Reykjavík Grapevine - 06.01.2017, Page 30

Best Of Reykjavík 30
The Reykjavík Grapevine
Issue 17 — 2016
Selections From
Our City Awards
Compiled by PARKER YAMASAKI
Photo MAGNUS ANDERSEN
Best Place To Buy
A Wool Sweater:
Handprjóna-
sambandið
Skólavörðustígur 19
Handprjónasambandið is the
Hand Knitting Society of Iceland.
Its stock comes from dozens of
contributors from around the
country, who make traditional
knitted clothing for locals and
tourists alike. It’s hard to walk
into this place and not stay for a
long time. It’s stocked wall to wall
with knitted sweaters and gar-
ments in all the colours and pat-
terns you could imagine. The best
tactic is to treat it like the wand
shop in Harry Potter and let the
sweater choose you.
Best Place To See A Movie
Bíó Paradís
Hverfisgata 54
This independent cinema on
Hverfisgata is a palace for indie
film fans. They run a great pro-
gramme of arthouse cinema from
all around the world, as well as
showing Icelandic films on rota-
tion during the summer, with
English subtitles. They sometimes
show retro sci-fi and horror mov-
ies, whether cult B-movies or well-
known classics. There’s an art gal-
lery, a cafe, and some comfy sofas
to hang out and drink coffee. Bíó
Paradís, you’re doin’ it right: we
salute you.
Best Record Store
Reykjavík
Record Shop
Klapparstígur 35
Reykjavík Record Shop is capi-
talising on the current boom in
vinyl sales. With a focus on new
releases, indie rock and alterna-
tive music, it’s frequented by hip-
sters and old-timers with an eye
on up-and-coming acts. You can
spend an hour thumbing through
the catalogue or just pop in to grab
something for an upcoming party.
It’s amazing, given the state of the
music industry, that these places
are still making a go of it. So if you
love vinyl, get out there and sup-
port your local indie store!
Best Brunch
Coocoo’s Nest
Grandagarður 23
Do not fly by or over this great spot
located in the Grandi harbour area.
It has a selection of vegetarian and
vegan options and the brunch is
one of the must-try meals in Reyk-
javík. Brunch is served Friday to
Sunday from 11:00 until 16:00. We
recommend getting there early
and making a day out of the up
and coming Grandi area. It has a
picturesque old harbour, and the
walk will help with your hangover.
Best Place To Go With
A Group Of Friends
Tapas barinn
Vesturgata 3b
Tapas barinn makes group dining
fun, easy and intimate. You can
choose from a wide selection of
small dishes, including some Ice-
landic standard fare, served tapas
style. It’s the perfect place for mix-
ing locals and tourists in one big
group. Locals have tried all the
usual stuff and want something
exciting; tourists want to try Ice-
landic classic dishes like puffin,
whale and langoustine. Call ahead
to make sure they have a table for
you and your crew.
It’s January, the cool heart of
winter. While looking at the
“bright side of things” might
be out of the question, Reyk-
javík certainly has no short-
age of coziness through the
dark days. Here’s a round-up
of some of our favourite ways
to warm up and keep the blood
pumping.
For your mind, your body and your wallet
“Awesome experience”

Now offering
catering service!
Laugavegur 2 101 Reykjavík tel: 552 4444