Reykjavík Grapevine - 27.07.2007, Page 15

SHOPPING
Located in a basement by Ingólfstorg,
former pro skater, Mike Carroll’s skate-
board shop Underground is aptly named.
The shop offers all the relevant skating
gear, be it clothing or boards, from in-
dustry leading brand names such as
DC, Circa and others. A wide array of
T-shirts, shoes, and other skating neces-
sities available.
31 Underground
Veltusund 1
Kirsuberjatréð is the perfect little gift
shop. A co-op gallery/gift shop owned
and operated by ten women artists and
designers. Kirsuberjatréð is the commer-
cial outlet where they sell their products.
The selections ranges from clothes, bas-
kets, ceramics, copper sculptures, fish
skin items, paper crafts, contemporary
jewelry, felt items, and various other
designs.
32 Kirsuberjatréð
Vesturgata 4
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A fresh addition to the Laugavegur fash-
ion scene, four separate stores under
one roof, second-hand clothing and ac-
cessories stores Elvis and Rokk og rósir,
and CD experts Smekkleysa, all staples of
the Laugavegur shopping experience. In
addition, the new store, Pop, supplying
neat stuff for the home. The collective
will offer unique clothing and ornaments
and supply the score to your life.
Laugavegur 28
Laugavegur 28
This spacious and classy store sells jew-
ellery made from lava and other stone.
Gullkunst Helgu, which is housed in the
1924 built shop on Laugevegur 13, has
been selling unique jewellery such as
necklaces, bracelets and watches for 15
years.
35 Gullkúnst Helgu
Laugavegur 13
The children’s toy store Börn Náttúrun-
nar, located in a Skólavörðustígur base-
ment, sells clothes and toys made only of
organic products as well as books about
childcare and parenthood. Here you can
buy creative wooden playthings and
woollen products for the young ones
carefully selected by the parents who
own the shop.
36 Börn Náttúrunnar
Skólavörðustígur 17a
Buying jeans used to be a simple task.
With the ever-growing selection, suc-
cessful jeans hunting can take days. The
task did not get any easier with the re-
cent addition of a store from the indus-
try powerhouse G-Star Raw. This Dutch
brand features an edgy collection, au-
thentic details and innovative washings.
30
G-Star Raw
Laugavegur 86
33
This small boutique sells all kinds of
sweets. From chocolate fondue mix, to
handmade chocolates, to lollypops and
Belgian chocolate with such flavours as
lavender and ginger. Vinberið also sells
Icelandic sweets, including the popular
licorice products. A must stop for the
sweet toothed.
Vinberið
Laugavegur 43
A collection of trendy designer wear
fills the space at fashion shop Trilogia,
including amazing designs by Alexander
McQueen and Chloe alongside Robert
Cary Williams, Erotokritos and many,
many more. Summery dresses, sweaters
and skirts for all the fashion conscious
girls out there as well as cool accessories
to complete the look.
38 Trilogia
Laugavegur 7
A trip to the downtown indoor flea mar-
ket Kolaportið down by the harbour is
always a fun way to spend a Saturday af-
ternoon. Endless stalls offering all kinds
of second-hand goods, candy and even
fermented shark and Icelandic liquorice.
If ready to spend some time thoroughly
examining the selection you can find
some great bargains. Only open on
weekends.
39 Kolaportið
Tryggvagata 19
41
This small boutique is a jam-packed
treasure chest overflowing with antique
furniture and items to perk up your
apartment. In every corner of the shop,
you’ll find some unique items, including
candle holders, lamps, pillows, gorgeous
60’s sofas, tables, vases and a selection
of clothes and vintage jewellery.
42 Fríða Frænka
Vesturgata 3
43
If there is one thing you need in Iceland
it is warm clothing. In a country known
for rapid wheather changes, you either
come prepared, or buy the appropriate
gear. Designed and developed in Iceland
to meet rugged wheather conditions,
Cintamani clothing has been worn on
both the North and the South Poles, as
well as on the top of Mount Everest.
37 Cintamani
Laugavegur 11
40
Located inside a dignified wooden build-
ing, Thorvaldsens Bazar is among the
oldest shops in Reykjavík, opening in
1901 and run by the women’s charity
organization the Thorvaldsen Society.
