Reykjavík Grapevine - 12.09.2008, Blaðsíða 38

Food & Drink | Venue finder
Af lífi og sál
Restaurant
Laugavegi 55b | 7H
A high street backyard
restaurant where the
menu changes every
night, so who knows
what´s for dinner? but
serving such dishes as
grilled dolphin, bac-
calao and kangaroo,
you can´t go wrong by
dropping by for lunch
or dinner.
Aktu Taktu
Skúlugata 15 | K8
This drive-in destina-
tion 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
American dining.
Argentína Steak-
house
Barónstígur | I8
True to its name with
tender steaks and
flamingly vibrant South
American décor. Gen-
erous portions, fine
wine, liqueurs and ci-
gars make an excellent
choice in fine dining.
Austurlanda-
hraðlestin
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. In-
dian 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
Iceland, 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 inter-
cultural centre, Cultura
is a café/bar with a
cosmopolitan feel. The
menu features all sorts
of international dishes,
alongside the staple
salad and sandwich.
Café Loki
Lokastígur 28 | G9
With 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.
Café Paris
Austurstræti 14 | E6
With an outdoor ter-
race, this café gets
busy on sunny days.
With a cosy interior,
fine menu and atten-
tive service, it makes a
fine spot for evening
dining as well.
Café Roma
Rauðarárstígur 8 | J9
Roma, an Italian deli
and café offers a va-
riety 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
foreigners, Victor at-
tracts a diverse crowd,
both in age and origin,
a rule that extends to
the musicians that play
there.
Domo
Þingholtsstræti 5 | F7
The elegantly deco-
rated Domo serves
delicious French-Asian
cuisine, excellent 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
comfortably among the
paintings.
Fiskmarkaðurinn
Aðalstræti 12 | D6
Run and co-owned by
the national team of
chefs, this establish-
ment specializing in
Japanese cuisine has
everything planned to
the last detail, ensur-
ing a relaxing evening.
3 Frakkar
Baldursgata 14 | F9
A seriously Icelandic
atmosphere and tradi-
tional 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 digni-
fied Geysir Building at
the corner of Vestur-
gata 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 Klap-
parstígur. Offers an
ever-changing menu
of specials and soup
du jours, alongside a
basic menu
Grái Kötturinn
Hverfisgata 16A | G7
Legendary for its early
opening ours, the Gray
Cat serves amazing
breakfasts and coffee
that packs a wallop. A
splendid way to start
you off on your day.
Grillhúsið
Tryggvagata 20 |
E5/E6
With a menu of rea-
sonably priced home-
style food, Grillhúsið
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 mysteri-
ously 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 imagina-
tive contents. Good for
an adventurous bite.
Hornið
Hafnarstræti 15 | E6
Since 1979, this Italian
restaurant has been
a longtime Reykjavík
staple. Famous for its
pizza and stuffed cal-
zones, it proudly offers
an affordable menu of
high-quality dishes
Hótel Holt
Bergstaðarstræti 37
| F7
Housing Iceland´s
most renowned res-
taurant, The Gallery, an
evening here is an un-
forgettable experience.
Delicious French-
inspired cuisine and
fine wines await.
Humarshúsið
Ammtmanstígur 1
| E7
One of the oldest res-
taurants in the country,
the lobster house is
known of course for
its lobster and also
its impressive cognac
lounge. Fine intimate
dining.
Hressó
Austurstræti 20 | E6
With a spacious
neutral interior 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 qual-
ity fish products. The
spiced skyr side a
special treat.
Indian Mango
Frakkarstígur 12 | H8
Specializing in deli-
cious 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
Smörrebröd can be an
elusive delicacy. Lucky
for us out in the colo-
nies, 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
special blends. Eat in
or to go, a great way
to enjoy your morning
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 Reykjavík.
Kofi Tómasar
Frændu
Laugavegur 2 | F7
Nestled in a basement
location, 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 better 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 tra-
ditional North Italian
cuisine using only local
produce. A startlingly
tasty combination and
a local favorite.
Mokka
Skólavörðustígur 3A
| F7
Operating since 1958,
Mokka is the city
center´s oldest cof-
fee joint and founder
of Icelandic 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 Sushi’s most
intriguing feature is
a conveyor belt that
runs around the entire
restaurant delivering
a buffet of authentic
sushi straight to your
table.
Pizza King
Hafnarstræti 18 | E6
This little place serves
not only the cheap-
est but largest slices
downtown. A local fa-
vorite, 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 stu-
dents 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 Læk-
jatorg 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 spe-
cials. We recommend
the quite addictive
chicken tikka masala.
Sjávarkjallarinn
Aðalstræti 2 | D6
Elegant Seafood Cellar
focuses on gourmet
seafood and tantaliz-
ing 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 res-
taurant, by day a café/
bistro and on Friday
and Saturday nights a
nightclub. Art exhibi-
tions on the walls to
top it off.
Sushibarinn
Laugavegur 2 | F7
Deceptively ordinary
Sushibarinn has re-
cently become the talk
of the town among
Reykjavík sushi lovers,
serving, 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 romantic atmo-
sphere. 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 unusually af-
fordable 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 generous coffee
refills. A thoroughly
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
recommended.
Vegamót
Vegamótastígur 4
| G7
Vegamót´s kitchen is
open until 22.00 daily
and sports an appeal-
ing lunch menu. Come
for a tasty brunch on
weekends. If you like
Óliver, try Vegamót
and vice versa.
Við Tjörnina
Templarasund 3 | E7
A Reykjavík classic
with menu exclusively
of traditional cuisine,
as frequented by tour-
ists as it is by locals. A
perfect opportunity to
try Icelandic delicacies.
