Reykjavík Grapevine - aug. 2019, Síða 38

The Reykjavík Grapevine
Best of Reykjavík 2019
38
Skólavörðustígur 19
tel (+354) 552 1890
Borgartún 31
tel (+354) 552 1980
BUY DIRECTLY
FROM
THE PEOPLE
WHO MAKE THEM
Lækjarbrekka Icelandic Bistro is a
place with history. The house was
built in 1834 and has become
one of Reykjavík´s icons.
For 38 years, or since the
restaurant first opened in the
house in 1981, Icelandic cuisine
has been the focus point enjoyed
by both by locals and travelers.
Tel:+354 551 4430
E-mail: info@laekjarbrekka.is
Visit us at: www.laekjarbrekka.is
Lækjarbrekka is a classic Icelandic restaurant,
operated since 1981 and situated in the heart of
Reykjavík in one of the oldest and most iconic
buildings in the city.
Our specialty is Scandinavian cuisine and we strive
to create delicious meals from the best possible
ingredients and to provide first-class service.
Table reservations
Tel: +354 551 4430
w b ite www.laekjarbrekka.is
Best Grocery Store
Krónan Grandi
Fiskislóð 15-21
For the third year in a row, Krónan has proven that it is the best gro-
cery store in town. “If you’re looking for fruits, vegetables, or fish,
Krónan at Grandi is unequivocally the best,” the panel determined.
They also praised its selection of vegan and international products,
which, all emphasised, you just can’t find anywhere else. “Other
places might have vegan and vegetarian products, but nowhere is it
as cheap as at Krónan,” one panel member—a vegetarian—empha-
sised. For downtown rats without cars, Krónan might seem like a
bit of a trek, but the panel urged that the prices and selection are so
far beyond that of downtown grocery spots, it is absolutely worth it.
Runners Up
Melabúðin
Hagamel 39, 107
Foodies need look no further than
Vesturbær’s Melabúðin, where the
shelves are packed with artisanal deli
meats, fresh figs, rare cheeses and
all sorts of unexpected, hard-to-find
treats (bloody mary fans: get your
celery salt here). “When I have an event,
I go to Melabúðin,” one panellist said.
“Everything there feels special.”
Frú Lauga
Laugalækur 6, 105
Just outside of the 101 bubble in
nearby Laugardalur, Frú Lauga is the
only exclusively local and organic shop
in Reykjavík. With a greenhouse on the
premises, it’s also the only place you
can buy fruits and herbs that might
have been picked earlier that day from
a plant right beside you.
Previous Winners
2017-2018: Krónan
2016: Bónus
Hidden Gem
Nexus
Nóatún 17
Size-wise, Nexus is more flagship
than hidden gem, but it’s still off the
beaten path for downtown rats and
those visiting Iceland. A local hub for
the culture surrounding comics, sci-fi,
role-playing games, table-top games,
and everything related, the panel cred-
its Nexus with encouraging geekdom to
flourish in Iceland. “Nexus has built an
empire and created a culture,” said the
panel. “And it all started with a small,
nerdy specialist shop.” Nowadays, they
have Warhammer, Manga, D&D, movie
screenings, and much more. “To be hon-
est,” one panellist said. “I’ve read many
Grapevine Best of Reykjavík awards, and
always wondered: where is Nexus?”
Runners Up
S/K/E/K/K
Hofsvallagata 16
S/K/E/K/K’s offbeat selection features
a mixture of unusual, eclectic home
decor and collectible high end design
products. Tucked away in an unas-
suming spot in downtown Reykjavík,
you could walk past and never know it
was there. “Everything they have is so
well-chosen,” said the panel.
Geisladiskabúð Valda
Laugavegur 64
Valda is by far the most obscure shop
in the city. “They’ve been around
forever and have never changed,” one
panel member said. From old gameboy
games to bootleg metal cassettes to
DVD seasons of shows long cancelled,
this packed-to-the-brim gem is full of
curiosities.
Previous Winners
2018: Hyalin Reykjavík
TARAM
AR Purifying
Treatment
Dr. Guðrún Marteinsdóttir, a professor at
the University of Iceland, started Taramar
to create high quality skincare products
with natural Icelandic ingredients. Spent
a little too much time indulging last
weekend? This purifying treatment
is the best way to detox. Made with
Icelandic kelp, seaweed and Vi-
tamin E, the oily blend will
firm your skin and replen-
ish it back to its bright
and radiant self.
Trust us: this stuff
is incredible. HJC
An Icelandic
contemporary Art Gallery,
located in the historical building
of Korpúlfsstaðir
OPEN
Wednesday - Friday 14-18
Saturday 12-16
Thorsvegur 1, 112 Reykjavík.
Tel.: +354 7744111
gallerikorpulfsstadir@gmail.com
BEST OF REYKJAVÍK 2019
Shopping
Stuff is better than money anyway