Selling souvenirs, handicrafts, woollen
underclothes and sweaters as well as Ice-
landic jewellery, the friendly saleswomen
work as volunteers and all profits are do-
nated to charity work.
Thorvaldsens Bazar
Austurstræti 4
EATING
The casual family-friendly Italian-style
corner restaurant has operated at the
same spot since 1979 when it became
a loyal member of the Icelandic dining-
out tradition. Most famous for its pizzas
and the generously stuffed calzone, the
wholesome menu prides itself on all sorts
of high-standard pasta dishes, vegetarian
and meat courses, all very affordable.
3
2 Hornið
Hafnarstræti 15
Not the regular fish’n’chips diner but a
healthy restaurant using only organic
vegetables, quality fish products and
no wheat or white sugar in its kitchen.
Deep-fried catch of the day served with
oven baked potatoes and Skyronnes,
a sauce made out of the fat-free milk
product Skyr and flavoured with all sorts
of spices, on the side for 1350 ISK. They
also offer take-away at all times.
5
Few places in Reykjavík match the great
combination of good price, excellent
food, and fast service available at Shali-
mar. On the menu are assorted Indian-
Pakistan dishes and the lunch special is
always a great bet for a good meal dur-
ing a busy day. Grapevine staffers are
frequently spotted in the locale, which
should be recommendation enough.
6 Shalimar
Austurstræti 4
Located right next to the Reykjavík har-
bour, Sægreifinn fish shop and restau-
rant is truly like no other you’ll witness in
the country. The menu features various
fish dishes and a rich portion of the best
lobster soup we’ve ever tasted. It also ca-
ters to groups upstairs where the room
looks more like a cabin than a diner. The
good food and welcoming service make
this place a must-try.
7 Sægreifinn
Verbúð 8, Geirsgata
Vor’s refreshing take on café-style eat-
ing is marked by its use of fresh ingre-
dients and a health-conscious menu that
emphasises French and Mediterranean
cuisine. The fresh spring salad and the
excellent carrot-ginger soup are excellent
pick-me-ups on rainy days, and the cof-
fee served is of the highest quality.
1
Vor
Laugavegur 24
4 Icelandic Fish Chips
Tryggvagata 8
It’s a bakery, the oldest one in the city
in fact, selling all sorts of bakery goods,
snacks and an extensive selection of the
sweet stuff from early dawn. We particu-
larly love the spelt bread in the morning,
and some snúður, kleina and vínarbrauð
to go with the afternoon coffee.
9 Bernhöftsbakarí
Bergstaðarstræti 13
There’s a good reason why there’s always
a line in front of Bæjarins Bestu, regard-
less of the weather or time of day. Select-
ed the best hot-dog stand in Europe by
The Guardian, a fact locals realized de-
cades ago, it has been serving “ein með
öllu” (“one with the lot”) to downtown
pedestrians since 1935, making it the
oldest fast food restaurant in the coun-
try. Grabbing a bite couldn’t be easier.
10 Bæjarins bestu
Tryggvagata
Many locals claim this to be the best
vegetarian restaurant in town offering a
menu with plenty of vegan and vegetar-
ian options, both healthy and tasty. Ask
for the daily special or try the selection
of three different courses. The Indian
theme on Fridays is usually a hit and the
sugar free banana cake just one of the
highly tempting desserts.
12 Á næstu grösum
(First Vegetarian)
Laugavegur 20B
Renowned for its greasy sandwiches,
Nonnabiti, or Nonni as the locals call it,
is one of the more popular junk food
places around, offering a large selection
of take-away or dine in subs, sandwich-
es and burgers with a nice dash of the
unique Nonni-sauce. If you have a late
night craving there’s no need to worry,
Nonni is open longer than most other
places.
13 Nonnabiti
Hafnarstræti 9
Although a little pricey for a take-away,
charging around 1600 ISK for a main
course, the food is well worth that extra
spending once in a while. Serving typi-
cal Indian dishes, the menu is a treasure
chest for those with a penchant for a
spicy bite. There are also a few tables in-
side for those who choose to dine in.
