Best Of Reykjavík 2018: Best Indian

Austur-Indíafélagið

Hverfisgata 56

Still going strong twenty years on, this is an institution in its own right, consistently dishing out quality Indian fare without compromising on authenticity. A small rotational menu with regional dishes, this is the place if you are celebrating a birthday, wooing your partner, or simply taking a break from the monotony. Word to the wise? Make a meal of the salmon pollichathu, kozhi mappas and kulchas and share it family style. Keep your eyes peeled for the vegetarian and vegan dishes as well. Call ahead to make reservations.

Runner-Up:

Shalimar

Austurstræti 4

Shalimar’s Pakistani fare might have seen variable quality over the last few years, but they are back now with renewed energy. We recommend making a meal of the thali – simple delicious fare, with an everyday rotation of a lip-smacking assortment of curries, rice, naan and classic tandoori chicken. Finish off with some creamy kheer.

Runner-Up:

Hraðlestin

Lækjargata 8

The affordable sibling of Austur Indíafélagið, mixing a Bollywood interior with vintage movie posters and antique furniture. The chicken 65 and the thalis win the popularity contest, but the masala chai—“the closest to an Indian mum’s version,” said the panel—should be as popular as the mango lassi.

Previous Winners

2016-7: Austur-Indíafjelagið

2014-5: Gandhi

2013: Austurlandahraðlestin