The Faroe Islands are fast-gaining a reputation as a foodie destination par excellence. It’s not just our two-Michelin starred restaurant Koks as there are many destinations for fine dining in Tórshavn today. But, what about those other nights when, after a long day hiking in the mountains, you just fancy a relaxed or quick meal that won’t break the bank? Well, thankfully there’s a growing number of options that cater to a range of budgets in our cosy capital. It’s a far cry from the city of yesteryear, to the delight of locals and visitors alike.
Here are seven of our favourites.
Hvonn
Hvonn’s extensive pizza menu should have something for everyone, and yes, we spell it “pitsa” here 😊 A decent mid-range restaurant in the centre of Tórshavn (part of Hotel Tórshavn) that also serves up burgers, pasta and dishes like fish and chips which you can enjoy while looking out over the harbour. The restaurant is on the first floor (up the stairs) while downstairs there’s a bar popular with locals and visitors alike. Pizzas from 99kr, burgers from 130kr
Sirkus
Sirkus is more than a bar with an extensive selection of Faroese and Icelandic beers in the centre of Tórshavn. It also offers a range of good value (well, good value for the Faroes anyway) plates like burgers and fish and chips. It’s also good bet if you’re seeking vegetarian and vegan options in the city. Mains from 110 kr.
Angus
A mini-chain of two (Angus also have a restaurant in Klaksvik) specialising in, you guessed it: steak. Not the best choice for our vegan visitors, but sure to appeal to the carnivores, Tórshavn’s branch is by the ferry port in the city and is firmly situated in the mid-range – reminiscent of similar steak restaurant chains in Scandinavia like Jensen’s. Steaks from 159kr
Haps
It can be a little tricky to find (it shares a building with the main cinema in the city on Tinghúsvegur), and unusually for here, it’s up several flights of stairs (we’re not aware that there’s a lift, so, it will be difficult to access for people with mobility issues). But it’s worth it once you get there. Burgers are the speciality, with a limited steak and salad menu too. Burgers from 129kr
Café Kaspar
Burgers, bagels, salads and pasta dishes are served in a cosy, relaxed atmosphere at Hotel Hafnia’s Café Kaspar on Áarvegur in the city centre. You can order take away, and, for orders over 200kr, they’ll deliver for free within the city. Bagels from 79kr, salads from 119kr and burgers from 129kr.
Etika
Etika takes full advantage of the bounty of the Faroese seas. Exceptionally fresh sushi plus other Japanese-style dishes like tempura are served in this cool little glass-fronted restaurant just below the parliament buildings. Range of vegetarian and vegan options. If the small restaurant is fully booked, then you can always get a take-away. 8 pcs sushi from 119kr.
Suppugardurin
Simple and good value Japanese ramen noodle soups, where you place your order at the counter and then return when they call you back to collect your freshly cooked food. You also clear away your own plates, so, fine dining it isn’t, but, it’s a great spot for something simple but delicious and also caters to vegetarians and vegans. Noodle soups from 125 kr.
There are many more places in Tórshavn and, new places are opening all the time, so, while our city is small, these days it can cater to big appetites.
Outside of Tórshavn, things are a bit more limited, but, more on that another time….