Reykjavík Grapevine - 01.09.2023, Page 14

The Reykjavík Grapevine
Best of Reykjavík 2023
14 BEST OF REYKJAVÍK 2023
Dining
Fun fact: Iceland derives its name from our love of
ice cream
Best ice cream
Skúbb
Laugarásvegur 1
When asked for their top choice for best ice cream, panels old and current have
been unanimous in their love for Skúbb’s creamy treats. “I’m in love with their
espresso — nice, clean flavours,” said one. Is it simply the deliciousness of their
ice creams, or the straightforward simplicity of flavours, or their commitment to
values that shines through that have made them a consistent winner? It’s all of the
above and consistency. Skúbb’s scoops haven’t succumbed to cutting corners in
the run up to popularity. They use BioBu’s milk for all their dairy-based scoops, and
whatever on offer is bound to knock your socks off. The sorbets are bursts of pure
fruit and the vegan flavours give stiff competition to their dairy-based brethren.
Skúbb, we love you.
Runners-up
Gæta Gelato
Aðalstræti 6
From the moment they opened their
doors, Gæta quickly became the name
on everyone’s lips for authentic Italian
gelato. Our astute panel did note
that their gelato has in recent times
become sweeter than it used to be.
But that shouldn’t deter one from the
excellent gelato here. Nut forward
flavours rule the roost, although store
attendants do confess that the local
palate skews sweet (perhaps that is
what they are addressing?) with their
soft spot for salted caramel and Oreo
cookie flavours. Seasonal flavours
are aplenty at Gæta, so when mango
season strikes, that is the one to try. Re-
cently they’ve taken to offering cannoli
and twee krikri gelato cones as well.
Ísbúð Vesturbæjar
Hagamel 67
Chocolate dipper, blitzer of candy
streaked bragðarefur and the one-stop
shop for all the essentials needed for
a good ol’ ísbíltur is local haunt, and
neighbourhood jaunt Ísbúð Vesturbæ-
jar. If you really want a sneak peek into
the Icelandic psyche, the ice cream
shop is where it's at — a childhood
treat of simple vanilla soft serve,
swirled into that papery cone becomes
the vehicle for a veritable spread of
dippings and toppings. For a true taste
of the local, hit up this institution.
Previous Winners
2022: Skúbb
2021: Skúbb
2020: Skúbb
Best Seafood
Joint winners
Fish Company
Vesturgata 2a
For over a decade now, Fiskfélagið has
been delighting diners with their fresh-
off-the-boat, bonkers good seafood.
Whether it is the shrimp-langoustine
salad that has gained cult status
amongst lunch goers, or their elegant
sushi, or the achingly good cod and
ling prepared in a multitude of ways,
Fiskfélagið always delivers. “I can’t re-
member ever having a bad meal there,”
echoed many of our panellists. And with
good reason, too. This restaurant seems
to attract the very best talent and it
has managed to stand tall in a sea of
restaurants all peddling similar fare.
Brút
Pósthússtræti 2
In their small yet mighty menu, Brút
showcases the best seafood that
Iceland has to offer. Just the sheer
variety — from char to cod, monkfish
to haddock, scallops to sea snails — is
a celebration of the bounty of the sea.
No matter what you choose, each dish
is carefully prepared in a thoughtful
fashion that effortlessly converts even
the stoic seafood reluctant. Even skate
haters turn into skate lovers — and
if that isn’t high praise, then it's time
you go see what the fuss is about for
yourself. The award-winning wine list
spans the globe.
Runner-up
Fiskmarkaðurinn
Aðalstræti 12
Fiskmarkaðurinn may have undergone
several changes to their menu over the
years, but what remains steadfast is
the presence of the lightly salted cod
with apples and their robata grilled
salmon. The portions here aren’t dainty
like their sushi. Instead, these are
hearty cuts of high quality fish that
truly reflect local seafaring traditions.
Previous Winners
2022: Fiskfélagið
2021: Fiskfélagið
2020: Fiskfélagið
Forlagið bookstore | Fiskislóð 39 | www.forlagid.is | Open weekdays 10-18 | Saturdays 11-17
ICELAND’S LARGEST BOOKSTORE
ANOTHER WORLD
Stunning photography
from around Iceland,
connecting to its old
sagas and landscape
formation.