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 Must-Try Dining Experience
Winner: Matur og Drykkur
Grandagarður 2
Matur og Drykkur has become the place we tell friends to try when they’re visiting. They take classic Icelandic ingredients and bring them up-to-date. The most dramatic, and dare-we-say, must-try item on their menu is the cod head. It’s cooked in chicken stock and then glazed. For some, the idea of a cod head seems a little too experimental, but trust us, it’s delicious. Start with the cheeks and then just keep eating until it’s no longer looking at you.
Runner up: Sægreifinn
Geirsgata 8
Sægreifinn (Sea Baron) became famous for it’s “Moby Dick on a stick” grilled whale kebab, and its incredibly hearty lobster soup, from a secret recipe. If you’re looking to taste the ethically questionable minke whale, this is the place to do it. Right on the harbour, with a view of the whale-watching boats.
Runner up: Bærjarins Beztu
By Tryggvagata
Bærjarins Beztu is a hotdog stand. It’s amazing. Kim Kardashian made sure to stop here, but only had ketchup on her hotdog–like a complete amateur. Order the “one with everything”—and no, this isn’t the beginning of a buddhist hot dog vendor joke.
Previous Winners:
2015: Shrimp pyramid at Jómfrúin
2014: Food section at Kolaportið
2013: Icelandic food at Kaffi Loki
2012: Icelandic Home-Style Food at Mamma Steina
2011: The svið at Fljótt og Gott, BSÍ
Read more of our Best of 2016 lists here.
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