Atlantica - 01.07.2004, Page 76

Bakeries:
Sandholt
This old bakery on the city’s main shopping
street still retains the grandeur of war-time
Reykjavík. Behind the glass counter you’ll find
tons of scrumptious delights with everything
from cutesy pastries to divine hand-made
chocolates. Best of all, there’s a cosy tearoom in
the back, the perfect spot to hide away with a
newspaper and a coffee.
Bakarí Sandholt, Laugavegur 36, tel +354 551
3224
Mosfellsbakarí
Ok, it’s miles away from the city centre, but the
reason we name this gem of a bakery/deli is that
on your way out of Reykjavík, it’s the perfect pit-
stop. Amazing bread and cakes, as well as cof-
fee, tea, meats, cheese and condiments.
Mosfellsbakarí, Urdarholt 2, Mosfellsbær, 270
Reykjavik tel + 354 566 6145
Café Konditorí Copenhagen
The Danes exceed at many things, and one of
them is pastry making. This sophisticated bakery
is dedicated to Danish traditions and recipes
and is the no-fail destination to pick up gourmet
cakes for that special occasion. It’s also the best
bakery in town for real French-style croissants.
There’s plenty of seating at the premises and a
couple of daily lunch specials, including their
famous soup-in-a-bread.
Café Konditorí Copenhagen,
Sudurlandsbraut 4 a,
101 Reykjavík tel 588 1550
Places to Eat:
Vegamót Bistro and Bar
If you want to feel as if you’re eating out in style,
yet don’t have the cash to make it happen,
Vegamót is your kind of bistro. Decked out adobe
style, the warm, inviting atmosphere matches that
of the finest restaurants in Iceland, yet the prices
won’t stress you out. Try the Sesame Chicken.
Then, enjoy the view of all the beautiful people.
Vegamótastígur 4, 101 Reykjavík (+354), 511 3040
La Primavera
The ultimate in sophistication, this Italian restau-
rant is subtly tucked away on the second floor of
a stately building right in the centre of town. The
premises are equally discreet, a tasteful mélange
of pistachio coloured walls, modern furnishings
and cool paintings. You can’t go wrong with the
food: contemporary Italian cooking at its finest,
and there’s a cookbook to prove it.
La Primavera, Austurstræti 9, 101 Reykjavík tel
+354 561 8555
Ban Thai
This is the editor’s favourite Friday night out. The
perfect mix of cosy versus tacky surroundings
with Thai food to die for. Beautifully perfumed
exotic dishes with everything from fish cakes and
deep-fried squid and prawns to the hottest Thai
salads and curries. Watch out for the chilli factor,
and better still, wash it down with plenty of beer.
Ban Thai, Laugavegur 130 (above Hlemmur bus
terminal) 101 Reykjavík, tel +354 552 2444
Hamborgarabúllan
Literally means the Hamburger Joint. Opened in
May, much to the joy of Atlantica’s staff: at last,
a real char-grilled burger that’s both cheap and
cheerful. Located in a small bizarre building next
to the old harbour and totally devoid of any interi-
or design. Dish of the day is burger and fries, and
yes, you can also get milkshakes and Coke.
Incredibly popular so watch out for the crowds.
Limited seating.
Hamborgarabúllan, Tryggvagata 4-6
101 Reykjavík tel (+354) 511 1888
Vox
If you want a truly classy night out, this is the
place to go. Located in the stunningly designed
Nordica hotel, Vox is a highly sophisticated affair,
featuring modern Icelandic cooking in uber-
trendy surroundings. Dinner is a pricey affair, but
there’s a good value buffet lunch as well as a
brasserie-style café next door for those watching
their budget.
Vox, Nordica Hotel, Sudurlandsbraut 8, 108
Reykjavik
i-site
It’s summer in the city and here’s all you need to know about where to eat, drink, shop and relax,
picked out for you by Atlantica’s editorial staff.
REYKJAVÍK SIGNPOST
❍
066 I-site ATL 404 22.6.2004 18:04 Page 74