Hlemmur
The Vibe
Unpretentious and genuinely local—where construction workers, artists, and immigrant families gather over steaming bowls without the polish of downtown. The energy is relaxed, neighborhood-focused, and refreshingly unconcerned with Iceland's curated tourism image. Hlemmur Mathöll buzzes during lunch and weekend evenings with chatter in multiple languages. The surrounding streets feel lived-in rather than designed. You'll find better value here than the Old Harbor, and the crowd skews Icelandic. Come hungry and open-minded—this is Reykjavík's most authentic taste of globalization, where Nordic ingredients meet international techniques without pretension.
Description
Reykjavík's multicultural heart where the city's main bus terminal transformed into a dining destination that reflects modern Iceland's diversity. The Hlemmur terminal served as the capital's central transit hub for decades before reinvention arrived with Hlemmur Mathöll food hall in 2017, converting the brutalist structure into a culinary marketplace. This east-downtown neighborhood sits at the intersection of working-class Reykjavík and the city's emerging cosmopolitan identity. The area surrounding Laugavegur's eastern end retains its gritty authenticity—pawn shops and dive bars coexist with natural wine spots and Vietnamese kitchens. It's where Icelanders come when they tire of tourist-packed streets, seeking the flavors that locals from the Philippines, Thailand, and Latin America brought to this island nation.
Neighborhood Stats
Popular With
- Tourists
- Locals
- Explorers
Key Attributes
- Cultural
- Local
- Authentic
Food Scene
Hlemmur Mathöll (Laugavegur 107) anchors everything—the food hall houses multiple vendors including Skál! for craft beer, Yuzu for Asian fusion, and Organic Bistro. Outside the hall, Vínstúkan Tíu Sopar (Laugavegur 27) serves hearty Icelandic soup in bread bowls since the 1980s. Prikið (Bankastræti 12) delivers classic diner comfort—burgers and hangover breakfasts in retro surroundings beloved by locals. Krua Siam (Skólavörðustígur 21a) brings authentic Thai flavors. The neighborhood offers dining, with food hall meals around 1,500-2,500 ISK and genuine multiculturalism rare elsewhere in Iceland.