14 Austurlanda-
hraðlestin
Hverfisgata 64A
This small pizza place is not only cheap
but offers the largest slices of pizza you’ll
get downtown. Charging only 350 ISK
per slice, not to mention the special
lunch offer where a 10” pizza with three
toppings of your choice and a can of
Coke costs only 800 ISK, Pizza King is
a local favourite. The fact it’s open until
6 on Friday and Saturday nights doesn’t
hurt either.
8 Pizza King
Hafnarstræti 18
11
A chain of sandwich outlets special-
izing in toasty baguette-style subs, but
also serving soups and salads. Choose
your toppings and variety of sauces and
you’ll get a fresh sandwich to suit your
taste. Ask for the lamb sub, an Icelandic
speciality. Then put a double chocolate
chunk brownie in your take-away box
and you’re good to go.
Quiznos
Lækjargata 8
In an elegant setting, Seafood Cellar
chefs serve gourmet fusion style dishes,
where the emphasis is not only on ocean
delights, but also on all sorts of tempt-
ing Asia-inspired dishes. The most fun
is to order the exotic menu, a range of
courses carefully selected by the chef,
and share it with your dining partners.
Sjávarkjallarinn
Aðalstræti 2
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Reykjavík’s version of CBGB’s, Gaukurinn
has been a mainstay in the Icelandic mu-
sic scene since the days of Ingólfur Ar-
narson. A popular live venue, this is the
place to find young and upcoming band,
as well as older and more established
bands. Anyone who is anything in Icelan-
dic music has passed through Gaukurinn
at one point or another.
Gaukurinn
Tryggvagata 22
This two-floor café/pub has been a part
of Reykjavík’s bar scene for decades.
With a large and fairly cheap bistro
menu, Prikið attracts a mix of university
students with their laptops and elderly
devoted regulars during the day while
the younger clientele fills up the space
during the evening and especially at
weekends when the music is mostly
dedicated to hip-hop and R&B.
26 Prikið
Bankastræti 12
The quintessential rock-pub, Dillon fea-
tures moderately priced drinks, a dark
and cosy mood and some pretty good
music (especially when local favourite
DJ Andrea Jóns mans the decks). The
tattooed, beer-lovin’ types who hang
out there on school nights are joined by
legions of parka-clad students during
weekends, creating a party atmosphere
that’s always fun to partake in.
29 Dillon
Laugavegur 30
The Italian coffee-chain found its spot in
the heart of Reykjavík, with its windows
facing the Lækjartorg Square. Serving
lunch snacks like paninis and strong
espressos for coffee lovers whether you
need to grab a cup and sandwich on the
way to work or want to enjoy your drink
on the spot.
17 Segafredo
By Lækjartorg
A popular coffee place on weekdays, es-
pecially among students and downtown
workers who like to enjoy a bottle of
beer after a busy day. At weekends, Kaf-
fibarinn becomes the opposite of a quiet
destination, as its two floors fill up with
the late-night souls. With DJs playing live
sets from Wednesday to Saturday, the
party doesn’t start winding down until
early morning.
20 Kaffibarinn
Bergstaðastræti 1
23
DRINKING
Vegamót (crossroads) has an appealing
lunch menu, they serve brunch during
the weekends, and the kitchen is open
until 22:00 daily. After that the beat goes
on, and you can check the end results in
photos published the day after on their
website www.vegamot.is. If you like Oli-
ver, try Vegamót and vice versa.
Vegamót
Vegamótastígur 4
Attracting a mixed crowd of party-peo-
ple, the small bar Sirkus has always been
popular among musicians and the cre-
ative crowd who get along well although
the breathing space can be limited on
weekends. While Sirkus’s DJs provide for
the greatest party possible every week-
end, the bar occasionally hosts concerts
on weeknights.
Sirkus
Klapparstígur 30
Located inside the Intercultural Cen-
tre, Cultura is a restaurant/bar with a
cosmopolitan feel, hosting an array of
events and various theme nights like
Salsa teaching, tango nights and fusion
parties. The menu features all sorts of
international dishes like Thai soup, Span-
ish tapas, fahjitas and falafel mixed with
bistro regulars such as sandwiches and
salads.
