Best Of Reykjavík 2018: Best Newcomer

Nostra

Laugavegur 59

“Nostra” translates to ‘meticulous detail’ in Icelandic. This philosophy is distilled into every dish at this new tasting-menu oriented fine dining place, from the lightly cured trout in green strawberry juice to the langoustine cooked to a velvety singular bite with nothing more than lardo and lavender. Elegant, confident and refined, they let one or two ingredients shine in each dish. Nostra also houses Artson, an artisanal cocktail bar mixing up delicious concoctions—we’re particularly partial to the Cherry Manhattan. Nostra is a breath of fresh air.

Runner-Up:

Hlemmur Mathöll

Laugavegur 107

The most anticipated new spot in recent years, it’s Iceland’s first food hall, housed in a renovated bus station. Despite squeaks of gentrification, the food hall is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, with choices from Mexican food to Vietnamese, Danish smorrebröð, or the Icelandic gastropub Skál.

Runner-Up:

Marshall House Bar + Restaurant

Grandagarður 20

A bright, airy space located under three floors of excellent cutting-edge contemporary art galleries, the Marshall House Bar + Restaurant outdoes the traditional museum café tenfold. With excellent spins on Italian food and a great cocktail and wine list, make a point of heading out to Grandi to try it.

Previous Winners

2017: Hlemmur Mathöll / Mat Bar