Reykjavík Grapevine - May 2019, Page 8

The Reykjavík Grapevine
Best of Reykjavík 2019
8
Watching Iceland come into its own as a dining destination over the
past five years has been a joy. The Icelandic restaurant scene is diver-
sifying, and the definition of what may be deemed “Icelandic cuisine”
is broadening and taking on new shapes. Thanks to this new-found cu-
linary confidence—and the added footfall of tourism—this tiny scene
is experiencing an unprecedented moment of opportunity. Whether
it’s carefully-pleated Sichuanese vegan dumplings or exploratory tast-
ing menus at Nordic fine dining houses, the bandwagon has room for
demanding diners. Our hand-picked panel of picky gourmands have
sought out the very best of Reykjavík dining to help you navigate the
gastronomic waters of the capital area. From budget bites to fanciful
fare, we’ve got you covered.
Best burger

Le Kock & Búllan
Joint Winners
Le Kock, Tryggvagata 14
Despite their fast-expansion and subsequent opening of the one
main outpost at their current location, Le Kock’s burgers have, thank-
fully, remained consistent. The house-made potato rolls hold their
own until the very last bite. No soggy bottoms here. You may want to
ask them to be light handed with the sauce, though. Insider tip: their
veggie burger (vegan optional) gives meat patties a serious run for
their money.
Hamborgarabúllan, Geirsgata 1 & Bankastræti 3
Búllan’s meteoric rise to fame with multiple locations across Europe
isn’t really surprising when you bite into one of their luxuriously dec-
adent ‘Steak Burgers’—a glorious, juicy mix of tenderloin, rump and
rib-eye, with the perfect meat-to-fat ratio. Búllan is a solid burger
that seals Iceland’s reputation as a worthy burger destination.
Runner Up
Bastard Brew and Food
Vegamótastígur
Bastard Brew & Food occupies the
space formerly known as Vegamót,
serving entendre-laden beers and
snacks, from the “Hazy Bastard” ale to
the juicy “Fat Bastard” burger served
with a mound of brisket on top. The rel-
ish is a winner, and the pickles pucker.
If your heart desires something classic,
the Double Bastard is a smokey treat.
Previous Winners
2018: Le Kock
2017: Sæta Svínið
2015-6: Búllan
Best Vegan Burger
Veganæs
Tryggvagata 22
Veganæs has answered the prayers of
those yearning for diner fare that also
happens to be cruelty free. Despite
towing the seitan line, the Spicy Seitan-
ic Burger is crunchy, spicy, greasy and
oh so satisfying. Vegan cheese melti-
ness issues aside, this is a toothsome
burger and the accompanying fries
are fancy with their herby frills. The
cocktail sauce is also on the money, so
mayo-deprived vegans can shed tears
of joy. Who knew a vegan dive-bar could
be this much fun?
Runners Up
Roadhouse Reykjavik
Snorrabraut 56
When the panel praises a vegan burger
as a “divine guilty pleasure,” you better
believe it. Roadhouse’s celery root
burger is a beacon of vegan-friendly
hope in a mock-meat world. Relying on
the inherent blandness of celery root,
the grill lends it an unexpected smoky
complexity. Simply delicious.
Hagavagninn
Hofsvallagata 52
NEWCOMER With one of Iceland’s
most popular rappers behind the team,
Hagavagninn opened shop in place
of the old west side hotdog stand.
Their vegan burger has a fan following
thanks to the fat, juicy patty. The pick-
led red onions add pizazz. As our vegan
panellist confirmed: “it tastes even
better after a dip in Vesturbæjarlaug.”
Previous Winners
2018: Prikið
2017: Bike Cave
2016: Búllan
BEST OF REYKJAVÍK 2019
Dining
Delicious even if you can't pronounce it
Best Pizza
Flatey
Grandagarður 11
A year after opening, Grandi's Flatey
easily stole the winner slot here. Along
with their beloved leopard spotted
Napoli-style pizzas, what has caught
much fancy is the aptly named ‘Monday
Margherita’ special, coming in at 1490
ISK; we are suckers for alliteration and
good pies. Some things have changed
lately—the house-made sourdough
base seems to have been replaced by
“generic pizza bottom" as our astute
panel observed. Still, Flatey is uber pop-
ular with families big and small—the
pizzas come quick, there's a pizza to
please everyone, and “customisations
for picky palates” are done with a smile.
Runners Up
Eldofninn
Efstaland 26
This out-of-the-way family-run pizzeria
has a wood-fired oven, creating gen-
erously topped pies with a good crust.
The panel pick is the egg pizza—jammy
yolks on pizza is an underrated thing of
beauty. While they seem to service half
of Reykjavík with their deliveries, it’s
also a cosy spot for a family dinner.
Hornið
Hafnarstræti 15
With thin crust pizzas and a no-frills
cosy flair in the decor, this is a local
treasure. We swear by their Quattro Sta-
gioni, but recently more Icelandic faves
have joined the toppings list—smoked
lamb or hangikjot, cream cheese, and—
wait for it—bananas. Banana pizza meet
pylsu sushi. Your culinary tour of Iceland
is now complete. You’re welcome.
Previous Winners
2018: Flatey
2017: Hornið
2014-6: Hverfisgata 12