-tip: If you're feeling adventurous, try a dish from a vendor you've never heard of – you might discover your new favorite! The friendly staff are usually happy to offer recommendations. Reddit

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