Lemon Akureyri

If you have spent any time eating your way through Akureyri, you will know the options lean heavily toward burgers, pizza, and traditional Icelandic comfort food. Lemon is the antidote. This small, brightly-coloured cafe on Tryggvabraut offers something genuinely different — healthy, fresh, made-to-order food that tastes good and does not leave you in a post-meal coma.

The Food

The menu is simple and focused. Sandwiches come in half or whole portions, built on fresh bread with generous fillings. The smoothies and juices are the other star — blended to order with combinations that range from straightforward (banana, berry) to more adventurous tropical mixes. Wraps and salads fill out the rest of the menu, and everything arrives quickly.

This is not a place for a multi-course sit-down dinner. It is fast food, reimagined with actual nutrition in mind. The portions are satisfying without being excessive, and the ingredients taste genuinely fresh — something that is not always a given in North Iceland.

The Space

Lemon is compact but cheerful, with colourful decor and a casual counter-service setup. There is seating inside, though on busy summer days it fills up fast. The vibe is more grab-and-go than linger-over-lunch, which suits the format perfectly.

Practical Tips

If you are driving the Ring Road and passing through Akureyri, Lemon is the smartest stop for a quick, healthy meal. It is also a solid breakfast option if your hotel's offering is underwhelming. The juices alone are worth a detour — after days of Icelandic hot dogs and lamb stew, a fresh green smoothie feels like a minor miracle.

Prices are very reasonable by Icelandic standards, which is an increasingly rare thing to say about any restaurant in this country. No reservations needed — just walk in and order at the counter.