Iceland review - 2016, Page 120

118 ICELAND REVIEW
SPECIAL PROMOTION
R ∙ E ∙ S ∙ T ∙ A ∙ U ∙ R ∙ A ∙ N ∙ T ∙ S
If Gallup were to poll Reykjavíkians about their favorite Danish open-
face sandwich restaurant, Jómfrúin would win hands down. Walk down
Lækjargata at lunchtime, peek through Jómfrúin’s windows and see for
yourself: the restaurant that is a little touch of Denmark is packed. “It’s
popular because of Iceland’s relationship to Denmark,” says Jakob E.
Jakobsson, the restaurant’s owner, referring to Iceland’s former status
as a Danish colony. “We have quick service, great food, and the location
is good.” Don’t take Jakob’s word for it. Try it yourself, but make sure
to order the H.C. Andersen: rye bread with crisp bacon, liver pâté, port
aspic, horseradish and the ubiquitous butter, spread across most of
Jómfrúin’s open-face sandwiches.
Lækjargata 4, 101 Reykjavík. 551-0100. jomfruin.is
JÓMFRÚIN
Brewing an Icelandic/Euro/Argentinian storm, the new Apotek
Kitchen+Bar is proving a big hit on the Reykjavík food scene.
Apótek is the Icelandic word for ‘pharmacy’; the late-19th-century
restaurant building was for decades the headquarters of the nation’s
pharmacy and state pharmacist. Apotek highlights fresh fish and
local ingredients—fish of the day is a rewarding choice, likewise
the charcoal-grilled salmon with beech mushrooms and a smoky
broth—while free-range lamb is also available. If you’re feeling
adventurous, go for the special six-course gourmet menu, including
one of Apotek’s very own pastry chef ’s inspired desserts. Don’t
forget to have a drink at Apotek’s lively bar, where award-winning
‘pharmacists’ mix exquisite cocktails to suit every mood.
Austurstræti 16, 101 Reykjavík . 551-0011. apotekrestaurant.is
APOTEK
A place bursting with the delicious smells and flavors of both the
traditional Spanish and the best of Icelandic tapas, Tapas Barinn
is a ray of sunshine in downtown Reykjavík. The restaurant’s
extensive menu contains over 50 dishes to suit all tastes. A must-
try is the Icelandic gourmet feast, which starts with a shot of the
infamous national spirit, brennivín, and is followed by six delicious
Icelandic tapas, such as puffin with blueberry and brennivín sauce
and minke whale with cranberry and malt sauce. Other popular
dishes include Icelandic lamb, sea trout and lobster tails, and no
feast is complete without a delicious dessert; go for the white
chocolate skyr mousse with passion fruit.
Vesturgötu 3b, 101 Reykjavík. 551-2344. tapas.is
TAPAS BARINN
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