Flugterian
A quirky cafe at Reykjavik's domestic airport serving surprisingly good food in an original aviation-themed setting, at prices well below downtown norms.
Here is a Reykjavik secret that few tourists ever discover: some of the best-value food in the city is served at the domestic airport. Flugterian, the cafe at Reykjavikurflugvollur, is an unlikely dining destination, but it is one that savvy locals have quietly patronised for years.
The Location
Reykjavik's domestic airport sits in the middle of the city, which is unusual for an airport and convenient for diners. The terminal is small, unhurried, and has none of the stress of international travel. Walking in to eat feels slightly surreal -- you are in an airport, but you are also having lunch, and nobody seems to mind that you have no boarding pass.
The Food
The menu offers a solid range of honest cooking -- fish of the day, burgers, daily specials, and a selection of cakes that would not be out of place in any Reykjavik bakery. The catch of the day is the standout, typically simply prepared and served with potatoes and salad. The quality is genuinely good, which makes the prices even more surprising.
And the prices really are the headline. A full fish meal here costs significantly less than at downtown restaurants, sometimes by a factor of thirty or forty per cent. In a city where eating out can feel like a financial assault, Flugterian offers something close to mercy.
The Atmosphere
The aviation-themed setting gives the place character. You eat surrounded by airport paraphernalia, with small domestic planes occasionally visible through the windows. It is not glamorous, but it is original, and originality counts for a lot in a city where many restaurants blur into one.
The clientele is a fascinating mix: pilots between flights, airport staff on breaks, local office workers who have discovered the value secret, and the occasional bewildered tourist who wandered in by accident and is now wondering why they have been paying twice as much downtown.
Worth Knowing
Flugterian is open daily from early morning, making it suitable for breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner. The walk from Hallgrimskirkja takes about fifteen minutes, passing through pleasant residential streets. It is not a destination restaurant in any conventional sense, but for value and character, it is hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Flugterian?
- Flugterian is a cafe and restaurant located at Reykjavik's domestic airport (Reykjavikurflugvollur). Despite its airport location, it attracts non-travellers for its good food and lower prices.
- Do I need to be flying to eat at Flugterian?
- No. The domestic airport's cafe is accessible to everyone, not just passengers. Locals come specifically for the food and the unique atmosphere.
- Is Flugterian cheap?
- Yes, by Reykjavik standards. Prices are noticeably lower than downtown restaurants, making it a genuine budget option for a full meal.
- What food does Flugterian serve?
- The menu includes fish, burgers, daily specials, cakes, and breakfast items. The catch of the day and daily specials are the best options.
- Where is Reykjavik's domestic airport?
- The domestic airport is in central Reykjavik, about a 15-minute walk south of Hallgrimskirkja. It handles flights to Akureyri, the Westfjords, and other domestic destinations.
- Is Flugterian worth visiting as a tourist?
- If you enjoy quirky, off-the-beaten-path spots, yes. The aviation setting is unique, the food is honest, and the prices are refreshingly low. It is the kind of place locals know about and tourists usually miss.
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