Vitabar
Bergþórugata 21 | H9
Really a bar, but best
known for its ham-
burgers. Burger and
fries for 500 one of
the best deals in town,
but Forget-Me-Not
blue cheese and Garlic
Extravaganza are alse
winners.
Where:
Bankastræti 5
101 Reykjavík
Tel.: 552 9600
How much:
1400-4000 ISK
What we think:
The lowpoints cancel out the
considerable highlights
Where:
Kaupvangsstræti 23
600 Akureyri
Tel.: 461 2756
How much:
1850 mains, 1450 dessert
What we think:
Despreately needs
a Reykjavík outlet.
If you’re walking down Laugavegur, it’s
hard to miss B5 – the restaurant with
the life-sized horse statue in the window
accompanied by a DJ turntable and, de-
pending on the time of day, lots of well-
dressed people dancing and drinking.
The place is as stylish on the inside as
it is on the outside. While there are few
tables, it’s as much a high-end restaurant
as it is a bar. The dress code requires that
you put some thought into your outfit;
dress in black if you really want to blend
in.
As far as the food goes, it was a mixed
bag. For the starter, my companion and
I were promised smoked duck with aru-
gula salad. When the salad arrived, it
was thin slices of tenderly cooked duck
on romaine, not arugula. To my mind,
this is like being promised a BMW and
getting a Volkswagen. Arugula would
have added a nice f lavour compliment-
ing the duck. Instead, the romaine was
too bland and was something to trudge
through rather than to enjoy.
The main dish, a seafood stir-fry
served in a mango tequila sauce, saved
the day.
Pieces of succulent lobster, scallops,
and prawns were marinated in the light
sauce, which was neither too sweet nor
too spicy. The fresh combination of the
seafood and the still-crisp sweet peas
made me wonder if there wasn’t a farm-
ers’ market nearby. The dish was served
with buttery rice, which was masterfully
cooked and tasted wonderful even on its
own. My companion commented that
it was the best meal he has ever had in
Reykjavík, and while I can’t commit to
that, it certainly made my mouth happy.
Unfortunately, the dessert wasn’t as
big of a hit. It’s hard to say anything that
bad about a chocolate torte filled with
oozing hot chocolate sauce, especially
when it is accompanied by coconut ice
cream, but this desert did not deliver. Its
f lavour was too mild to indulge in and it
probably wasn’t worth the calories.
Rub23, the brainchild of Einar Geirs-
son, is an Umi restaurant situated in
the heart of Akureyri. Einar came up
with the idea when ‘both awake and
dreaming’ of being able to mix differ-
ent types of fish and meat with selected
‘rubs’ or sauces that he has created him-
self from his own recipes to delight the
senses. The simple enough dishes are
complemented by the menu – it is even
subtly colour-coded – indicating what
complements what dish. The prices are
the same for each course, and the chef
decides the lovingly garnished salads
and sweet potatoes to complement both
meat and rub. No guidance from your
pocket, only by what your inspiration
and instinct tells you.
The chosen starter, Arctic char tem-
pura with cucumber fennel, is delicious
and is complimented by a light Castillo
De Molina Chardonnay. The sushi is
fresh and inspired, presented delicately
with shaved sashimi served on sweet
gelatine, which melts in the mouth.
The rubs themselves range from ‘liquid’
rubs, the garden herbs like garlic and
rosemary – perfect for f lounder rolled
in pepper and oily fish; the ‘dry’ spiced
rubs for the less fatty fish; to the strong
Indian, Arabian and Creole rubs, best
served with lamb or cat-fish.
The desserts list boasts ‘chocolate
served three different ways: hot, cold
and medium’, and no need to decide.
Taking in the umi mentality, they all
come together – pint size, but unbeliev-
ably luxurious. The ‘medium’ being a
sweet white chocolate mousse, served
alongside berries and blood orange sor-
bet, drizzled with ‘sweet rub’ sauce.
Although the servings are small, by
the end you are filled and satisfied and
aware that you have experienced some-
thing truly unique.
The rubs themselves can be pur-
chased and their taste savoured, but the
style must be experienced in the restau-
rant itself – a carefree, intimate and im-
maculate dinnertime.
Food
ruB23
B10 | The Reykjavík Grapevine | Issue 14 2008
Eating
B11 | The Reykjavík Grapevine | Issue 14 2008
Eating
Reviewed by Desiree Andrews — Photo by Viktor Svan Reviewed by Stevie Ward — Photo by SWARD
3 F6 4
we bring the o to sush
O s u s h i L æ k j a r g a t a 2 a Og B o r g a r t ú n 2 9 I S í m i : 5 6 1 0 5 6 2
We don´t serve
foreigners...
Only 45 min. drive from Reykjavík is Eyrarbakki, a beautiful village by
the south coast, where foreigners have been feeling at home since
the 9th century AD. So welcome to Rauða húsið, a restaurant that
makes you feel at home.
because to us - nobody is foreign.
Tel: (+354) 483-3330,
Eyrarbakki - South coast
Ó restaurant
-as good as it gets!
Located in the old charming area of Reykjavik
Ó restaurant offers you an unforgettable culinary experience.
Our emphasis is on seasonal and natural ingredients and our
menu includes the famous Icelandic fish and lamb.
Iceland´s modern cuisine at its best
F
í
t
o
n
/
S
Í
A
Ó restaurant
Hótel Óðinsvé
Þórsgata 1
101 Reykjavík
orestaurant.is
o@orestaurant.is
Tel. +354 511 66 77
Tel. +354 511 62 00
Food
B5