In this year’s Best of Shopping, a lot of us had the recent uptick in quickly made and cheaper products on our minds — not to mention that it seems like barely anyone has the dough to afford their entire wishlist.
Nevertheless, we have the chance here to celebrate those who operate their shops with intentionality; we cheer on institutions that don’t drop everything for momentary trends, that champion designers and makers in Iceland, that put care into the items they ask you to spend your money on. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece, a gift, or a souvenir, you can find what we’ve chosen as the best of the best.
Best Grocery Store
Krónan Grandi (Joint Winner)
Fiskislóð 15-21
If you’re searching for a grocery store to suit all your needs, then Krónan’s Grandi location is the place for you. This Krónan is huge (but not overwhelming), and brims with fresh produce and kitchen staples. They also have several made-on-demand windows throughout the store, making it the place to do all your shopping for the week (and then treat yourself to a little fresh sushi afterwards as a reward).
Melabúðin (Joint Winner)
Hagamelur 39
Photo by Art Bicnick
If there were a poster child for the “neighbourhood grocery store,” then you would see the bright red sign of Melabúðin shining back at you. They’re a staple of Vesturbær and a well-deserved point of pride. Their stocking of high-quality smaller-batch products, their meat counter, their premade Icelandic favourites, their staff, their charm — Melabúðin is simply a joy to shop at.
Runner Up:
Fiska
Nýbýlavegur 6, 200 Kópavogur
Photo by Art Bicnick.
Fiska has been quietly stepping up their game; food writer Shruthi Basappa shouted them out in her Year In Review, especially their unmatched plethora of produce. “Asian groceries, Indian spices, Thai curries, Mexican tortillas,” reads their shop description. What a celebration of food! Whether you want to try something new or you’re a bit homesick, Fiska is a shop for variety.
Previous Winners:
2025: Melabúðin & Krónan (Grandi)
2024: Krónan (Grandi)
2023: Krónan (Grandi)
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