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 Vegan Burger

BioBorgari

Vesturgata 12

Photo by Art Bicnick

 

Veggie burgers can be many things, but too often they’re reduced to a close-to-meat contest. Standing tall amidst a sea of pre-made patties and bean paste offenders are their scrumptious grain-bean-lentil patties, with the earthiness of assorted veggies and buckwheat and flax with the charcoal grill adding a lovely singed note. They’ve really listened to the dry burger complaint cause the ‘Special Vegan’ with its crown of baked apples is quite an unmissable treat, whether you are vegan or not. The tomato sauce & kale pesto are pretty great too. For clean, small-batch, slow living, BioBorgari is worth the love.

Runner-Up:

Veganæs

Tryggvagata 22

Photo by Art Bicnick

All hail Seitan! Veganæs’ go-to filler’s got some kick, so the Spicy Seitanic burger lives up to its name. The toothsome burger is only made better with its wasabi sesame speckled bun and herby fries. For vegans long deprived of greasy, crunchy, dishes, Veganæs is rid of grass grazing stereotypes and is pure guilty pleasure.

Runner-Up:

Jömm

Kringlan 4-12

Photo by Art Bicnick

 

With soy-based Oumph products, Jömm have a wide selection of burgers to choose whatever your plant-based junk food craving may be—if the basic burger doesn’t cut it, there are other variants and wraps and pitas as well. Psst… our panel says, “their sauces are a game changer.” 

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