There has never been a more exciting time for the restaurant scene in Reykjavik. Thanks to burgeoning tourism, exposure, and a genuine curiosity for foods from far and wide, diners now have a plethora of choices on offer. Whether it’s high-end fine dining (we even boast a Michelin starred gem!), or a cheap late night bite, Reykjavik is coming into its own as a culinary destination, offering small plates, tasting menus, farm to table seasonal produce and classic Iceland cuisine, and all while accommodating vegans and vegetarians. The following restaurants are the very best, according to our panel of enthusiastic gourmands. Feel free to let us know what you think of our choices as you eat your way around the city. We’re listening. And we’re hungry.
Best Bakery: Joint Winners |
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SandholtLaugavegur 36This local institution continues to draw lines of curious tourists, and with their new extension, there’s more room for them. The sourdough is deservedly well-known, and if a whole loaf is too much, they oblige by slicing just what you need. If you’re staying or straying close by, grab one of their delicious loaves or a bag of pastries for snacks. |
Brauð & Co.Frakkastígur 16Brauð & Co. have won the hearts of the carb-butter loving nation in their pursuit of the best baked goods. Regulars swear by their “snúður”—local cinnamon bread rolls that are taken a step further here and stuffed with blueberries and liquorice, granola crumble or poppy seed and vanilla—eliciting inappropriate satisfied moans from our panel. The latest lemon cruffins have us hyperventilating, but the cinnamon sugar croissant roll will always have our heart. Don’t forget to try the dense seeded Danish rye bread, which they conveniently have mini loaf versions of, no bigger than your palm, studded with chocolate chips—perfect for snacking or taking on board your next flight. |
Runner UpPassion ÁlfheimumÁlfheimum 6Slightly out of the city centre is the Passion bakery, a little tucked away suburban joint that offers excellent sourdough bread, pastries, and all kinds of sweet treats. Loyalists describe it as a hidden diamond: it’s certainly worth checking out should you be in the area. |
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Previous Winners2013-7: Sandholt |
Other Dining Categories
- Best Burger
- Best Coffeehouse
- Best Sushi
- Best Indian
- Best Thai/Chinese
- Best Goddamn Restaurant
- Best Place For A Fancy Meal
- Best Family Meal
- Best Cheap Meal
- Best Pizza
- Best Coffee
- Best Bakery
- Best Vegetarian Meal
- Best Vegan Meal
- Best Brunch
- Best Seafood
- Must-Try Dining Experience
- Best Late Night Bite
- Best Place To Go With A Group Of Friends
- Best Newcomer
- Best Lunch Place
- Best Veggie Burger
- Best Ice Cream
- Best Tasting Menu
- Best Italian
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