From Iceland — Grapevine’s Best Of 2016: Best Seafood

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Reykjavík is a relatively small city, but even so, sometimes you need a bit of local advice to find what you’re looking for, whether it’s a good people-watching spot, somewhere to see some contemporary art, or the best place to catch an Icelandic movie. Don’t worry, friends—we’ve got you covered via our Best of Reykjavík 2016 series. Here are some of our favourite spots in Reykjavík, for all kinds of super-fun days and nights out. Enjoy! And if you try our list, you can let us know what you thought of the selections via letters@grapevine.is.

Best Seafood

Winner: Fiskfélagið
Vesturgata 2a
Fiskfélagið (also know as The Fish Company) answers the most common question asked when people arrive here: “Where can I get some fresh Icelandic fish?” You’ve undoubtedly heard of the lengths to which Iceland went to have the best fresh fish in world—the years of fighting and lives lost in the Cod Wars. Yet, even against the former imperial powerhouse of Great Britain, Icelandic lawyers and fishing companies prevailed. That victory is yours to savour, and there’s no better place to celebrate.

Runner up: Ostabúðin
Skólavörðustígur 8
Ostabúðin (translated: “Cheese Shop”) has a great fish menu. It’s a runner up, because it’s a lunch spot only, but you won’t be disappointed here. It’s not complicated. It’s just delicious, full stop.

Newcomer: Messinn
Lækjargata 6b
Messin is only a few weeks old, but it makes simple fish into a theatrical culinary adventure. You get your dinner served hot in the pan. What do you get? Fish, potatoes and vegetables. Try the Steinbítur.