Reykjavík Grapevine - sep. 2020, Blaðsíða 10

The Reykjavík Grapevine
Best of Reykjavík 2020
10 BEST OF REYKJAVÍK 2020
Dining
Iceland's not cheap so it better be good
SOFT RIVER BANKS
This is a tour for the experienced rider!
Who would not like to ride in an
extraordinary environment?
Tour 3B
HORSES &
HOT SPRINGS
Experience a variety of scenery
and excellent riding trails.
Tour 3C
Would you like to experience something different?
Riding with Eldhestar
Eldhestar, Vellir, 816 Ölfus Email: info@eldhestar.is Tel: +354 480 4800
GREAT VARIETY OF
HORSE RIDING TOURS
JUST OUTSIDE REYKJAVIK
Get further information at
www.eldhestar.is
ICELANDIC DIVERSITY
Get in touch with Icelandic nature
on horseback and taste the
treasures of the nearby sea.
Tour 2G
Best Coffeehouse
Reykjavík Roasters
Ásmundarsalur, Freyjugata 41
While Reykjavík Roasters’ mothership is undeniably at Brautarholt 2,
it’s hard to beat the serene elegance of their Ásmundarsalur setting.
Built in 1933 by one of Iceland's most beloved sculptors, predictably,
the building is a sculptor's dream and filled with natural light. Ac-
cording to our panel: “It’s that proper third wave coffee millennial cup
plus a privately-owned art space.”
Runner-Up
Emilie’s Reykjavik
Hverfisgata 98
A cafe and lunch spot, this cute little
French import is endearing. More sub-
stantial than being just a caffeine fix,
the freshly baked scones are what you
should be after here. We are particularly
partial to the goat cheese with spinach.
Washed down with some excellent
brews and a neat little selection of
coffee, it makes for pleasant peo-
ple-watching and tummy pleasing.
Newcomer
Kaktus Espressobar
Vitastígur 12
One of those “blink and you miss it”
neighbourhood cafés that make the
humans huddled in Reykjavík’s snowy
embrace feel they’re living in a vibrant
metropolis. “It’s cute, and with a nice
lunch deal. I especially love the soup,”
one of our panellists offered. Part café,
part cactus sanctuary, this is one for all
you wallflowers out there.
Previous Winners
2019: Bismút
2018: Kaffihús Vesturbæjar
2017: Reykjavík Roasters
2016: Stofan
2015: Kaffihús Vesturbæjar
Best Sushi
Sushi Social / Osushi
Joint Winners
Sushi Social
Þingholtsstræti 5
By regularly showcasing Wagyu beef
and tuna at one of their many festive
specials, Sushi Social keeps things
interesting throughout the year. An
homage to Icelandic sushi, this is where
classic sushi meets our love for sauces.
And it is still a happy union. The rainbow
hued tropical drinks and the peppy mu-
sic only add to that happy island vibe.
Osushi
Tryggvagata 13
Before you turn your nose up at
conveyor belt sushi, hear us out. This is
a fantastic way to try several different
plates, stumble upon a new love—like
their crispy AF Japanese wings—or
determine your least favourites. The
quick turnover means the sushi was
made minutes ago, a win-win in a land
of cold rolls. Psst... this is bound to be
a hit with kids and we spotted several
happy young diners practicing their
chopstick skills.
Runner-Up
Fish Company
Vesturgata 2a
Fish Company has recently expanded
their sushi selection, particularly during
lunch service as a small and a large
portion. The usual suspects of classic
salmon nigiri, maki rolls and sashimi
are so beautifully presented, it surely
counts as a cure for workday blues.
Previous Winners
2016-9: Fish Market
2015: SuZushii
2014: Sushisamba
Best Vegan Meal
Mat Bar
Hverfisgata 26
The vegan tasting menu has, in the past
year, taken hold of Reykjavík, with many
restaurants giving their take on the
plant-based phenomenon. Mat Bar’s
iteration is particularly notable, serving
up a variety of both on- and off-menu
dishes that have found success with
herbivores and omnivores alike. With
five dishes made for sharing, the
menu is Icelandic-sourced and Nordic
inspired, with delectable nods to other
cuisines.
Runner-Up
Jömm
Kringlan 4-12
Jömm plays with the entire range of
Oumph! variants, making soy sexy. What
elevates a store shelf buy, though, are
the clever iterations of Oumph! burgers,
bowls and wraps satisfying every kind
of craving. The icing on that (vegan)
cake however are the accoutrements
and vegan versions of a whole host of
sauces, with the aioli deserving special
mention.
Newcomer
SPES
Grandi Mathöll, Grandagarður 16
For too long now, vegans have had to
contend with stereotypes translating
to insipid restaurant offerings. Not so at
SPES. Chickpeas are pulverised, dressed
intensely and served atop crusty bread.
Their tacos would fool meat eaters and
the scrambled tofu on toast mimics
eggs. Plus with most everything priced
well under 2000 ISK it makes SPES quite
a draw, vegan or not.
Previous Winners
2019: Sumac
2018: Skál & Mat Bar
2016-7: Kaffi Vínyl
2015: Teni