Introduction
Keflavik Airport (KEF) serves as Iceland’s primary gateway to the world, welcoming travelers eager to explore the island’s breathtaking landscapes and unique culture. After long flights, navigating through security, or anticipating a connecting flight, finding a satisfying meal or a quick snack becomes a top priority. Knowing your food options within the airport can significantly ease your journey, turning a potentially stressful layover into a pleasant experience. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the food available at Keflavik Airport, catering to diverse tastes, budgets, and time constraints, ensuring you eat well before you fly and maybe even get a little taste of Iceland before you even leave the airport. Whether you’re seeking a gourmet meal, a quick caffeine fix, or a budget-friendly bite, Keflavik Airport has something to offer.
Quick Bites and Grab-and-Go Delights
For travelers on a tight schedule or those simply seeking a light snack, Keflavik Airport offers several convenient grab-and-go options. These establishments provide quick service and readily available food, perfect for fueling up before boarding or satisfying mid-flight cravings.
Joe & The Juice
A haven for health-conscious travelers, Joe & The Juice offers a vibrant array of fresh juices, smoothies, sandwiches, and coffee. It’s a welcome sight for those seeking a nutritious boost after a long journey or a healthy alternative to traditional airport fare. Their signature juices and smoothies, packed with fruits and vegetables, provide an instant energy lift. The sandwiches, often featuring fresh ingredients and creative flavor combinations, offer a satisfying and relatively healthy meal option. The quality coffee served is another great attraction for the caffeine-deprived. The prices are in the slightly above-average range, you are paying a premium for quality and convenience.
The Allure of the Airport Bakery
The bakery within Keflavik Airport is more than just a place to grab a pastry; it’s an opportunity to sample some local Icelandic treats. These bakeries offers a tempting selection of pastries, breads, coffee, and light snacks. This option is great for a relaxed breakfast or a quick sugar rush before boarding. Be sure to try the *snúður*, a popular Icelandic cinnamon roll or a rye bread sandwich for a taste of local flavor. Keep an eye out for bakeries with vegetarian options, typically sandwiches and pastries stuffed with fresh vegetables and cheeses.
10-11 Convenience Store
A common sight in Iceland, the 10-11 convenience store has an outpost within the airport, providing a familiar option for travelers seeking familiar snacks, drinks, or basic travel essentials. This store is a treasure trove of snacks, beverages, and even light meal options. You can pick up sandwiches, salads, yogurt, or other ready-to-eat items, giving it an edge over the bakeries for a more diverse set of options. It is a good option to save money by picking up drinks and snacks for the flight.
Relaxing Restaurants and Cafes to Recharge
Beyond the quick bites, Keflavik Airport boasts several sit-down restaurants and cafes, offering a more relaxed dining experience and a wider range of culinary choices. These establishments allow travelers to unwind, savor a leisurely meal, and recharge before continuing their journey.
Nord: A Taste of Modern Iceland
Nord offers a more refined dining experience, showcasing modern Nordic cuisine with a strong emphasis on fresh, local Icelandic ingredients. The restaurant strives to capture the essence of Iceland through its menu, featuring dishes that highlight the country’s unique culinary heritage. Look for fish dishes featuring the day’s fresh catch, creatively prepared lamb dishes, and other specialties that showcase the best of Icelandic produce. Nord is a good choice for a pre-flight treat or a farewell meal, giving you one last taste of Iceland. Prices can be expected to be higher compared to the other options mentioned.
Mathús: Classic Comfort and Icelandic Delights
Mathús combines classic cafe fare with a selection of Icelandic cuisine options, offering something for everyone. It’s a great place to grab a quick, hearty meal before your flight. The menu typically includes burgers, sandwiches, salads, and soups, alongside traditional Icelandic dishes such as plokkfiskur (fish stew) or kjötsúpa (meat soup). The more diverse menu and more relaxed cafe atmosphere makes it a popular choice with travelers.
Bars and Lounges: A Pre-Flight Libation
Several bars and lounges are dotted throughout Keflavik Airport, providing travelers with a place to unwind, relax, and enjoy a drink before their flight. These establishments offer a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as comfortable seating and a relaxed atmosphere. Grab a drink and unwind and escape the pre-flight hustle.
Important Considerations for Hungry Travelers
Navigating the food options at Keflavik Airport requires careful consideration of budget, dietary restrictions, time constraints, and opening hours. Planning ahead can ensure a seamless and satisfying dining experience.
Budget-Friendly Bites
Airport food can often be expensive, so it’s wise to be mindful of your budget when choosing where to eat. The convenience stores offer the most cost-effective snacks and drinks. Consider packing your own snacks, if regulations permit. Be sure to check airline and security guidelines regarding bringing food and liquids onto the plane.
Navigating Dietary Restrictions
Travelers with dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, should carefully review menus and inquire with staff about available options. The “Joe & The Juice” provides many healthy alternatives that may be suitable. It is a good idea to call in advance and confirm the ingredients, or ask a staff member on the best menu option that works for your situation.
Time is of the Essence
Airports are places where people move quickly, and eating can be a time-consuming activity. Factor in security lines, and boarding times, you may not have enough time to sit at a restaraunt. For travellers with limited time, grab-and-go options are the most efficient choice. Allowing ample time for food selection ensures a less stressful experience.
Mind the Opening Hours
As an international airport, Keflavik Airport strives to cater to travellers arriving and departing at all hours. This means the store hours will be dependant on when certain flights are coming in and out.
Final Thoughts
Keflavik Airport offers a surprisingly diverse and satisfying culinary landscape, catering to the needs of travelers from all walks of life. Whether you’re seeking a quick snack, a hearty meal, or a relaxing drink, the airport’s food options provide something for everyone. By carefully considering your budget, dietary restrictions, time constraints, and preferred dining experience, you can make the most of your time at Keflavik Airport and embark on your journey feeling refreshed and well-fed. Remember, Keflavik Airport is more than just a transit point; it can also be a place to enjoy a taste of Iceland before your adventure truly begins. So, take a moment to explore the options, indulge in a delicious meal, and savor the flavors of Iceland before you fly. Enjoy!
