Words by

The Reykjavík Grapevine

@rvkgrapevine

The year 2019 wasn’t kind to many restaurateurs. Let’s be honest, it’s a tough business. Nevertheless, Iceland’s culinary scene is seeing the emergence of new players and the old guard stepping up their A-game. Restaurants continue to diversify; we’ve got ourselves an izakaya inspired spot, while tasting menus are being questioned and reinterpreted. The scope of “Icelandic cuisine” is broadening to include not just produce and products but also their sourcing and seasonal integrity on this harsh island by players big and small. Whether it is globally recognised Nordic fine-dining or fragrant Thai curries, traditional Icelandic cuisine or family-friendly sushi, to everything in-between, this guide to the best of everything Reykjavík has to offer has been hand-picked by our exacting panel of passionate gourmands. From budget bites to fanciful fare, we’ve got you covered. Skál!

Best Pizza

Flatey

Grandagarður 11 & Hlemmur

Newcomers rarely, if ever, win a category in the Best of Dining. But when Flatey blew onto the pizza scene in Reykjavik, they brought with them unknown-in-these parts Napoli pie-game. One bite of that foldover, blistered pie and we were floored. A few years in, and Flatey’s pie-game is still as strong as ever. The menu spans classics—the Margheritas are a panel favourite with their puddle of milky mozzarella—and beloved faves, like the Tartufo, a truffled pizza bianco and the Vegan(o) with its rosemary speckled potatoes. Keep an eye out for the offspring of the ‘Battle of the Bakers’.

Runner-Up:

Black Box Pizzeria

Borgartún 26 & Háholt 13-15

Photo by Art Bicnick

Black Box combines the Napoli-style sourdough craze with the familiarity of commercial pizzerias, all in a dark Goth arcade vibe. While originality might be a sore point for some panellists, we see the appeal of a well made pie, especially one with avocado and crushed pistachios.

Runner-Up:

Íslenska Flatbakan

Mathöll Höfða, Bíldshöfði 9

With a large wood fired oven (gas assisted), Flatbakan is an homage to homegrown pizza style. Think a thin crust, generously sauced pie topped with local favourites—regular suspects jostling for attention amidst dates, bananas and of course cream-cheese, and a melty vegan cheese.

You can buy a copy of the full Best Of Reykjavík 2020 magazine—an essential guide to having fun in Reykjavík—here, posted worldwide.