Reykjavík Grapevine - 01.06.2017, Síða 12

The R
eykjavík G
rapevine
B
est of R
eykjavík 20
17
12
A wise man once told me
that fashion goes in circles.
Circle is also the shape
of a burger!
Does that make burgers a
constant fashion?
by the old harbour
in Reykjavík City
To
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Best goddamn restaurants
Matur og Drykkur
Grandagarður 2
If you were in Reykjavík for just 24 hours, or you were entertain-
ing out-of-town guests, then where would you go? This was the
question posed to our panel and the answer overwhelmingly was
Matur og Drykkur. In just two years, they’ve gone from newcomer
to firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. The cod head is an
Instagram sensation, but we recommend trying one of the tasting
menus, or going to town with the appetizers. Don't be afraid to try
suspicious-sounding dishes (sheep dung-smoked trout?)—you’re
in very capable hands here.
Snaps
Þórsgata 1
We love Snaps so much, we had
to split this award. It’s a beloved
casual-chic bistro with a forget-
you’re-in-Reykjavík vibe thanks
to its lush greenery and warm
lighting. On a grey day, noth-
ing beats sitting by the green-
house walls with their excellent
French onion soup. Did we men-
tion they make a stellar creme
brulee as well? A true keeper.
Runner Up
Newcomer: Messinn
Lækjargata 6b
Messinn may be modelled on the
well-known Westfjords restaurant
Tjöruhúsið, but it’s fast becoming a
Reykjavík restaurant of choice. What
keeps us coming back is how the food
keeps getting better every time we
dine there. Our favourites include their
savoury plokkfiskur, velvety graflax, and
a perfectly seared trout with honey and
almonds.
Previous Winners
2016: Snaps
2015: Snaps
2014: Snaps
Best family meal
Hamborgara-
fabrikkan
Höfðatún 2, Kringlan 4-12
It may not always be the first place that
springs to mind as being family-friendly,
but Hamborgarafabrikkan—"The Ham-
burger Factory"—comes out ahead of
the other contenders simply because
of the thoughtfulness that goes beyond
the children's menu. There are plenty
of distractions for young diners, and
orders are taken earlier and the food
served in time to keep young temper-
aments in line, making this a popular
choice for those venturing out with the
kids. And all this without compromising
on service!
Runners Up
KEX Hostel
Skúlagata 28
Kex might not spring to mind as the
average family-friendly diner, but this
converted former biscuit factory has a
lot going for it. While they don’t have
a dedicated children's menu, the small
plates easily double up as kiddie snacks,
and the quirky decor keeps even the
most distracted child occupied.
Laundromat
Austurstræti 9
Laundromat continues to enjoy its
family-friendly reputation. The spacious
play area downstairs keeps them
little humans occupied, and if you’re a
breastfeeding mama or daddy-on-duty,
the view from the main dining space
makes for some great people-watching.
Previous Winners
2016: Laundromat
2015: KEX Hostel
2014: Laundromat
2013: Laundromat
2012: Laundromat
2011: Laundromat
Best cheap meal
Bike Cave
Einarsnes 36
If you’re looking for a no-frills, quality
meal at honest prices with a fantastic
view to boot, then Bike Cave is definite-
ly the place to be. Sure, it’s not bang in
the middle of downtown, but the simple
cheeseburger, two veggie burger patty
options and kjötsúpa all come under a
1000 isk each! If that isn't a cheap meal,
we don't know what is.
Runners Up
Noodle Station
Laugavegur 103
Billowing clouds of coriander scent
are a mouth-watering introduction to
Noodle Station. Choose beef, vegetable
or chicken, and add extra spice or flaky
chili sauce until your nose runs, your
tongue throbs and your gums howl.
Its bar-style stool seating and cheaper
prices (for Reykjavík) attract prudent
solo travellers.
Súpubarinn
Borgartún 26
This is a true hidden gem not many
locals know about, let alone tourists.
Tucked away in the basement of a
nondescript building on Borgartún,
Súpubarinn offers lunch at throwaway
prices. The expansive salad and soup
bar, and even the hot food counter, are
perfect for both the working man and
the króna-weary traveller.
Previous Winners
2016: Noodle Station
2015: K-Bar (RIP)
2014: 10-11 after 14:00
2013: “Sub of the month” at Subway
BEST OF REYKJAVÍK 2017
Dining
Not everything is shark and sheep head