Iceland review - 2016, Qupperneq 117

ICELAND REVIEW 115
R ∙ E ∙ S ∙ T ∙ A ∙ U ∙ R ∙ A ∙ N ∙ T ∙ S
D i n i n g O u t i n t h e W e s tSPECIAL PROMOTION
Hótel Bifröst is a cozy hotel nestled in a university village by the Ring Road,
near the town of Borgarnes in the heart of West Iceland. In addition to
comfortable rooms and a relaxing atmosphere, the hotel’s restaurant offers
a delightfully diverse menu for guests. The choices range from freshly-baked
salmon to grilled lamb and vegetables; and marinated chicken breast served
with vegetables and couscous. There’s truly something for everyone, including
juicy hamburgers, sandwiches, pasta dishes, fresh salads and pizza. And don’t
forget the dessert. The hotel’s famous skyr cake, an Icelandic version of cheese-
cake, is a must-try. Your taste buds will sing.
Bifröst, 311 Borgarnes. 433-3030. hotelbifrost.is
HÓTEL BIFRÖST
Travelers venturing out west should plan to spend some time in Borgarnes, a
scenic coastal town with a rich settlement history. Ok Bistro, which was named
after the Ok glacier in Borgarfjörður, offers a beautiful view of mountains, the
coast, as well as Langjökull and Eiríksjökull glaciers in the distance. The restau-
rant offers a menu with fresh fish, an array of meats, and inventive small cours-
es and appetizers. Guests will find divine seafood options, including pan-fried
Arctic char, garlic roasted lobster, and oven-roasted cod. Meat eaters can choose
from roasted breast of duck, grilled beef pepper steak and local organic lamb.
Digranesgata 2, 310 Borgarnes. 437-1200. okbistro.is

OK BISTRO
The fresh and local food at Hótel Búðir is one of the hotel’s main attractions.
The diverse and seasonal menu features ingredients from neighboring fishing
villages Stykkishólmur, Ólafsvík and Borgarnes. It begins with starters like
savory veal tartare with local hand-cut veal and seasonal herbs, cured lamb of the
season, and seasonal cured salmon. Main courses are divine; ranging from fine
tenderloin with mushrooms, béarnaise sauce and a fresh salad to prime lamb filet
in a red wine and herb glaze, and fresh fish of the season. There’s also a crispy
potato bean purée in a Balsamic reduction for vegetarian guests. The desserts
are to die for. Take in the beautiful surroundings and enjoy a meal to remember
at Hótel Búðir.
Búðir, 365 Snæfellsbær. 435-6700. hotelbudir.is
HÓTEL BÚÐIR
Sjávarpakkhúsið, inside an over 100-year-old former warehouse down by the
Stykkishólmur docks, serves fresh local seafood with an authentic fishing town
atmosphere on the side. The menu includes blue mussels from Breiðafjörður bay,
and pan-fried fish of the day, which varies depending on the catch brought in by
local fishermen, right outside the restaurant’s windows. The menu ranges from
traditional Icelandic everyday dishes, such as plokkfiskur, a fish-and-potato stew
with a twist, to Italian-inspired seafood pasta, and from the casual fish burger
with a special herb mayonnaise, to the fine-dining option of plaice. The menu
also includes vegetarian alternatives, as well as tempting starters—the cured cod
is a must-try—and sweet treats for dessert.
Hafnargata 2, 340 Stykkishólmur. 438-1800. sjavarpakkhusid.is
SJÁVARPAKKHÚSIÐ