Reykjavík Grapevine - sep. 2020, Blaðsíða 34

The Reykjavík Grapevine
Best of Reykjavík 2020
34
Perlan – Wonders of Iceland
is an enchanting interactive journey
through Iceland’s nature, on five floors.
perlan.is
Perlan is a Must-Visit
Landmark and Nature
Exploratorium
Nr. 1 Attraction in Reykjavik
Perlan – Wonders of Iceland is an exploratorium in Reykjavík.
Experience a real Ice Cave, Icelandic Glaciers Exhibition,
Guaranteed Northern Lights Planetarium Show and more.
THE REYKJAVÍK GRAPEVINE
BEST MUSEUM 2019
Rammagerðin
Gift Store
Perlan
Restaurant
Perlan
Café
Best Grocery Store
Krónan Grandi
Fiskislóð 15-21
For the fourth year in a row, Krónan has proven that it is the best
grocery store in town. “Krónan at Grandi is no doubt the freshest
market in the city. It’s beautifully organised and has a great selection.
You really couldn’t ask for more,” one panel member raved. They
also praised its wide selection, which has everything from speciality
vegan products to obscure meat cuts. 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
For foodies looking for artisanal deli
meats, fresh figs, rare cheeses and
all sorts of unexpected, hard-to-find
treats, Vesturbær’s beloved Melabúðin
should satiate your desires. “People
find Melabúðin inspirational,” one
panelist said. “It’s also a part of the
Vesturbær culture. If it ever left, people
would riot!”
SUPER1
Hallveigarstígur 1
Taking over Bónus’s old locale, Super1
has been a surprise success in the 101
community. It has an infinitely better
selection than the Laugavegur Bónus
location—as well as a significantly less
depressing interior—and it’s also open
24/7. Win-win. That said, it will allegedly
be replaced by Krónan soon, so keep
your fingers crossed.
Previous Winners
2017-9: Krónan Grandi
2016: Bónus
Hidden Gem
Núllið Gallerý
Bankastræti 0
“Núllið Gallerý has a purpose and an
attitude that is desperately needed in
this city,” the panel determined. “It’s
fresh, curated, and has its finger on
the underground pulse of Reykjavík. To
be fair, it literally is underground.” The
pop-up gallery project space—locat-
ed in the old Freddie arcade—hosts
exhibitions, events, performances and
more, focusing on the newest, bright-
est, and strangest of Icelandic talent.
It’s an edgy, eclectic space that has
consistently wowed with everything
it's done. Check online for upcoming
eventss, and no matter what, show up
to see them.
Runners-Up
Pastel Flower Studio
Baldursgata 36
Pastel Flower studio is only open on
Fridays from 13:00 to 18:00—so plan
accordingly. The studio uses cut, dried,
and fresh flowers to create unique
arrangements that reference classic
Icelandic nature in an unexpected and
innovative way. Trust us: You won’t find
a florist in the city that’s in anyway
comparable.
Street Rats Tattoo
Hverfisgata 37
Kristófer, a.k.a. Sleepofer Tattoo,
changed the game of Icelandic tattoo-
ing. He’s proved himself to be a fresh,
experimental artist whose works have
become a somewhat coveted symbol
in the city. An in-demand, somewhat
elusive figure, he recently opened up
his own studio, Street Rats Tattoo, on
Hverfisgata. So if you’re looking to get
your travel tattoo, go there. It’s way
more interesting than a Vegvísir.
Previous Winners
2019: Nexus
2018: Hyalin Reykjavík
Best Men’s Clothing
Geysir
Skólavörðustígur 16
Geysir’s signature touch is that of
clean designs with quality materials;
works that are luxurious but wearable,
casual yet conceptual, and modern yet
timeless. “Their men’s collection is a
standout,” one panellist said. “If I could,
I’d get everything from that store.” The
dedicated men’s clothing store lies on
Skólavörðustígur, just a stone's throw
away from their women’s branch and
homeware shop. Inside is a cornucopia
of woodsy tones, cosy materials, and
cuts that could go from the interna-
tional runways to a relaxed night at
home. Stop by for pure Scandinavian
goodness.
Runners-Up
Farmers Market
Laugavegur 37 & Hólmaslóð 2
No one puts classical Icelandic style
into the 21st century quite like Farmers
Market. Their clothing somehow manag-
es to walk the line between debonair
and utilitarian. They are warm enough
to get you through the darkest Icelan-
dic winters while still stylish enough to
make you look suave while doing it.
66° North
Bankastraeti 5 & Laugavegur 17-19
Everyone from countryside farmers to
downtown cool-kids don this iconic
Icelandic brand. Peruse their wares and
it’s obvious why—their quality and aes-
thetic is impeccable. These are pieces
that will last not only your lifetime, but
probably your grandchildren’s.
Previous Winners
New Category!
BEST OF REYKJAVÍK 2020
Shopping
Stuff is better than money anyway