Fish Hut
A no-frills fish shack near Hlemmur serving fresh Icelandic fish at prices that defy the Reykjavik norm -- proper street food done right.
Budget eating in Reykjavik often means choosing between bad food or spending more than you planned. Fish Hut breaks that pattern with a simple proposition: fresh Icelandic fish, prepared quickly, at prices that actually feel fair. In a city where a restaurant lunch can easily cost ISK 3,500 or more, Fish Hut's approach is practically revolutionary.
The Food
The menu is deliberately short. Fish and chips. Grilled fish. Fish tacos. Fish soup. Each option uses fresh Icelandic fish -- typically cod or haddock -- and is prepared to order. The fish and chips is the bread and butter of the operation: a decent portion of fresh fish in a light batter with crispy chips. It is not going to win any presentation awards, but it tastes good, it is hot, and it costs less than half of what you would pay at a sit-down restaurant.
The fish tacos, a more recent addition, are surprisingly well done -- fresh fish, a zesty slaw, and a lime crema in a soft tortilla. The fish soup is hearty and warming.
The Setting
Fish Hut operates from a small space near Hlemmur Square that prioritises function over form. Counter ordering, basic seating, and the kind of efficiency that gets food from kitchen to customer in minutes. It is not a place for long, lingering meals -- it is a place to eat well, quickly, and cheaply.
Some seating is available, but many people opt for takeaway, particularly in summer when eating outdoors is more appealing than squeezing into a small interior.
The Value
This is where Fish Hut really shines. In Reykjavik, finding fresh fish for under ISK 2,500 is unusual. Finding it in the city centre, made to order, is almost unheard of. For backpackers, budget travellers, and anyone who objects to overpaying for basic food, Fish Hut is essential knowledge.
The Verdict
Fish Hut is not glamorous, and it is not trying to be. It is a honest, unpretentious fish shack that serves quality Icelandic seafood at prices that make you wonder how they manage it. In a city obsessed with artisanal everything, there is something refreshing about a place that just gets on with feeding people well.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Fish Hut serve?
- Fish Hut serves fresh Icelandic fish in simple preparations -- fish and chips, grilled fish, fish tacos, and fish soup. The menu is short and focused.
- How cheap is Fish Hut?
- Very cheap by Reykjavik standards. Fish and chips starts at around ISK 1,800-2,500, making it one of the most affordable seafood options in the city.
- Where is Fish Hut?
- Fish Hut is near Hlemmur Square at the eastern end of Hverfisgata, near the corner with Laugavegur. It is in the city centre but slightly off the main tourist drag.
- Is Fish Hut takeaway only?
- No, there is some seating available, though it is limited. Takeaway is popular and practical if you want to eat on the move.
- Is the fish fresh?
- Yes. Despite the low prices, Fish Hut uses fresh Icelandic fish. The quality is genuinely good for the price point.
- How quick is the service?
- Very quick. This is a fast-food style operation with counter ordering and rapid preparation. You can have food in hand within 5-10 minutes.
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