Reykjavík Grapevine - nov. 2019, Side 14

The Reykjavík G
rapevine
Best of Iceland 2019
14 BEST OF ICELAND 2019
South
Greenhouses and local ingredients
Best Meal
Slippurinn
Strandvegur 76, Vestmannaeyjar
The undisputed heavyweight of South Iceland restaurants is the exquisite
family-run Slippurinn eatery. Granted, it’s only open during the summer,
but taking away its crown for this issue felt disingenuous. The restaurant
is located on the wild and picturesque Westman Islands. Head chef Gísli
Matthías Auðunsson is a famed New Nordic innovator whose team lovingly
harvests wild ingredients, and works with local farmers and suppliers—you
can be certain that everything on your plate has been thoroughly consid-
ered. The result? A stunningly fresh and vibrant taste of Iceland that you’ll
never forget. Map square: H5
Runner Up
Tryggvaskáli
Tryggvatorg, Selfoss
Located in a historic former hotel building
on the banks of the gushing Ölfusá river,
Tryggvaskáli is a charming restaurant that
uses local ingredients to eye-popping ef-
fect. The colourful, playful dishes will wake
up your tastebuds and the warm environ-
ment and friendly service are perfect. A
worthy dinner stop. F2
Newcomer
Otto Matur & Drykkur
Hafnarbraut, Höfn
Otto is a new-kid-on-the-block restaurant
that’s making waves in the south-eastern
outpost of Höfn. Once the main building of
the town, this historic harbourside house
now holds a tasteful eatery with an equally
tasteful and tasty menu. “Their risotto is
perfect,” said the panel. “It’s a real find on
your road trip.” S1
Best Accommodation
Skálakot Manor Hotel
Hvolsvöllur
Ideally located in the heart of South Ice-
land, Skálakot is our favourite from a con-
siderable crop of recently-opened hotels.
It’s a new building, but you’d never know
from the comfortable country manor vibe;
every detail of the rooms is perfect, from
the tasteful patterned wallpaper to the
modernist kettles, slender coffee makers,
cloud-like beds and deep bathtubs. The
in-house restaurant is also excellent. “It’s
like an Icelandic version of the Twin Peaks
Great Northern Lodge,” said the panel. I5
Runner Up
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
Hnappavellir, Öræfi
Fosshotel is a reliably comfortable hotel
chain, and the Glacier Lagoon location is
one of their newest additions. The rooms
are comfortable and minimal, with nice
design touches, and all south-facing win-
dows look directly onto the sea; it makes
a luxurious base from which to explore the
Vatnajökull area. R1
Budget Option
Héraðsskólinn Boutique Hostel
Laugarbraut 2, Laugarvatn
This old schoolhouse is a proud and pleas-
ing piece of architecture set on the shores
of lake Laugarvatn. It retains an old-Iceland
charm that’s increasingly hard to find, and
offers everything from dorm bunks to en-
suite private rooms, so it’ll always suit your
budget. G1
Best Shop
Sveitabúðin UNA
Austurvegi 4, Hvolsvöllur
A spacious emporium packed with local-
ly-made products, UNA is probably Ice-
land’s best souvenir shop. You can pick
up that authentic hand-knitted lopapey-
sa you’ve been dreaming of, and browse
shelves and display cases teeming with in-
teresting objects. Jewellery made from lava
beads? Check. Rhubarb-infused salt from
the Westfjords? Check. And don’t think
twice—yes, you will fit be able to squeeze
that cosy and pristine sheepskin rug in your
case. Go for it. We support you. H4
Runner Up
Geysir Centre
Haukadalur, Reykholt
You don’t go to Geysir to shop, it’s true—
but you probably will anyway. The sprawl-
ing complex has a wide range of Icelan-
dic-designed clothing and accessories. “It
can be a bit expensive, but it is one of the
best shops for souvenirs,” said the panel.
“There’s also a warm and well-organised
café.” H1
Budget Option
Nytjamarkaðurinn Selfoss
Eyravegur 5, Selfoss
The shelves of this cavernous and entic-
ing secondhand shop are laden with finds,
from handmade drinking glasses to can-
dleholders, old Icelandic LPs, home de-
cor, kitchenware and clothing. “You can
find anything from plants to blenders to
musical instruments,” said the panel. “It’s
impossible to leave empty handed.” F2