Reykjavík Grapevine - 01.06.2022, Side 14

The Reykjavík Grapevine
Best of Reykjavík 2022
14
Best Value For Money
Joint Winners
Deig Workshop
Tryggvagata 14
Deig’s ‘poor man’s offer’ is as good as it gets on this abnormally expen-
sive island. For 1100 ISK, you can choose from a handmade bagel with
a filling of your choice, any doughnut or pastry from their selection,
and a simple drink (coffee, juice or kokomjölk, basically). Even better,
they open at 7 a.m., and the offer is valid as long as the bakery is open.
Chickpea
Hallveigarstígur 1
Chickpea offers great take-away meals and a few seats that are perfect
for people watching. A family-run restaurant, they make everything
in-house, from the sourdough pitas to the pickled vegetables to the
falafel and the kombuchas. We love their soups—nourishing, almost
always vegan, and full of texture—for just 1490 ISK (pita and hummus
included!). Or if you are hankering for something heartier, you can’t go
wrong with a falafel wrap (1890 ISK).
Runner-Up
Flatus
Skúlagata 28
Kex hostel is no run of the mill backpack-
ing hostel. A vibrant bar, DJ-sets and live
music, plus a kitchen dishing out thin
crust pizzas and beer, makes this one of
our favourite places to grab a slice and
see what’s current in Reykjavík. The lunch
offer for a beer and pizza is only 1200
ISK, or 2000 ISK at other times. A steal, no
matter how you look at it.
Previous Winners
2021: Sægreifinn
2020: Icelandic Street Food
2019: Icelandic Street Food
Best Brunch
The Coocoo’s Nest
Grandagarður 23
The Coocoo’s Nest continues to be the
most brunch-y brunch in town. Their
award-winning sourdough is put to
good use under poached eggs bathed
in a silky hollandaise, as wreck-your-
bank-account avocado toast, or just
simply grilled and served alongside an
omelette that feeds six. We kid, but only
partially. It’s popular for a reason, so it’s
best to make a reservation. Psst, they
serve brunch on Friday’s as well!
Runner-Up
Klambrar Bistro
Flókagata 24
If you’re one of those who turn their
nose down at the bottomless brunch
madness that has gripped this city,
might we nudge you towards Klambrar
Bistro. Set in the gorgeous gallery ded-
icated to the works of painter Kjarval,
this sun dappled, calming restaurant
dishes out a well-priced, hype free
brunch that hits all the right spots. The
vegan chicken & waffles are particularly
popular, and the space is child-friendly
with access to an open courtyard and
art room. On a sunny weekend, this is
the spot to be at.
Newcomer
Brút
Pósthússtræti 2
Despite their popularity, weekend
brunches in town tend to be pretty
cookie-cutter in their offerings. Brút
brings to Reykjavík a Nordic-skewed
brunch that is at once light, colourful
and satisfying. Mounds of delicately
dressed salads, tenderly poached
fish, hunks of cheese and whole pies
and cakes make up the spectrum of
offerings. The space is lovely but the
layout leaves you feeling a bit like it's a
treasure hunt. Nevertheless, this is the
brunch Reykjavík has been waiting for.
Previous Winners
2021: The Coocoo's Nest
2020: The Coocoo's Nest
2019: The Coocoo's Nest
Best Seafood
Fish Company
Vesturgata 2a
For the definitive seafood experience
in Reykjavík, you’d be hard pressed
to find a better spot than Fiskfelagið.
Their tasting menus are a great way to
try the best the waters around Iceland
have to offer, from Atlantic cod served
Japanese style, to harissa wolf-fish. The
sushi platter makes for a great lunch
while their fish of the day is usually a
generous pan-fried dish with a luscious
sauce.
Runners-Up
Fiskmarkaðurinn
Aðalstræti 12
Not quite traditional, Fish Market serves
up food that is a treat for your eyes
as much as your mouth. The lightly
salted cod, a menu staple, has gone
through varied avatars over the years
and is currently served over a bed of
soba noodles, matcha butter and a
langoustine sauce. If that isn’t tempting
enough then choose from their varied
sushi menu. Service is attentive and the
cocktails are fun. It's the perfect place
to take your parents to prove you're a
real grown-up now.
Newcomer
Brút
Pósthússtræti 2
This gorgeous restaurant is all set to
shake old hats out of their slumber.
Despite being a coastal city, Reykjavík
restaurants have rarely offered anything
other than the trifecta of cod, salmon
and trout. Brút prides itself on being
a seafood friendly restaurant and
whatever fish you order, be it a crudo or
cooked, you are guaranteed it will arrive
prepared to perfection. We recommend
the sea snails slicked with garlic butter,
the local scallops and the fresh skate—
which lacks the strong amonia stench
you might fear.
Previous Winners
2021: Fish Company
2020: Fish Company
2019: Fiskifélagið
BEST OF REYKJAVÍK 2022
Dining
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