Best Late Night Bite 

Joint Winners

Arabian Taste

Laugavegur 87

Art Bicnick/The Reykjavík Grapevine

Whether you walk into Arabian Taste at 2 p.m. or 2 a.m., you will be greeted with the same warmth and small talk by the friendly family at the counter. Sharing a taste of Syrian flavours, this establishment has grown from strength to strength satisfying Reykjavík’s love for late-night shawarma. In a sea of Mandi wannabe’s, Arabian Taste stands apart with their chunky babaghanoush, creamy mutabbal, and our panel pick of lamb kibbeh — bulghur wrapped minced meat torpedoes, deep fried to crunchy perfection. But there is something about the Arayes Maria and we are happy to report that Arabian’s green chilli studded lamb version is a cheesy, get-in-my-my-belly-right-now 4 a.m. treat that puts the rest of their menu to shame. 

Devito’s Pizza 

Laugavegur 126

Entire generations of Icelanders have partied the night away long after bars kicked them out by ending up here for a pie (let’s be serious, no one is ordering just a slice in the wee morning hours) to fuel further escapades. Whether it’s the extra coarse semolina their pizzas crusts are baked on, or the skilful balance of generous toppings that still avoid being wildly Icelandic, this pizza joint doesn’t cut corners just because their customers are too inebriated to notice such nuance.