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 burgerLe KockÁrmúli 42Bad boys on the block, Le Kock, have thrown down the gauntlet to the many burger joints in town, beating the competition by a long shot. Is it the house-made potato rolls that don’t crumble or deflate until the last bite? Is it the patty:bun ratio? The classic condiments? Or the Greek fries with herb dressing? Their no-nonsense attitude to food, insistence on top-notch ingredients, and dedication to making the best burger possible has won us over. Go for the classic cheeseburger, and leave with some of their ridiculously good doughnuts. |
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Runner-Up:HamborgarabúllanMultiple outletsLove it or hate it, Búllan is still going strong after all these years. The Geirsgata old-style burger joint location—the cutest one in downtown Reykjavik—is made better by the smoky steak burger. Pair it with some fries and a milkshake, and you have the quintessential American fast-food meal. |
Runner-Up:Block BurgerSkólavörðustígur 8Block Burger may have been heavily inspired (ahem) by Shake Shack, sans the mega chain’s signature potato roll buns. Block Burger slings excellent hamburgers—their hand-shaped patties make for a tender, unevenly edged, perfectly crisped, delectable burger, topped off by their signature sauce with sharp mustard. And at 1,180 ISK, the price is right. |
Previous Winners2017: Sæta Svínið2015-6: Búllan2014: Kex Hostel2013: Vitabar |
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
You can buy a copy of the full Best Of Reykjavík 2018 magazine—an essential guide to having fun in Reykjavík—here, posted worldwide. We also have a Special Offer double-pack that also includes our Best Of Iceland magazine, about places to eat, see, swim, shop and stay, all around the country, here.
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