Reykjavík Grapevine - 04.08.2008, Síða 52

Food & Drink | Venue finder
Aktu Taktu
Skúlugata 15 | K8
This drive-in destination in
101 Reykjavík is busy day and
night and the burgers are
especially tasty. The caramel
shakes are a local favorite.
American Style
Tryggvagata 26 | E5
With a soft bun and lots of
veggies, you can settle into a
booth and eat for hours. Big
portions for authentic Ameri-
can dining.
Argentína Steakhouse
Barónstígur | I8
True to its name with tender
steaks and flamingly vibrant
South American décor. Gen-
erous portions, fine wine,
liqueurs and cigars make an
excellent choice in fine dining.
Austurlandahraðlestin
Hverfisgata 64A | H7
Though a bit expensive for
take-away, it is well worth it
for a spicy bite of this Indian
cuisine. A few tables to the
side for those who choose
to dine in.
Á Næstu Grösum
Laugavegur 20B | G7
Regarded by many to be
the best vegetarian place in
town, “First Vegetarian” offers
a healthy and tasty menu of
vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Indian theme on Fridays a hit.
B5
Bankastræti 5 | F6
By day a chic little bistro
with good food and a prime
location for Laugavegur
people watching | by night
a stylish bar with a “whiskey
room” and manhattanesque
clientele.
Babalú
Skólavörðustígur 22A | G8
It’s tough to miss café Babalú
walking up Skólavörðustigur.
A cozy place for coffee and
cake, the well-worn, homey
ambience makes it difficult
to leave.
Bæjarins Beztu
Tryggvagata | E6
The oldest fast-food in Ice-
land, it is feasibly the best hot
dog stand in Europe. Don’t be
intimidated by the perpetual
line in front – an absolute
must and worth the wait.
Café Cultura
Hverfisgata 18 | G6
Situated in the intercultural
centre, Cultura is a café/bar
with a cosmopolitan feel. The
menu features all sorts of
international dishes, along-
side the staple salad and
sandwich.
Café Paris
Austurstræti 14 | E6
With an outdoor terrace, this
café gets busy on sunny
days. With a cosy interior, fine
menu and attentive service, it
makes a fine spot for evening
dining as well.
Café Roma
Rauðarárstígur 8 | J9
Roma, an Italian deli and
café offers a variety of breads,
soups as well as tempting
desserts. For a good bargain,
come at lunchtime for the
specials.
Café Victor
Hafnarstræti 1-3 | D6/E6
A hangout for older foreign-
ers, Victor attracts a diverse
crowd, both in age and origin,
a rule that extends to the mu-
sicians that play there.
Domo
Þingholtsstræti 5 | F7
The elegantly decorated
Domo serves delicious
French-Asian cuisine, excel-
lent sushi and has a great
wine list. A sure choice.
Eldsmiðjan
Bragagata 38A | G9
Totally satisfying oven-baked
pizza with a wide choice of
toppings | snails an unusual
specialty. Well worth the cost.
Order, take away or eat com-
fortably among the paintings.
Fiskmarkaðurinn
Aðalstræti 12 | D6
Run and co-owned by the
national team of chefs, this
establishment specializing
in Japanese cuisine has
everything planned to the last
detail, ensuring a relaxing
evening.
3 Frakkar
Baldursgata 14 | F9
A seriously Icelandic at-
mosphere and traditional
Icelandic dishes prepared
in the good old-fashioned
way. RSVP and keep your
ears pricked for wild whaling
tales!
Geysir Bar/Bistro
Aðalstræti 2 | D6
Situated in the dignified
Geysir Building at the corner
of Vesturgata and Aðalstræti,
this stylish bistro is always
a good place to grab a tasty
bite for a reasonable price.
Garðurinn
Klappastigur 37 | G7
“Ecstasy’s Heart” is a simple,
friendly, family-run vegetarian
restaurant on Klapparstígur.
Offers an ever-changing
menu of specials and soup
du jours, alongside a basic
menu
Grái Kötturinn
Hverfisgata 16A | G7
Legendary for its early open-
ing ours, the Gray Cat serves
amazing breakfasts and
coffee that packs a wallop. A
splendid way to start you off
on your day.
Great Wall Restaurant
Vesturgata 6-8 | D5
This Chinese restaurant
features a staggering 100+
dishes in traditional Szechuan,
Peking and Cantonese styles.