25 Café Cultura
Hverfisgata 18
Located above the second-hand fashion
store Spútnik, with its roomy bar floor
and nice sofas in the lounge room up-
stairs, Boston is a fresh addition to the
Reykjavík bar scene. Old-school yet styl-
ish interiors, and enough tables to cre-
ate a good vibe, make the place a comfy
café as well as a laid-back tavern where
the music is good but never intrusive.
24 Boston
Laugavegur 28b
A spacious gay/straight friendly bar, the
newly renovated Q-Bar is a welcome ad-
dition to the nightlife downtown. In styl-
ish and comfortable surroundings, with
a lounge-like atmosphere, a good vibe
and plenty of seats, the place never gets
uncomfortably crowded nor too noisy
for conversation.
28 Q-Bar
Ingólfsstræti 3
Up-and-coming Barinn is becoming
quite popular among Reykjavík party
scenesters. Its three floors and equally
numerous bars get quite crowded dur-
ing weekends where a mix of dancing
downstairs and chatting upstairs make
for a good night out. Though mostly a
DJ bar, Barinn occasionally hosts live gigs
and is always a fun party venue.
27 Barinn
Laugavegur 22
This organic, free-trade café prides itself
on being a non-profit company and a
dedicated venue for the hardcore and
cultural scene by hosting concerts, lec-
tures and poetry nights. Serving delicious
soups and vegetarian dishes as well as
organic tea, coffee and cake, this is the
place to visit for a reasonably priced
healthy lunch.
16 Kaffi Hljómalind
Laugavegur 21
A small antique-style non-smoking cof-
fee house in a Hverfisgata basement,
legendary for its early opening hours,
amazing breakfast and strong coffee
that will easily wake you up in the morn-
ing. We especially recommend The Truck,
American style breakfast consisting of
eggs, bacon, pancakes, fried potatoes,
tomatoes, syrup and toast. The bagels
are also excellent.
15
Grái Kötturinn
Hverfisgata 16a
The celebrated site of one of the more
famous coffeehouses in Iceland, this bar/
café/bistro brings a European flair to the
city. That is until about 11, when things
get to rockin’, and you can see the true
character of Reykjavík.
19 Hressó
Austurstræti 20
Here is a bit of trivial information: In Ice-
landic, ‘glaumur’ means the sound of a
party. I don’t know what more you need
to know about Glaumbar, except per-
haps that it is the premier sports bar in
town. After the final whistle, the action
on the dance floor becomes feverish as
local DJs take central role.
18 Glaumbar
Tryggvagata 20
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Nakti Apinn, located on the second floor
at Bankastræti 14, offers an amazing va-
riety of colourful street-clothing, includ-
ing hooded sweatshirts, T-shirts and leg-
gings designed by the owners and hand-
printed with different patterns, graphics
and figures. Inside you’ll also find a good
selection of Icelandic music, books on
art and design, accessories, baby clothes
and international designer wear.
Nakti Apinn
Bankastræti 14
The spacious Iða bookstore is a great
source for all kinds of reading material of-
fering an excellent range of books, travel
guides, magazines, post-cards and great
gift items. The first-class service will help
you search for what you need. On the
second floor you’ll find restaurants serv-
ing sushi, soups and sandwiches.
Iða
Lækjargata 2a
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This two-floor café/pub has been a part of
Reykjavík’s bar scene for decades. With a
large and fairly cheap bistro menu, Prikið
attracts a mix of university students with
their laptops and elderly devoted regulars
during the day while the younger clientele
fills up the space during the evening and
especially at weekends when the music is
mostly dedicated to hip-hop and R&B.
SPOT THIS: Prikið
Bankastræti 12, 101 Reykjavík
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Deco, a café and wine bar that has ev-
erything you need for a quality lunch
café, right in the city centre. Its modern
and stylish interiors, varied menu and
impressive selection of whiskey, draw
me back again soon. Deco usually gets
quite crowded during the evening, when
it turns into more of a wine bar than a
coffeehouse.
Deco
Austurstræti 12
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