Reykjavík Grapevine - sept 2020, Qupperneq 16

The Reykjavík Grapevine
Best of Reykjavík 2020
16 Best Lunch Place
Mímir
Hótel Saga
Following a sprightly makeover, Mímir is
garnering accolades for its extremely
affordable lunch offers. Where else
would you dine on a two-course meal;
from lamb saddle to roast cauliflower
to the best roasted potatoes, cooked
by some of the most promising chefs,
for just 2500 ISK? Sure the prices have
risen slightly since they opened, but
the fast paced, suitable for lunch ser-
vice, and all the flourishes of fine-dining
makes you forget impending deadlines.
That alone makes them a clear winner.
Runners-Up
Jómfrúin
Lækjargata 4
This outpost of Denmark in Iceland up-
holds it Danish tradition of smørrebrød
uncompromisingly. You might want to
skip the akvavit for lunch, but it pairs
so well with Jacob's Plaice (who're we
kidding, you deserve the schnapps!).
Perhaps the shrimp pyramid is more to
your liking. Or the velvety Danish paté.
Once you've been seated and treated
like the royalty that you are, you'll see
why this was a panel favourite.
Hipstur
Mathöll Höfða, Bíldshöfði 9
This charming little restaurant is all
heart and Nordic deliciousness. Did
you know the popular ‘mushrooms on
toast’ is vegan? The fish of the day is a
carefully curated flaky fish bowl with
fresh sprigs of herbs, veggies, grains
and a lovely golden focaccia. Dish of
the day and weekly specials also mean
you can dine here without lunch-room
dread. Score!
Previous Winners
2019: Hlemmur and Grandi Mathöll
2017-8: Snaps
2015-6: Ostabúðin (RIP)
Best Late-Night Bite
Mandi
Veltusund 3b
We might as well just call this “The
Mandi category.” Whether it’s their
full-flavoured meats, their extensive
vegan options or their idiosyncratic
social media messages, this Syrian
kebab place stole Reykjavík’s heart.
Crispy falafels, lamb shawarmas, teeny
desserts, or a pack of ciggies; Mandi’s
got you. If there’s any doubt that these
gentlemen were destined for true
kebab greatness, consider that one of
them is called Hlal!
Runners-Up
Devitos
Laugavegur 126
Even bad pizza is good pizza and Devi-
tos is better than bad, it’s good. Another
staple of the Icelandic late nite bites
for over 25 years, this place is sure to
sort you out at the end of a long shift
at the hotel or a long line at the bar
bathroom. Now stop your yapping and
grab a slice with pepperoni, pineapple,
and cream cheese like a real native.
Newcomer
Gríska Húsið
Laugavegur 101
It’s a well-known fact that a rib-sticking
combo of fat and carbs will help slow
the absorption of alcohol in the body.
As if that wasn’t enough, a 2010 report
stated that “l-cysteine can be used
to decrease acetaldehyde concen-
tration in the achlorhydric stomach
during alcohol exposure.” In layman’s
terms: 1,200 ISK chicken döner kebab is
anti-booze medicine.
Previous Winners
2017-9: Mandi
2016: Ali Baba (RIP)
2015: Fish and Chips
Best Place To Go With A
Group Of Friends
Fjallkonan
Hafnarstræti 1-3
What is it about playful drinks housed
in popcorn bags, puffy sugar clouds
of cotton candy, ferris wheels of doll-
house desserts and tiers of colourful
hummus that makes hanging out at
places that much more fun? Fjallkonan
is the hottest new spot for large groups
or anyone hankering for a hands-on en-
gaging experience. That the food tastes
delicious, the cocktails inspired, cosy
seating and the service knows how to
keep the good times rollin’ makes this
our favourite place to head out with
your besties and frenemies alike.
Runners-Up
Bastard Brew & Food
Vegamótastígur 4
It’s a pity that after-work drinks aren't
really a thing here. Even so, Bastard
Brew’s multi-level space with deep
booths, cosy corners and open dart
area makes it a perfect haunt to let
your hair down after a long, tiring
day. The GnT selection is expansive
enough to warrant revisits and the
brews on tap are perfect foils to the
there’s-something-for-everyone selec-
tion of foods.
Tapas Barinn
Vesturgata 3b
Peppy music, check. Tropical drinks,
check. Platters upon extensive platters
of copious amounts of Spanish-inspired
tapas, check. Service that never falters
through the night (even if you do),
check. Tapas Barinn continues to be
a favourite haunt for returning Ice-
landers, bachelorettes, and send offs.
No matter the occasion, Tapas Barinn
keeps it lively.
Previous Winners
2019: Apotek
2015-8: Tapas barinn
Best Newcomer
Makake
Grandagarður 101
Makake, the newest Asian izakaya is a
colourful outpost of a typical Japanese
street. Named after the hot tub loving
meditative monkeys, Makake is throw-
ing down the gauntlet for casual Asian
dining. Since their opening, they have
introduced dimsum brunches, pop-ups
with guest chefs, and vegan tasting
menus in addition to their staple fare of
a selection of dumplings, small plates
like the braised pork belly, an interest-
ing assortment of vegetable-forward
plates and desserts like mochi and
anko. With an emphasis on handmade
slow food, Makake is well on its way to
redefining Asian cuisine in Iceland.
Runners-Up
Vínstúkan Tíu Sopar
Laugavegur 27
When a chef and restaurateur’s mutual
passion for natural wines and quality
bar snacks collide, a little gem like Tíu
Sopar is born. The wineria (like vermute-
ria, get it?) is perfect for chat-up-the-
barman banter and noisy weeknight
street parties, all while noshing aged
Tindur with beurre noisette, crackling
Padron peppers, charcuterie and the
occasional ‘Fried Chicken’ pop-up,
which should just be a staple dammit!
Kastrup
Hverfisgata 12
From the same people at the helm of
Brauð og Co. and Snaps, comes Kastrup,
a promising little Danish station. Clever
in its repurposing of Hverfisgata 12
where Dill once was, this currently
smørrebrød only place is plating
picturesque platters of open-sandwich
classics like roast beef and fried plaice.
Definitely one to watch out for.
Previous Winners
2019: Skelfiskmarkaðurinn (RIP)/
Eiriksson Brasserie
2018: Nostra (RIP)
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