Great service and good food
make this one a fine choice.
Grillhúsið
Tryggvagata 20 | E5/E6
With a menu of reasonably
priced homestyle food, Grill-
húsið has satiated hungry
regulars since 1994 with juicy
burgers, sandwiches, steaks
and fish dishes.
Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar
(“Bullan”)
Geirsgata 1 | D5
Considered by some to be the
best real hamburger in Reyk-
javík, “Bullan” does serve
some mysteriously delicious
burgers, guaranteed to take
the edge off any hangover.

Hlölla Bátar
Ingólfstorg | D6
The first sub sandwich shop
in Iceland, Hlölla Bátar has a
large selection of creatively
named sandwiches with
equally imaginative contents.
Good for an adventurous bite.
Hornið
Hafnarstræti 15 | E6
Since 1979, this Italian res-
taurant has been a longtime
Reykjavík staple. Famous for
its pizza and stuffed calzones,
it proudly offers an affordable
menu of high-quality dishes
Hótel Holt
Bergstaðarstræti 37 | F7
Housing Iceland´s most
renowned restaurant, The
Gallery, an evening here is
an unforgettable experience.
Delicious French-inspired
cuisine and fine wines await.
Humarshúsið
Ammtmanstígur 1 | E7
One of the oldest restaurants
in the country, the lobster
house is known of course for
its lobster and also its im-
pressive cognac lounge. Fine
intimate dining.
Hressó
Austurstræti 20 | E6
With a spacious neutral inte-
rior and a varied lunch menu,
Hressó attracts no specific
type of crowd. Tap beer and
music makes a fair hangout
on weekends.
Icelandic Fish & Chips
Tryggvagata 8 | E5
Not your average fish’n’chips
joint, but a healthy restaurant
using only organic vegetables
and quality fish products. The
spiced skyr side a special
treat.
Indian Mango
Frakkarstígur 12 | H8
Specializing in delicious
dishes from the Goa region
of India, honed to perfection
in the owner’s period as head
chef at the Four Seasons.
Incredible service as well
as food.
Jómfrúin
Lækjargata 4 | E6
These days, good Smör-
rebröd can be an elusive
delicacy. Lucky for us out in
the colonies, it’s alive and
well at Jómfrúin with fresh
eel imported specially from
Denmark.
Kaffi Hljómalind
Laugavegur 21 | G7
This organic, free-trade café
prides itself not only on great
lunches and food but being a
strong cultural center, hosting
live music as well as lectures
and poetry nights.
Kaffitár
Bankastræti 8 | F6
Kaffitár celebrates good
coffee, and serves it in
abundance, along with sweet
treats and tasty if pricy spe-
cial blends. Eat in or to go, a
great way to enjoy your morn-
ing boost.
Kaffivagninn
Grandagarður 10 | D1
By the harbor, this lunch and
coffee place is a gathering
place for all sorts of tough
folks. If you want traditional
Icelandic food, a great place
to see another side of Reyk-
javík.
Kofi Tómasar Frændu
Laugavegur 2 | F7
Nestled in a basement loca-
tion, Uncle Tom´s Cabin has
the feeling of a back-alley
London Café. On weekends
it becomes a happening and
diverse bar.
Krua Thai
Tryggvagata 14 | D5
We dare you to find a bet-
ter meal for the same price
anywhere else. Every dish is
delicious. Just eat what looks
best to you on their colorful
menu.
La Primavera
Austurstræti 9 | E6
Though it sounds strange, La
Primavera serves delicious
traditional North Italian cui-
sine using only local produce.
A startlingly tasty combina-
tion and a local favorite.
Mokka
Skólavörðustígur 3A | F7
Operating since 1958, Mokka
is the city center´s oldest cof-
fee joint and founder of Ice-
landic coffee culture. Regular
art exhibits are always worth
a look.
Nonnabiti
Hafnarstræti 9 | E6
“Nonna” is one of the more
popular junk-food places in
town, renowned for its greasy
sandwiches and its unique
Nonni-sauce. Open late for a
midnight cravings.
O Sushi
Lækjargata 2A | E6
Also called “The Train”, O Su-
shi’s most intriguing feature
is a conveyor belt that runs
around the entire restaurant
delivering a buffet of authen-
tic sushi straight to your table.
Pizza King
Hafnarstræti 18 | E6
This little place serves not
only the cheapest but larg-
est slices downtown. A local
favorite, and open until 6 on
Friday and Saturday nights.
