Reykjavík Grapevine - 01.05.2018, Page 16

The Reykjavík Grapevine
Best of Iceland 2018
16 BEST OF ICELAND 2018
South
Greenhouses and local ingredients
Best Meal
Slippurinn
Strandvegur 76, Vestmannaeyjar
This Westman Islands restaurant swept this category with every
panellist giving it top honours. With locally sourced ingredients,
incredible presentation and a very cosy setting amongst the
beauty of the region, Slippurinn is possibly the best iteration of
New Nordic fine dining and the best restaurant in Iceland. Head
chef Gísli Matthías Auðunsson’s menu incorporates wild seasonal
herbs and berries from the beaches of the islands, with local fish,
seabird eggs and meat, prepared in creative and surprising ways.
“You can taste the landscape,” said one panellist. “I literally cried
because the food was so good.” This place deserves a Michelin
star. Map square: H5
Runner Up
Tryggvaskáli,
Tryggvatorg, Selfoss
Many country hotels are relatively plain,
but Rangá boasts a 4-star rating. “They
have grand rooms,” said the panel, “and
they were about fifteen years ahead of
their time.” As with all fancy hotels, it’s
pricey, but the beautiful surroundings,
fancy restaurant, affordable bistro
menu and next-level service are worth
it. F2
Budget Option
Friðheimar,
Reykholt
Iceland has a massive amount of green-
house produce activity and here, one
gets to sit amongst the tomato plants
and bees with a fabulous meal. “I want-
ed to pick tomatoes off the plant while I
ate,” said one panellist. Famous for their
succulent soup and bread buffet, their
small but superb menu also includes
pasta dishes and killer cocktails. H2
Best Accommodation
ION Adventure
Hotel
Nesjavellir
Jutting out from a cliff overlooking Lake Þingvallavatn, this mul-
tiple award-winning design hotel is a true gem. Powered by the
neighbouring geothermal plant with the cleanest mineral water
possible, it’s fully sustainable and cleanly luxurious. “It has the
most comfortable beds I've ever slept in. I'm still dreaming about
it,” said one panellist. “Everything is so fancy.” It’s nestled hillside
location makes it feel secluded in the beautiful area, surrounded
by hiking trails and gorgeous scenery. “It’s great when the area is
covered in snow,” said another panellist, which is ideal since the
hotel can get snowed in for several days in the winter—but the
wine cellar is always fully stocked! F1
Budget Option
Héraðsskólinn Boutique Hostel,
Laugarbraut, Laugarvatn
Located in the former village school-
house of Laugarvatn, this affordable
and friendly hostel is a completely
charming building with history shining
out of the walls. There's a cosy café,
nooks to hide in, and accommodation
to suit anyone's needs, from dorm
bunks to cheap rooms, to fancy
lakeside apartments. It’s steps away
from the Fontana nature baths, and
surrounded by stunning sights.. G1
Newcomer
Midgard Base Camp,
Hvolsvöllur
Run by an amazing family of local
expert guides, the atmosphere of this
place is top notch. Opened just last May
in a former car mechanic warehouse,
this simple, clean and friendly hostel
aims to be a home-away-from-home for
its guests. “Ending a day of adventuring
with a dip in the rooftop hot tub that
looks out to Eyjafjallajökull will always
be memorable,” said one panellist. H4