Reykjavík Grapevine - 10.12.2016, Qupperneq 8

The R
eykjavík G
rapevine
B
est of R
eykjavík 20
16
8
One of the most asked questions by visitors to Iceland is "Where do
we eat?" That is a tough question to answer and it seems like restau-
rants are always rising and falling in popularity. However, we've
tried to stay semi-aware of what's going on. That combined with last
minute research and the help of self-proclaimed experts we've been
able to piece together something that gives you a pretty good idea of
what is here and what to expect. I'm sure you know a cute little place
in your home town that does it better, but we haven't been there.
This is our attempt to help you. Don't be so snarky. You remember
the line about biting the hand that feeds you, right?
Best Burger
Búllan
Geirsgata 1
Búllan wins this category for being the best burger at the best price.
It’s fast, reliable, and does exactly what it’s supposed to. In the past
year there have been a lot of burger places popping up, but Búllan
has consistently proved itself to be Reykjavík’s burger joint—it’s
perfect for lunch, on-the-go dinner, or a late evening pick-me-up.
For a fancier gourmet burger, check out Kex Hostel or Grill Market,
but if you want a classic burger and fries, Búllan always has you cov-
ered.
Runners-up:
Block Burger
Skólavörðustígur 8
Block Burger is an office favourite. You
can see their white paper to-go bags
stacked on writers’ desks, accompa-
nied by empty Fizzy Lizzy soda bottles.
Modelled heavily on the American chain
Shake Shack in presentation, Block is
reasonably priced (for Reykjavík) and
has quick service.
Dirty Burger & Ribs
Austurstræti 18
Dirty Burger & Ribs is the other
office favourite. Actually, the division
between Block Burger and Dirty Burger
has resulted in feuds worthy of the
sagas. Though none have led to mass
fratricide, yet, you’ll have to taste for
yourself to see what side you are on.
Previous Winners:
2015: Búllan
2014: Kex Hostel
2013: Vitabar
2012: Grillmarket
2011: Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar
Best Veggie Burger
Kaffihús
Vesturbæjar
Melhagi 20
Kaffihús Vesturbæjar, also known as Kaf-
fi Vest, is nestled in the 107 postcode,
and has become a hip spot for Reyk-
javík’s west-side movers and shakers.
Choosing the best veggie burger was,
surprisingly, one of the most heated
debates this time around for our Best
Of magazine. Kaffi Vest wins by having
not just one, but two great choices.
Of these, our favourite is a bean-based
burger in crunchy breadcrumbs, served
with rosemary potato wedges and an
avocado-based mayo-style dip. It’s plain
delicious, whether you’re vegan or not.
Runners Up
Block Burger
Skólavörðustígur 8
Block Burger makes the top three
once again. Their soy-based vegetarian
burger with cheese is the type of veggie
burger even carnivores will love. It’s full
of earthy, meaty flavour, and feels like
comfort food. Order this with delicious
crispy fries and you’ll devour it like you
never gave up meat.
Newcomer
Bike Cave
Einarsnes 36
Bike Cave is the hippest new place on
the block. It’s been described as the
best place to get a “messy vegan burg-
er.” This means you get to feel all the
comfort and tactile pleasure of a pulled
pork sandwich without the shameful joy
of murder.
Previous Winners:
2015: Brooklyn Bar
2014: Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar
2013: Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar
2012: Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar
2011: Hamborgarafabrikkan
BEST OF REYKJAVÍK 2016
Dining
Delicious even if you can't pronounce it
Best Pizza
Hverfisgata 12
Hverfisgata 12
Hverfisgata 12 is not only the best
pizza, but has topping combinations
that’ll leave you scratching your head
at first, but rubbing your belly later. It’s
located, conveniently, at Hverfisgata
12, sharing a building with other fancy
places like Dill and Mikkeller & Friends.
Their comfort food-style potato-topped
pizza, as well as the beetroot pizza with
walnuts and arugula are crowd-pleasers
that manage to be rich, light, sweet and
savoury.
Runners Up
Gamla Smiðjan
Lækjargata 8
Gamla Smiðjan is an Icelandic anomaly:
the pizza is pretty good here. Is it the
numerous combinations? Is it the Ice-
landic cheese? Some argue it’s the pure
Icelandic water that makes the dough
taste unique, alongside the brick oven
baking technique. We’re not sure, but
we know we like it.
Ugly
Smiðjuvegur 2
Ugly, where the pizzas are everything
but ugly. This place is quite new, but has
quickly made a name for itself. Their
‘’Super Sundays’’ offer two large pizzas,
garlic bread, ice cream and a bag of
candy for a little over 4,000 ISK. That,
my friend, is a bargain.
Previous Winners:
2015: Hverfisgata 12
2014: Hverfisgata 12
2013: Gamla Smiðjan
2012: La Luna trattoria-pizzeria
2011: Gamla Smiðjan