Sharing all about the best restaurants in the Faroe Islands!
The Faroe Islands have quite the foodie scene for being such a tiny island in the middle of the ocean. Thanks to KOKS and their two Michelin stars for putting the Faroe Islands on the map! Of course, I was pulled to visit the islands for their natural beauty, but to be honest, the restaurants really sealed the deal for me! I wasn’t even that bummed when my ferry to Mykines was cancelled because I was enjoying the restaurants and everything else so much!
Most of the best restaurants in the Faroe Islands are located in downtown Torshavn. This is the main, busiest little port town on the island. It has a super quaint downtown with cobblestoned streets and grass roof buildings.
As someone who eats mostly plant based, I was concerned about the options that might be available. I was pleasantly surprised by the plentiful options of seafood and fresh vegetables.
Here are a few must try places to eat in the Faroe Islands for your trip!
1. Barbara Fish House
Barbara Fish House was definitely my favorite of the trip! It’s in a super historic building with stone walls and wood floors. There are only a few tables making it super intimate.
There is a set menu and you can choose 3 or 4 courses or you can select the vegan menu (very impressive). We picked the 3 course menu which included smoked salmon and a scallop ceviche, fish soup, and monkfish. There are also dessert options a la carte so you aren’t tied to having it. They also have an extensive wine menu with plenty of choices.
2. KOKS
KOKS is a two Michelin star restaurant that really helped put the islands on the map from a tourism standpoint. It’s why we decided to visit! Unfortunately the restaurant was having a pop up in Greenland for the summer we spent in Faroe, but they are returning in 2024 so be sure to book early!
3. ROKS
ROKS is the sister restaurant to KOKS so we were super excited to try it! You will want to book well in advance and expect to prepay the menu. You can choose from two menu options – “nearly ashore” or “totally on the rocks” which are both fully seafood. One is a bigger experience, but we picked the smaller menu and were very happy.
Some of the things are a little unique so you definitely have to like to try different things! The highlight was the white fish en croute (baked in a pastry) and definitely the dessert which was a bun filled with warm cinnamon served with vanilla ice cream.
They have tons of wines by the glass and encourage you to try different ones to pair with your meal. They even have a wine loft upstairs where you can have a glass of wine and snacks.
4. The Tarv Grill House
The Tarv was a great spot for dinner one night. It’s a large space right in the heart of Torshavn in one of the colorful buildings. There is outdoor seating if the weather is nice, but we liked the charming interior. It is very rustic and old with modern touches in the decor. The menu was extensive, but you have to try the Faroese salmon! They give you a HUGE serving – two filets so maybe plan to split one main and add extra sides if you are traveling as a couple. Also, try a gin & tonic with the local gin here.
5. Irish Pub Torshavn
We had a great lunch at the Irish Pub after a long morning of exploring the Faroe Islands. Of course, we had to order the fish and chips and they were so good with a beer!
6. Bitin
Bitin is known for the classically Danish open faced sandwiches. They also have other healthy options like buddha bowls so it’s a great choice if you are vegan or vegetarian.
7. Raest
Next, is the second sister restaurant to KOKS, Raest. They are known for their fermented foods and authentic Faroese style of cooking – like wind drying their meats. Expect a menu with lots of unique items like whale and meats like lamb. It was a little too meat heavy for me so we did not try it, but if you like meat I am sure it’s incredible! How quaint is their little space??
8. Mikkeller Tavern
In the drinking category is Mikkeller Tavern – a popular brand of craft beer in Denmark. It’s a great little bar with good beers, wine, and cocktails. I liked #5 the Belgian wheat beer. They also have games and cards so you can stay for a while to relax.
FAQ
All of your questions about dining in the Faroe Islands!
Yes, KOKS put the Faroe Islands on the map when they earned two Michelin stars!
Faroese diets consists of fermented meats like lamb, plenty of seafood like salmon, and root vegetables that grow in the harsh conditions.
Yes, the water is safe to drink in the Faroe Islands.
As someone who eats mostly plant based, I was concerned about the options that might be available. I was pleasantly surprised by the plentiful options and multiple restaurants with vegan menus in the Faroe Islands.
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