Matholl Hofda

Matholl Hofda is the food hall that most tourists never discover, and that is precisely what makes it interesting. While Hlemmur Matholl and Grandi Matholl have become firmly established on the visitor circuit, this food hall in the Hofdi commercial district of east Reykjavik serves a different audience: the locals who live and work in the growing residential neighbourhoods of this part of the city.

The Food

The vendor lineup features a varied selection of cuisines, as is the norm for Reykjavik's food halls. The specific vendors rotate and evolve, which keeps things interesting for regulars. What the hall generally offers is a range of options that allows a group with different preferences to eat together -- someone can have Asian noodles while their companion eats pizza, and everyone sits at the same communal table.

The quality is solid. These are vendors who need to satisfy a demanding local clientele that comes back repeatedly, which creates a natural quality threshold that tourist-oriented venues do not always face.

The Atmosphere

Without the tourist traffic that defines the downtown food halls, Matholl Hofda has a more relaxed, neighbourhood feel. You are more likely to hear Icelandic than English here, which is increasingly rare in Reykjavik's dining scene. The communal seating encourages a social atmosphere, and the space is large enough to feel comfortable without being so vast that it loses its sense of community.

Why Visit

If you want to see how Reykjavik eats when it is not performing for tourists, Matholl Hofda offers that glimpse. The food is good, the prices are fair, and the experience feels more authentic than the downtown alternatives. For visitors staying in east Reykjavik -- in the Airbnb-heavy residential areas that have expanded in recent years -- it is an excellent local dining option.

Practical Tips

Located at Bildshofdi 9, about a 15-minute drive from downtown. There is ample parking, which is a significant advantage over the downtown food halls. The hall is open daily, and the atmosphere is family-friendly. If you are visiting Tommi's Burger Joint at the nearby Bildshofdi location, Matholl Hofda is worth checking out as well.