Best Of Reykjavík 2018: Best Ice Cream

Skúbb

Laugarásvegur 1

Giving stiff competition to granddaddy Valdís, Skúbb plays into the national obsession for ice-cream all day, any day. Unlike the ultra-aerated, maximised-for-profit tub versions available in supermarkets, these creamy churned scoops are dense and full of flavour. We especially like the dark chocolate, and the roasted white chocolate. Who even knew chocolate could be roasted? The seasonal mango ice-cream and other fruity sorbets are worth making the trip to Laugardal, just for the excuse to have some ice cream afterwards.

Runner-Up:

Valdís

Grandagarður 21

The long lines here deter no one. The flavours are fun, with a nod to local tastes, like the lakkrís, aka liquorice, or the not-so-subtle jokes on current affairs—who can forget the memorable “icehot1” flavour? The takeaway ice-boxes are particularly great if you are hosting a party at home.

Runner-Up:

Ísleifur Heppni

Hlemmur Mathöll, Laugavegur 107

Newcomer: Liquid nitrogen ice-cream is still seeing a popularity surge. Hard not to understand when the rather theatrical process yields creamy, intensely flavoured ice-cream with none of the icy grittiness of freezer burns. Freshly made warm waffles are a great vehicle for all that sugar and cream.

Previous Winners

2013-14: Valdís

2012: YoYo

2010-11: Ísbúðin Ísland