Reykjavík Grapevine - 01.09.2017, Side 16

The Reykjavík Grapevine
Best of Reykjavík 2017
16 Best late night bite
Ali Baba
Veltusund 3b
As one panellist put it, “#6 Shawarma
wrap never let me down.” Factions are
bitterly divided between this place
and their next-door neighbour Mandi,
leading to impassioned and detailed
arguments on the pros and cons of
both sides. But this time, Ali Baba won
the day with our panel, having satisfied
late-night snack binges, pregnancy
cravings and splitting hangovers with
equal elan. If you still need a reason,
try the lamb kofte wrap: it’s to die for.
And that smear of spicy red sauce
will waken even the most beer-jaded
consciousness.
Runners Up
Nonnabiti
Hafnarstræti 9
This used to be a rite-of-passage affair
for every young party animal. Even
today, Nonni's rolls with a generous
slathering of his own blend of sauces
(with a mayonnaise base, of course—
Iceland's perennial favourite) always
hits that late-night craving: greasy and
a touch salty, but so, so good.
Deli
Bankastræti 14
Deli is not just a place to grab a slice of
pizza. It is one of the main relation-
ship-causing venues in Reykjavík. Peo-
ple have met their future partner there.
It usually doesn’t last, but they might
get a couple of kids out of the deal.
Previous Winners
2016: Fish and Chips
2015: Chicken wings at Dirty Burger
& Ribs
2014: Nonnabiti
2013: Nonnabiti
Best place to go with a
group of friends
Tapas barinn
Vesturgata 3b
Tapas barinn may not be faithful to
the Spanish definition of a tapas bar,
but what they do capture well—and
boisterously at that—is the atmo-
sphere and liveliness of tapas. It’s long
been a local tradition to host reunions,
bachelor parties and noisy get-togeth-
ers at Tapas barinn. The food is served
family-style for the whole table, and the
selection is huge, spanning local (lan-
goustine, puffin, lamb) as well as more
global fare. And it’s delicious. If you’re
looking for a place where the food and
drinks keep coming and the service
never falters, look no further.
Runners Up
Bryggjan Brugghús
Grandagarður 8
Icelanders love their beer, and in
recent times we’ve been brewing some
pretty damn good stuff, if we do say so
ourselves. So when this spacious new
microbrewery and eatery opened its
doors, it quickly became a go-to for
parties large and small. You can let your
hair down without trampling the diner
in the next seat.
Matur og Drykkur
Grandagarður 2
Hiking glaciers all day and want to
swap travel stories with your travel
buddies without having to scream over
other boisterous diners? Then Matur
og Drykkur is your best bet: great food,
delicious cocktails and an atmosphere
that makes for convivial conversations.
Previous Winners
2016: Tapas barinn
2015: Tapas barinn
2014: KEX Hostel
2013: KEX Hostel
2012: Tapas barinn
Best newcomer
Mat Bar
Hverfisgata 26
Mat Bar offers a modern take on North-
ern Italian food with a Nordic flair—at
least as much flair as us terminally
stoic Scandis can muster—in a sharp
and tasteful interior. Think grilled veg-
etables, polenta, arctic char, monkfish
liver, cured meat, full-flavored cheese,
and well-rounded cocktails. Especially
recommended: the memorable and
mouth-watering tasting menu, which
comes in five sharing portions so every-
body at the table gets to try everything;
from the cocktail menu, try the tangy
basil gobernador and the pisco sour.
Runners Up
Burro
Veltusund 1
Needless to say, we are excited about
Reykjavík’s first South American restau-
rant! With a vegan tasting menu and a
smattering of ceviches (and a tongue-
in-cheek bar serving tropical delights
upstairs at Pablo Discobar), Burro holds
a lot of promise.
Kumiko
Grandagarður 101
Reykjavík’s first Japanese-focussed
tea house is a Harajuku-style cafe that
offers fine Japanese and Chinese teas,
delicious cakes and desserts, and a killer
brunch menu. The brunch presentation
is an event in itself, with three layers of
fruit, breads, dips, savouries, scones and
cakes arriving on a three-tiered serving
tray. It’s a perfect weekend treat for two.
Previous Winners
None! New Category
THE HOME
OF ICELANDIC
SEAFOOD
AND LAMB
APOTEK Kitchen+Bar is
a casual-smart restaurant located
in one of Reykjavíks
most historical buildings.
We specialize in fresh seafood
and local ingredients
prepared with a modern twist.
Austurstræti 16 101 Reykjavík apotek.is
APOTEK KITCHEN+BAR
Fun, food
& drinks.
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