Explorer’s Journal: Local Flavors and Hidden Gems of Iceland with Destination Expert Jana

Join Destination Expert Jana on a journey through Iceland, guided by local recommendations that bring you closer to the heart of the destination. From Reykjavík’s vibrant streets and design-forward landmarks to family-run farms, hidden cafés, and can’t-miss food spots, each experience is rooted in what locals love most. Whether it’s savoring fresh seafood by the harbor, discovering Icelandic dairy traditions, or finding the perfect place to spend a cozy evening, this is Iceland through an insider’s lens—authentic, flavorful, and full of character.

Hi everyone, Destination Expert Jana here! I’m checking in from Iceland, where I’ve been exploring Reykjavík and beyond alongside my colleagues, following local tips that have led us to some truly unforgettable experiences. From lobster soup at a harbor-side favorite to homemade ice cream on a countryside farm and afternoons spent wandering through the city’s cultural hubs, I’m excited to share my personal recommendations on where to go, what to eat, and how to experience Iceland like a local.

Arrival in Iceland: First Impressions and Local Flavors

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My colleagues and I at Seabaron, a local restaurant famous for their lobster soup and fish skewers (Photo: Jana Rodriguez).

Greetings from Iceland! Destination Expert Jana here, excited to share my latest Nordic adventure with SA Expeditions. Along with my colleagues Isabel and Laura, we’ve spent six days immersing ourselves in the raw beauty of this unique island.    Traveling here from New York takes around 4.5 hours, while flying from London takes just under three hours, making Iceland one of the closest European countries to North America.    I flew from London, and the excitement starts building the moment you step into Keflavík Airport—every sign leading to the exit says, “Exit to Iceland.”    The airport is located about a 50-minute drive from the capital, Reykjavík, which is surprisingly easy to explore on foot (weather permitting, of course!). As you wander through its streets, you can sample traditional Icelandic cuisine—hello, delicious fresh cod!—and admire some of the city’s most iconic buildings.    As a little sneak peek, on our first day we headed straight to Seabaron, a cozy local restaurant near the pier, to try their famous lobster soup and fish skewers. Simple, yet extraordinary.    I’ll be sharing what to see, what to taste, and how to make the most of your time Iceland in this article.

Golden Circle Bites: Dairy Delights and Local Flavors

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A stop at a local dairy farm and a tomato greenhouse to try more of Iceland’s specialties! (Photo: Jana Rodriguez).

If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that ice cream is my favorite thing in the world. If I had known this country was so famous for its dairy products, I would have come much sooner.    On our way to explore the Golden Circle, we stopped at Efstidalur II, a historic, family-run dairy farm in the countryside that has been operating since the 1750s. Their homemade ice cream is made with creamy milk from their own cows—which you can actually see right next to the café.    They offer classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, as well as more adventurous options such as licorice and kokosbella. However, stracciatella is considered one of their top flavors.    Fun fact: ice cream dates are a thing in Iceland, and locals actually eat more ice cream in winter than in summer! At Efstidalur II, even the spoon is edible—love at first bite.   For fans of high-protein foods, the famous Icelandic skyr (a yogurt-style cheese that contains around 12–16 grams of protein per 100g) can also be found here—and, to be fair, in almost every grocery store across the country. You’ll find skyr at nearly every hotel breakfast, as it’s a fundamental part of the Icelandic diet and has historically been considered one of the island’s essential survival foods. Iceland produces skyr mainly for local consumption and does not widely export it, so trying it here is a must. The version you find at home may be Icelandic-style, but not Icelandic-made.    After a day full of waterfalls, geysers, and rainbows, we enjoyed lunch at Friðheimar, a tomato greenhouse that supplies nearly 40% of all tomatoes on the island. Of course, the star of the menu is tomato soup, served as an unlimited buffet. It comes with unlimited freshly baked bread—arguably the best I’ve tried—and gluten-free bread is available as well.    If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try fermented shark or sheep liver, though it’s not hard to remain part of Team Ice Cream!

Reykjavík Afternoons: Architecture, Culture, and Local Hangouts

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The sights of Reykjavík, Iceland (Photo: Jana Rodriguez).

Below I will be sharing a few ideas on how to spend your free afternoon in Reykjavík, Iceland after a morning immersed in nature, chasing rainbows and glaciers.    I grew up surrounded by architects, and I’ve realized it has forever shaped the way I travel. As much as I love nature, I’m always intrigued by how buildings influence the people who use them. I also enjoy spending time in public spaces wherever I go, as they reveal so much about a city.    When talking about emblematic buildings in Iceland, we must start with Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík’s modern cathedral inspired by volcanic basalt columns. It features a 73-meter-high tower, where you’ll get one of the best views in town. Because it was built on a small hill, you can spot it from almost anywhere downtown, and it’s usually within walking distance of your hotel. Entry to the church is free, and going up the tower costs 1,500 ISK (around $12 USD).    From there, continue along the famous Rainbow Street (Skólavörðustígur), lined with colorful houses, boutique shops, and art galleries. At the end of the street, walk less than 10 minutes toward the harbor to visit Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre.    Culture and music are essential parts of Icelandic identity, and Harpa is the country’s main concert hall and conference venue. Its glass façade reflects and refracts natural light beautifully, inspired by Iceland’s landscapes and glaciers—can you see the similarities?     Wrap up your day immersed in local culture at Hús Máls og Menningar, a cozy café, bar, and bookstore with live music every evening from 8:00 to 11:00 pm. From Harpa, it’s about a 10-minute walk toward the main pedestrian street, Laugavegur. Just two blocks from where Rainbow Street begins, you’ll find this vibrant cultural hub where local musicians play classics and get everyone dancing!

Reykjavík Eats: Jana’s Top Local Food Spots

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A culinary adventure through Iceland (Photo: Jana Rodriguez).

Hoping you brought a big appetite because we’re diving into my personal top three culinary experiences in Reykjavík, Iceland. I was born and raised in Peru, so you already know that great food is non-negotiable for me—let’s begin.    1. Messinn: This cozy seafood restaurant feels like the inside of a boat, with wooden details and nautical touches throughout. Here, you have to try the fish stew made with incredibly fresh cod. The Arctic char pan is also highly recommended. Portions are generous, so if you’re not too hungry, sharing is definitely an option.    2. Fjallkonan: This is a spot where Arctic char and lamb tartare are must-tries. I’ve been mostly vegetarian for the past 13 years, but every now and then I make cultural exceptions. I can’t remember the last time I had lamb—but this one was absolutely worth it.    3. Café Loki: No culinary experience is complete without dessert. Café Loki, located right across from Hallgrímskirkja (the main church), serves homemade traditional Icelandic dishes and sweets. And yes—you must try the rye bread ice cream, served with cream and rhubarb syrup (of course I’m recommending ice cream again!). 

Thank you for following along on my journey through Iceland! If you're interested in creating your own adventure through Iceland, reach out to a Destination Expert to get started today.