Reykjavík Grapevine - 01.09.2023, Blaðsíða 8

The Reykjavík Grapevine
Best of Reykjavík 2023
8
BEST OF REYKJAVÍK 2023
Dining
Remember when everyone became a home
baker? Yeah, they didn't make the list
Reykjavík’s dining scene has never been more vibrant. Breakfast
might prove to be too early for Reykjavik, but get down to local
bakeries like Deig or if you are feeling fancy to Tides, and see what
a difference a spot of warm grub in the wee hours can do. Lunch
offers abound and dinner is ripe for experimentation — be it sam-
pling Pueblan tacos at La Poblana, rediscovering Mat Bar, experienc-
ing Nordic fine-dining at Dill, or tucking into tapas inspired plates
at weeks old Skreið or blistering pizzas at BakaBaka. Whatever you
fancy, dear gourmands, whatever your proclivities or budgets, our
esteemed panel has done the hard work to bring you the best of the
best of Reykjavík. Skál!
Best Bakery
Sandholt
Laugavegur 36
Amidst the Scandi fever that has firmly gripped Reykjavík bakeries, Sandholt stands
tall with its Parisian vibes. Beautiful marble counters piled high with freshly baked
goods are a sight to behold, even for the gluten intolerant. Even the less-than-
perfect service doesn’t seem to dim its popularity, “what can I say? I’m a die-hard
loyalist,” one panellist confessed. There is hardly a place in town that could hold
a candle to Sandholt’s croissants, vínarbrauð or legendary sourdough. A current
favourite are the new born baby sized, olive oil drunk, warm focaccia — if you’re not
careful, you could easily eat the whole in one sitting.
Runners-up
Brauð & Co.
Multiple locations
“They source the best, ethical raw
ingredients,” notes one panellist privy
to the supply chain of Brauð og Co, “and
it shows in their bakes.” That care and
sensitivity shines through the city-wide
Danish-style bakery chain and over the
past two years they have noticeably
addressed their once inconsistent QC
concerns. Sure, the cinnamon snúður
rules the roost, but make room for the
granola version, their often warm jammy
hjónabandssæla — there are few who
make this better — and their weekend
special croissants. Other must-do’s
include the bronzed pretzel croissants
and the dense, seeded rye.
Hygge Coffee & Microbakery
Seljavegur 2
Sandholt alumni Þórey Lóvisa’s palette
skews sweet for some panellists, but
it cannot be said enough that she is
making some of the prettiest pastries
and bakes in the city. Seasonal tarts
constructed with house-made jams,
frangipane and other fillings are a treat
and the pistachio croissant and vegan
blueberry danish are set to become
classics in their own right.
Previous Winners
2022: Sandholt and Deig
2021: Sandholt and Deig
2020: Sandholt
Best Burger
Joint Winners
Le Kock
Tryggvagata 14
Le Kock’s gourmet tuck-shop burgers
aren’t too sloppy, nor are they so fine
to the point where they’re try-hard.
No ma’am, these are obscenely tasty
burgers that elicit sighs of pleasure
and guilt in equal measure. Here is
an ode to the OG cheeseburger with
crisp toasted buns, perfectly melty
cheddar, a juicy patty cooked just right,
and pickles and slaw adding fresh
crunch. The Trump tower, on the other
hand, is an unapologetic double-patty
American smash with yellow mustard,
a shockingly balanced truffle ketchup
and perfectly smashed patties.
2 Guys
Hlemmur Square
2 Guys have got us between the bun
and patty, and how! Last year’s newbies
and this year’s one of two top dogs, this
homage to hip-hop and sweaty burgers
are a panel favourite. Each burger is
assembled with such precision that
it never slides or falls apart. What is
particularly striking is that the chef
lets the burger truly shine, without
the weight of unnecessary frou-frou.
A rule they break with aplomb with the
candied jalapeno and crushed Dorito
studded 2Pac that feels like a levelled
up midnight munchie.
Newcomer
Beef & Buns
Bíldshöfði 9
“You guys should venture out to subur-
bia more,” quipped one of our panellists
cheekily, before making a case for new-
comer Beef & Buns. American smashed
burgers continue to reign supreme in
popularity and this outpost too pays
homage to the lace edged, singed
fringed burger. It's a tough world out
here for burgers and we fervently wish
for this one’s continued success.
Previous Winners
2022: Le Kock
2021: Yuzu
2020: Le Kock & Hamborgara Bullan
Best Coffeehouse
Reykjavík
Roasters
Brautarholt 2
As you’d expect from the name, RR
roasts their own beans and makes
a mean cup of joe. Roasters have hit
upon that perfect balance of Scandi
cool vibe without being pretentious,
even if their baristas refuse to engage
in banter — an expectation oddly
reserved for baristas and bartenders.
Perhaps it’s Scandinavian pain. Despite
the absence of small chat, the coffee
is third-wave loyal, the teas are brewed
to temperature and time perfection,
the hot chocolate isn’t hot cocoa, the
wi-fi is strong for some solitary work
or small meetings, and the space
large enough for parent-child outings
— all of which make for excellent
people-watching.
Runners-up:
Kaffi Ó-le
Hafnarstræti 11
Nostalgically named after a genX cool
kids only spot, Kaffi Ó-le in its current
avatar firmly looks forward. With its
pastel chic interiors that connect to
both the 101 Radisson hotel lobby and
the streetfront, this urban cafe focuses
on precisely roasted and brewed
beans (from Kaffibrugghúsið), poured
to exacting standards. Several on the
panel shared their love for the “city’s
best matcha latte” as well.
Kaktus Espressobar
Vitastigur 12
This cute-as-a-button cafe is the per-
fect spot to meet a friend for a chilled
catch up, or settle in with your laptop
for a productive work session. Adorned
with cacti (but of course) and plants in
the many nooks and crannies, Kaktus
feels like a twee urban oasis. The cafe’s
goal seems to be to please everyone,
thus making it one of the few places a
coffee snob and a vegan sweet tooth
can hang.
Previous Winners
2022: Reykjavík Roasters
2021: Reykjavík Roasters
2020: Reykjavík Roasters