Reykjavík Grapevine - 11.12.2016, Qupperneq 11

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Best sushi
Fiskmarkaðurinn
Aðalstræti 12
Fiskmarkaðurinn ("The Fish Market")
is an upscale restaurant with a small bar
specifically for sushi. The mixed sashimi
plates and maki rolls with Arctic char
or soft-shell crab are second to none.
With bar seating, Fish Market has the
best dining experience for people who
enjoy chatting with the sushi chefs as
they work and getting tips for the best
fish to order on any given day. They
also have an amazing wasabi cocktail to
complement your meal.
Runners Up
SuZushii
Kringlan, Stjornutorgi
suZushii is rumoured to be the place
the Japanese Embassy orders sushi
from. It’s done exceptionally well and
never disappoints. The downside? It’s in
the food court of a mall. Not the best
atmosphere to eat raw fish.
Sushi Samba
Þingholtsstræti 5
Sushi Samba serves the South American
spin on sushi, adding lots of lime
flavours, chilli and sauces. The lighting
is low and the seating is intimate, so
we recommend it for a date night. Not
that anyone in Iceland actually goes on
dates.
Previous Winners:
2015: SuZushii
2014: Sushisamba
2013: Sakebarinn
2012: SuZushii
2011: SuZushii
Best vegetarian
Kaffi Vínyl
Hverfisgata 76
Kaffi Vínyl has wedged itself into the
growing vegetarian scene in 101,
becoming not only the best vegetarian
place, but also the best vegan place,
with a completely vegan menu. Kaffi
Vínyl sticks to its guns when it comes
to coffee, too—try their oat milk latte
and cappuccino. We didn’t know oats
could be milked, but wherever that
elusive oat-teat was hidden, we’re glad
they found it.
Runner Up
Gló - Laugavegur 20
Gló is so popular they serve it on Icelan-
dair flights. The menu varies from night
to night between vegetarian dishes,
raw foods, and the occasional chicken
dish. It’s the place you go on Monday
at lunch, when you still have the energy
to believe you are going to turn over a
new leaf and eat healthy.
Newcomer
Bike Cave
Einarsnes 36
Bike Cave is on the list again. It’s
definitely gaining traction in the dining
scene. Try it out. If it lasts, you’ll be
one of the first. If it doesn’t, you can
say to everyone, “You should have
been there, man.”
Previous Winners:
2015: Teni
2014: Gló
2013: Gló
2012: Gló
2011: Gló
Best gastropub
Public House
Laugavegur 24
Public House has a wide variety of
small, interesting dishes and finger
foods, and a good variety of beer. It
keeps the right conversation-friendly
tone by not having TV screens or other
distractions. It’s the perfect place to fill
up on tasty small plates before a night
on the town. The menu features lots of
traditional Icelandic ingredients, includ-
ing the cute and oh-so-delicious puffin.
Also—try the langoustine dumplings.
You’re welcome.
Runner Up
Frederiksen Ale House
Hafnarstræti 5
Fredriksen has a wall of doors when you
first enter that would give Hellen Keller
nightmares. They serve perfect pub-
food combinations such as sliders and
meaty finger-food platters on planks, and
the happy hour is two-for-one. You can
also drink out of a boot. So that’s fun.
Newcomer
Sæti Svínið
Hafnarstræti 1
Sæta Svínið has taken over a corner
house by Ingólfstorg, and delivers three
floors of gastropub dining. You can
snack on smoked pig ears or adventure
into horse carpaccio. They even have
foie gras as a topping choice for your
burger. Go nuts.
Best place for a fancy meal
Dill
Hverfisgata 12
Dill is a very special restaurant. It’s the
must-try place for the foodie. You’ll
need a reservation, and come prepared
for a culinary journey that gives you a
taste of Icelandic staples vaulted to the
finest dining in Reykjavík. You can attempt
to order the five course set menu, but
everyone ends up upgrading to the seven
course version after the first bite. On top
of their stellar menu, the wine and beer
pairing has been crafted by their in-house
sommelier. If you are planning one fancy
dinner in Reykjavík, this should be it.
Runners Up
Matur Og Drykkur
Grandagarður 2
Matur Og Drykkur has become the talk
of the town lately. It has tasting menus
of new spins on traditional Icelandic
food, as well as seafood and vegetarian
options. Cod head might sound like an
odd choice, but trust us, it’s a must-
try—you won’t regret it.
Gallery Restaurant
Bergstaðastræti 37
Gallery Restaurant at Hotel Holt has a
classic fine dining feel to it: dark wood,
red upholstery and walls adorned with
great paintings. You can smell truffles
the moment you walk in. You’ll feel like
you should have a jacket and tie on.
Previous Winners:
2015: Dill
2014: Dill
2013: Gallery at Hótel Holt
2012: Grill Market
2011: Dill