Reykjavík Grapevine - Nov 2019, Page 28

The Reykjavík G
rapevine
Best of Iceland 2019
28 BEST OF ICELAND 2019
West
Go West, life is peaceful there
Best Accommodation
Hótel Búðir
Búðir, Snæfellsnes
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Hotel Búðir is our favourite luxurious westerly
bolthole once more. “It’s still the best,” one panellist declared. We can’t
argue. Inside and out, Hotel Búðir is a charming destination. Whether you
explore the picturesque surroundings, with views of the majestic Snæfells-
jökull one way and the sea the other, or plant yourself in the handsomely
appointed lounge taking in the sights through Búðir’s antique telescope,
you can’t go wrong. Map square: B12
Runner Up
Hótel Húsafell
Stórarjóður, Húsafell
Another classy standout in the West, Hótel
Húsafell “has it all,” as one panellist put it.
“A beautiful building, breathtaking scen-
ery, and comfortable beds.” There’s also a
swimming pool and an excellent restaurant
and bar serving up toothsome tasting men-
us and dangerously good cocktails. G13
Budget Option
Freezer Hostel
Hafnargata 16, Rif
Need an affordable place to stay in Hellis-
sandur? Freezer Hostel. Looking for some
local performance art? Freezer Hostel.
What about some exciting street art? You
guessed it: Freezer Hostel. Located on the
cusp of the Snæfellsjökull National Park,
it’s a lively crash pad with a fun social cal-
endar throughout the summer. B11
Best Restaurant
Bjargarsteinn Mathús
Sólvellir 15, Grundarfjörður
Location, location, location! Plus a charm-
ing old-world interior and delicious fare.
Bjargarsteinn Mathús makes it worth the
drive to Grundarfjörður. “It’s very charm-
ing and the food is fantastic,” raved one
panellist, who was particularly impressed
by the seafood soup—brimming with
shrimps, juicy king prawns and bright or-
ange scallops—and the perfectly prepared
lamb fillets. The waterside location, with a
view across the bay to the iconic Kirkjufell,
further augments an already memorable
dining experience. C12
Runner Up
Hótel Húsafell
Stórarjóður, Húsafelll
Even if it isn’t Tuesday, you should treat
yourself to a tasting menu at perfectly
remote Hótel Húsafell. The tasting menu
presents the freshest Icelandic ingredients,
creatively prepared and artfully plated. The
service is also top notch. “It’s just really,
really good,” enthused the panel. A coun-
tryside haven. G13
Budget Pick
The Settlement Centre
Brákarbraut 13-15, Borgarnes
Don’t simply drive through Borgarnes. Our
panel sang the praises of the lunch buffet at
the Settlement Centre, which boasts fresh,
local ingredients, salads, soups and more.
“I cannot recommend this highly enough,”
exclaimed one panellist. Vegetarians can
come hungry; the plant-based options are
top notch. E13
Best Café
Gilbakki Kaffihús
Gilbakki, Hellissandur
Don’t pass through Hellissandur without
dropping in on your grandma. Okay, so
maybe not your actual grandma—but we
imagine she’d be right at home in this com-
fortable café. “I love the cosiness of the
place,” said one panellist. “Enjoy a piece
of cake with your coffee.” Another panellist
called Gilbakki the perfect place to while
away a summer day, enjoying the view of
the glacier, framed by antique lace cur-
tains. B12
Runners Up
Café Kaja
Stillholt 23, Akranes
The only certified organic cafe on the is-
land, “Kaja is a treasure,” one panellist
exclaimed. With fish soup, falafel salad,
avocado toast, cakes, coffee and more
on the menu, it’s all you could you ask for
in the Western outpost of Akranes. Plus,
there’s an organic market—something the
denizens of 101 are still missing. E13
Skemman Kaffihús
Hvanneyrabraut, Hvanneyri
If your tummy is growling for, as one panel-
list put it, “the best waffles in West Iceland,
without a doubt,” then let Skemman be
your beacon. Located in the oldest house in
Hvanneyri, this cosy café brews Reykjavík
Roasters coffees to serve alongside those
aforementioned waffles. Did we mention
the waffles? Waffles. E13