Reykjavík Grapevine - 06.08.2008, Blaðsíða 50

I had received both positive and
negative comments about the
food at The Kebab House be-
fore I visited and had therefore
no idea exactly what to expect. I
took a look at the menu (which
includes the western equiva-
lents of the kebab, the cheese-
burger and the pizza slice) and
settled on a reasonably priced
Shish-kebab. After the first bite
I was in love.
It actually tasted like some-
thing I would make at home.
The meat and vegetables were
fresh and I could actually taste
them, unlike most other fast
food restaurants in Reykjavík
where the sauce is so heavily ap-
plied that the meal is really just a
side course for your sauce. That
said, the reason some people dis-
like the Kebab House is exactly
because of the absence of the
traditional hearty, hang-over
curing sauce. Personally, I know
of nothing better than a healthy
dose of cholesterol doused over
some amalgamation of fried
meat and bread, but The Kebab
House is good for a completely
different reason. It all comes
down to a matter of taste. While
the clean, hygienic restaurant
may not reek of authenticity to
some people, others will appre-
ciate being able to get a quick
bite without having their intes-
tines and immune systems put
to the test.
The idea of duality has fol-
lowed mankind since the dawn
of time. Every day has its night,
every yin has its yang, and the
pleasure of over sauced and
greasy fast food is inevitably
followed by guilt and the risk
of nausea. Some places, such
as Pizza Hut, try unsuccess-
fully to blend the two genres of
traditional restaurant and fast
food joint but wind up making
a compilation of the faults in-
herent in both – bad food, bad
service and long waiting times.
The Kebab House, however, is a
perfect balance – quick service,
great tasting meals and a clear
conscience. The Kebab House is
a blatant attempt to tip the scales
in our favour.
The tremendous hype around
the opening of the hip and
stylish restaurant Orange had
aroused my attention ever since
its forthcoming existence was
merely gossip. Its reputation was
engrossing for a few reasons,
mainly because of the operators’
statements about the presently
stiff atmosphere in all the fancy
restaurants available in Reyk-
javík and their plan to do differ-
ent at their premises. When you
spend the bulk of your monthly
salary on a single meal you
should have fun while you’re
at it. And when I walked into
their cutting-edge decorated lair
down by the port and was imme-
diately served with a “Sex on a
Glacier” from a slush machine I
knew they meant business. They
allowed me and my companion
to glance at their menu upon
arrival, which included dishes
and cocktails such as “Chicken
Tits” and “PartyPussy”, so we as-
sumed we were in for a treat.
When we arrived at our table
it was announced to us that we’d
be having the “Let’s Go Crazy”
menu, which is a 5-course meal,
comprising of the Orange Lab
finest cuisine. The breadbasket
was served in a casual paper bag
and the first dish, which was a
taste-bud-lifting seafood soup
with delicious lobster and other
prime sea gourmet, was served
in a milk carton. Later on we
had various breathtaking dishes
such as “Got Milk” veal. Finally
we had a duple dessert which in-
cluded chestnut brownies which
basically f lew to our table in a
helium balloon, and white choc-
olate and mango ice-cream fab-
ricated by the waiter himself by
our table in a bowl of condensed
carbon dioxide.
Beside the excellent food
served, and the professional but
bohemian waiters at Orange, it
is their charming concept that
made this night not only a feast
of the taste buds, but a unique
experience. Usually when aver-
age Icelanders go out and dine
in a fancy place they put on a so-
cial mask, play a fancy character
and pretend to be much more
sophisticated than they are. Or-
ange, finally, manages to defy
that dull and stereotypical din-
ing image. Instead of putting
on a lousy charade, simply have
fun!
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:
Austurstræti 3
101 Reykjavík
Tel.: 534 5720
How much:
800–1.500 ISK
What we think:
Where:
Geirsgata 9
101 Reykjavík
Tel.: 561 1111
How much:
2.000–7.000 ISK
What we think:
Food
tHe keBaB House
Food
orange
B10 | The Reykjavík Grapevine | Issue 11 2008
Food reviews
Reviewed by Oddur Sturluson Reviewed by Sigurður Kjartan Kristinsson
7 G6
8 D4