Reykjavík Grapevine - 07.06.2019, Blaðsíða 26

Reykjavík Grapevine - 07.06.2019, Blaðsíða 26
BEST OF REYKJAVÍK Best Chinese Winner: Fönix Bíldshöfði 12 Don’t be fooled by the indus- trial location—Fönix is a no- nonsense family-run joint that caters to blue collar workers, as well as homesick Chinese expats. The owners are a couple from the Sichuan province, and rightful- ly play to their strengths—the Mapo Tofu, available as a vegan dish or with pork, is a study in extracting big flavours from few ingredients. Ignore the deep- fried shrimp and discover the joys of the steamed dumpling— each one is a treasure chest of flavour and texture. Vegans aren’t ignored here and the place is fantastic for groups big and small. Runners Up: Tian Grensásvegur 21 While we hear whispers of a se- cret menu at Tian—Chinese din- ers are treated to the real thing, while non-Chinese diners get chop suey—Tian’s toned-down renditions of Western favourites fare well above the average. The Kung Pao chicken is deservedly popular—but try and get some- thing from that enticing hidden menu. Jia Yao Ármúli 5 Jia Yao rounds off our Chinese restaurant trio. Ármuli has been a tough neighbourhood to crack, but this Pan-Asian lunch buffet is hearty and well-priced, and there’s an à la carte menu. The raw ambience can be a turn-off, but don’t let that stop you from trying some authentic Chinese fare. 26The Reykjavík Grapevine Issue 09— 2019Best of Reykjavík O.G. RVK The veteran 101 joints that have stood the test of time Words: John Rogers Photos: Art Bicnick In this fast-moving city, if a shop, bar or restaurant has been around for years or even decades, they must be doing something right. Right? American Style Iceland has no McDonalds, but if you’re craving a burger without any pretentious chilli jam or brioche buns, go here. It’s a no-fuss fast-food diner with cosy booths and 90s rock-star artwork that’s so old it’s gone full circle and become cool again. Except for Bono. Fuck Bono. Austur-Indíafélagið Iceland’s Indian cuisine mecca is Austur-Indíafélagið, offering tandooris, authentic local delicacies, homemade paneer, and veggie options. Unlike most Icelandic places, you can expect some heat from their freshly ground spices. Its modestly-priced sister restaurant, Hraðlestin, is a good budget backup. Ban Thai This Reykjavík staple is famed equally for its seriously spicy Thai dishes and its long waiting times—so much so that one friend of the Grapevine takes along a chessboard when he dines there. But hey, they cook for the stars: Russell Crowe and Emma Watson are never wrong. Except doing Noah. That was wrong. Boston The sequel to the late, lamented, and currently undead-in-Seyðisfjörður Sirkus bar, Boston is a dark drinking room with and a huge heated terrace. So if you’re done listening to the DJ, you can go smoke your face off in absolute comfort. Grái Kötturinn This cool, shady, art-filled basement café is only open until 3pm, and serves traditional, hearty English or American- style breakfasts. Why it isn’t also an evening-time diner is one of Reykja- vík’s great mysteries. Hornið An airy spot with big windows and old-school touches, Reykjavík’s O.G. pizzeria has been baking crispy thin- crust pizza since before it was cool. We recommend the seafood iteration with a glass of the house white for a leisurely lunch. Italía Through a narrow Laugavegur corri- dor lies Italía’s dining room, where you can choose from an extensive menu of Italian dishes. The Cacio e Pepe was a steaming plate of cheesy comfort- food perfection. A family-style place that harks back to when pasta was considered fancy. Jómfrúin Get away from the hipsters and munch on some Danish-style smør- rebrød in the company of multitu- dinous old folks. Wash down your open-faced delights with danger- ously smooth Akvavit shots. Off-the- radar boozy lunch fun guaranteed. Mokka-Kaffi This moody coffee joint was fa- mously the first in Reykjavík to have an espresso machine. It still has a lot of the original charm, with retro decór, low-hanging lampshades and comfortable booths. There’s no wi-fi, so bring a book, or a fun companion. Kaffibarinn With a saloon-like atmosphere by day, when dogs and kids run around amongst locals and tourists, Kaf- fibarinn turns into an all-out party during the small hours. Whether you’re day-drinking or nighthawking, it’s an eternally amusing barfly institution. Mál og Menning Iceland’s flagship indie bookstore. The entrance area might look touristy these days, but upstairs there’s a nice selection of English-translated Icelandic literature, and there’s a quiet coffee shop to dip into the pages of your purchase. Seabaron Some say the langoustine soup recipe has changed a little since the eponymous “Seabaron” passed away, but this harbourside diner remains popular. Get a cup of soup and a melt- in-the-mouth fish kebab, still smoking from the coals. Vitabar This old-school burger ‘n’ beer joint is right downtown, but it feels like a true neighbourhood bar. An unassuming exterior contains the cosy, no-frills dining room, where you’ll mostly be surrounded by locals. For once. Our office is above here so the smell of this pizza taunts us every day
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