Pizza Pronto
Vallarstræti 4 | D6
With a convenient location
and late hours, a good place
to snack in between bars.
Three sizes of pizza with a
good selection of toppings. A
cheap, if unhealthy, choice.
Prikið
Bankastræti 12 | F6
Part of the Reykjavík bar
scene for decades, this café/
bar has a fairly cheap menu
and attracts a mix of students
and old regulars. Mostly R&B
and Hip-Hop on weekends.
Raðhúskaffi | D7
Tjarnargata 11
Located in the City Hall with
a great view of the pond, this
café has a good selection of
pastries and a good place to
relax. Regular art exhibits add
to the aesthetic.
Sægreifinn
Verbuð 8, Geirsgata | D5
Right next to the harbor,
Sægrefinn fish shop is like
none other in the country.
With a diverse fish selection,
exquisite lobster soup and
good service, an absolute
must-try.
Segafredo
Lækjatorg | E6
The Italian coffee chain
makes its way to Lækjatorg
Square, bringing strong
espresso and Italian lunch
snacks to grab on the way
to work or just to enjoy on
the spot.
Shalimar
Austurstræti 4 | E6
Shalimar sports the conceit
of being the northernmost
Indian restaurant in the world
and has fine daily specials.
We recommend the quite ad-
dictive chicken tikka masala.
Sjávarkjallarinn
Aðalstræti 2 | D6
Elegant Seafood Cellar fo-
cuses on gourmet seafood
and tantalizing asian-fusion
dishes. Share the exotic menu,
courses selected by the chef,
with a friend for the most fun.
Sólon
Bankastræti 7a | F6
Truly a jack-of-all trades
establishment. By night a
decent restaurant, by day a
café/bistro and on Friday and
Saturday nights a nightclub.
Art exhibitions on the walls to
top it off.
Sushibarinn
Laugavegur 2 | F7
Deceptively ordinary Sushi-
barinn has recently become
the talk of the town among
Reykjavík sushi lovers, serv-
ing, in our opinion, the very
best rolls in city.
Svarta Kaffi
Laugavegur 54 | H8
A cosy second floor café,
their fame lies partly in their
tasty Súpa í Brauði (Soup in
Bread) and also in their ro-
mantic atmosphere. Good for
a few early evening drinks.
Tapas
Vesturgata 3B | D5
For those with a bit of money
and time to spare, Tapas
serves course after course of
delightful miniature dishes.
Also serves tasty and unusu-
ally affordable lobster.

Thorvaldsen
Austurstræti 8 | E6
Dress formally for this fancy
spot, and come before 12
to avoid a long line. DJs
play Thursdays, Fridays and
Saturdays.
Tíu Dropar
Laugavegur 27 | G7
An old-fashioned café with
warm atmosphere and gener-
ous coffee refills. A thorough-
ly pleasant establishment.
Tjarnarbakkinn
Vonarstræti 3 | D7
Right above the Iöno theater,
an ideal place to go before
shows. Nice views of the
pond and outdoor dining in
the summertime. The lamb
comes especially recom-
mended.
Vegamót
Vegamótastígur 4 | G7
Vegamót´s kitchen is open
until 22.00 daily and sports an
appealing lunch menu. Come
for a tasty brunch on week-
ends. If you like Óliver, try
Vegamót and vice versa.
Við Tjörnina
Templarasund 3 | E7
A Reykjavík classic with menu
exclusively of traditional cui-
sine, as frequented by tourists
as it is by locals. A perfect
opportunity to try Icelandic
delicacies.
Vitabar
Bergþórugata 21 | H9
Really a bar, but best known
for its hamburgers. Burger
and fries for 500 one of
the best deals in town, but
Forget-Me-Not blue cheese
and Garlic Extravaganza are
alse winners.
Vor
Laugavegur 24 | G7
Though perhaps a typical
off-lobby restaurant/bar/café,
don’t let it fool you! It’s run by
an award-winning chef and
has a tip-top menu | a won-
derful culinary experience.
