Words by

The Reykjavík Grapevine and Shruthi Basappa

Photo by

Art Bicnick

Bryndís Þórdardóttir

There are guides and there are guides. Longevity sets us apart and for 20-plus-years we have dined, wined, ordered takeaways and visited spots once, twice, a dozen times in our quest to find the city’s best burgers, bakeries, brews and more. 

The Best of Reykjavík dining category has always reflected reality and nothing warms our hearts more than to see Newcomers graduate to winners as the years go by. Now we have winners who will have the added recognition of being Reykjavík Institutions, a badge of honour to commend establishments that have stood the test of time — so keep an eye out for the *I as you peruse our lists of what’s Best. 

Here’s to another year of deliciousness, skál!

Best Value For Money

Winner

IKEA

Kauptún 4

Nothing could be more Icelandic or ironic than the cheapest restaurant in Iceland being located in the richest neighbourhood of the country. Perhaps all the rich-people-like-a-bargain talk is true after all! What a challenge it is to find a cheap meal in this land of the expensive, so much so that we outsourced our cheap meal demands to Sweden! The prices are shockingly low, with barely any item on the menu passing the 2.000 kr. mark  — just for that IKEA needs to be commended. While it is dangerously cheap, at least you won’t have to worry about walking out with a 300.000 kr. couch as part of your happy meal. 

RUNNER-UP

Deig

Tryggvagata 14

photo by Art Bicnick

The furore when Deig raised the price of their poor man’s offer from a 1.000 kr. to 1.850 kr. was some real storm, with local dailies all expressing shock and dismay. Not so their patrons who’d long felt they should have raised the prices for the too-good-to-be-true offer of a filled bagel, doughnut and drink. Over a year later, that same offer is now 1.500 kr. sans drink. A damn good deal however you look at it. Where other establishments raise prices and shrink portions and sacrifice flavour and quality, Deig has admirably served their customers the same way today as they did five years ago. 

RUNNER-UP

Chickpea

Hallveigarstígur 1

Photo by Art Bicnick

This family run restaurant is all sunshine and good vibes from the moment you set foot inside. And wait till you see the prices and feel your wallet and heart smile even wider. For 1.690 kr., you can enjoy a piping hot bowl of homemade vegan soup chock full of good-for-you veggies, lentils and beans, often with a flourish of nutty crunch or creamy feta swirled into the bowl. The soup comes with a side of pita and hummus, making for a well balanced meal. If wraps are more your thing, then you cross the 2.000 kr. mark, but the portions are huge, so bring an appetite or split with a friend — or better yet, save one half for later.