Where:
Lokastígur 28
101 Reykjavík
How much:
500-1500 ISK
What we think:
Where:
Ingólfsstræti 1
101 Reykjavík
Tel.: 595 8540
How much:
1.000-3.000 ISK
What we think:
Just opened, Café Loki is a
needed addition to Reykjavík’s
restaurant scene. Since I got
to Reykjavík, I have long been
looking to sample traditional
Icelandic cuisine, with no suc-
cess in finding something both
affordable and tasty. Café Loki
does all that and more. With a
neat, airy décor and a splendid
view of Hallgrímskirkja, Café
Loki is the perfect place to take a
load off your feet and enjoy some
solid homemade Icelandic food.
We began our meal with a
spelt bagel with smoked trout,
spinach and cottage cheese, and
a sheep’s head jelly with carrots
and peas in a cream sauce. My
bagel with trout was tasty and
basic, and surprisingly light for
what I expected to be a pretty
dense starter. The f latbread with
sheep’s head jelly that my com-
rade ordered was even better.
The jelly (something neither of
us had tried before) was savoury
and salty, the fatty stickiness
balanced by the thin and creamy
sauce with the peas and carrots.
Content with our starters, we
looked forward to our next dish,
something on the menu called
“Icelandic Plate II.” The Ice-
landic plate II covered all sorts
of Icelandic staples. We had
more smoked trout with cottage
cheese along with a delicious
fish stew with chives, this time
on slices of rye bread. In little
bowls, we had a sampling of
fermented shark, cut into little
cubes, and some dried fish with
Icelandic butter. Our first time
trying either of these things, we
were delighted with the dried
fish and butter, and vaguely re-
pulsed by the fermented shark,
certainly an acquired taste, but
actually not as bad as either of
us had anticipated. At last, we
were served thin pancakes with
jam and cream – a sweet end to a
wonderful meal.
Stepping outside into the
bright summer day, patting
our full and satiated bellies,
we agreed that this had been
a really excellent meal. With a
menu of light and tasty things
in a great setting for an unbeat-
able price, this fresh-faced new
restaurant can really deliver.
Whether you’re a foreigner look-
ing to sample the national cui-
sine or a local just looking for
an old favourite from your child-
hood, Café Loki is a great little
spot just to sit back and enjoy
yourself. We wish them the best
of luck.
Appearances can be deeply de-
ceptive. In the case of the ex-
terior of the recently-opened
Arnarhvoll, this is a welcome
realisation as the outside is a
mush of grey stone with barely
more than an average front door
to welcome guests. In contrast,
take the lift to the top f loor res-
taurant and you’ll forgive the
monochrome building as one
of Reykavík’s finest mountain
views f loods into the snowy
white dining room whilst the
outside terrace is even more ex-
traordinary. I chose to have the
three-course menu as I’d previ-
ously eaten lunch at the Arnar-
hvoll and found the main course
portion sizes to be amusingly
small (“I didn’t order a starter…
oh”) but skilfully presented and
completely delicious.
The first course – a plate of
goat’s cheese, Parma ham, beet-
root, caramelised baby onions
and tiny slices of crisped bread
accompanied by assorted foams
and dashes of sauce – was the
very essence of nouvelle cuisine.
Little actual cooking had gone
into the dish, but each tiny is-
land of beetroot or parcel of ham
and cheese was presented with a
surgeon’s eye for precision and
which equally satisfied the eye
and taste bud with the smooth,
rich cheese proving to be the
perfect foil for the tart ham
and the onions bursting with
rich juice. The addition of the
chef’s trick du jour, f luffy foam
served in extravagant f lourishes
around the plate, was unneces-
sary but showed that the cook
really cared about elevating his
food above the sum of its ingre-
dients.
Icelandic lamb is one of the
country’s national treasures and
the main course did it justice
with a delicious medium-rare
fillet served in a burnt butter re-
duction alongside, most memo-
rably, a lambs tongue. Whilst
the fillet was rich and tender, as
expected in a top restaurant, the
tongue was a revelation with its
dense meat providing a perfect
balance between texture and
f lavour. The two carrots and two
chips accompanying the dish
suggested, however, that the idea
of minimal nouvelle cuisine has
been taken a little too seriously.
The dessert was a standard
chocolate mousse served with
a divine but minuscule helping
of coconut ice-cream. Less may
be more in some cases but when
the food is this good, less is sim-
ply dinner deprivation.
Food
café loKi
Food
center hotel arnahvoll
B10 | The Reykjavík Grapevine | Issue 10 2008
Food reviews
Reviewed by Nathaniel Flagg Reviewed by Nathaniel Flagg
7 G9
8 F6