Best Of Reykjavik 2018: Best Burger

There has never been a more exciting time for the restaurant scene in Reykjavik. Thanks to burgeoning tourism, exposure, and a genuine curiosity for foods from far and wide, diners now have a plethora of choices on offer. Whether it’s high-end fine dining (we even boast a Michelin starred gem!), or a cheap late night bite, Reykjavik is coming into its own as a culinary destination, offering small plates, tasting menus, farm to table seasonal produce and classic Iceland cuisine, and all while accommodating vegans and vegetarians. The following restaurants are the very best, according to our panel of enthusiastic gourmands. Feel free to let us know what you think of our choices as you eat your way around the city. We’re listening. And we’re hungry.

Best burger

Le Kock

Ármúli 42

Bad boys on the block, Le Kock, have thrown down the gauntlet to the many burger joints in town, beating the competition by a long shot. Is it the house-made potato rolls that don’t crumble or deflate until the last bite? Is it the patty:bun ratio? The classic condiments? Or the Greek fries with herb dressing? Their no-nonsense attitude to food, insistence on top-notch ingredients, and dedication to making the best burger possible has won us over. Go for the classic cheeseburger, and leave with some of their ridiculously good doughnuts.

Runner-Up:

Hamborgarabúllan

Multiple outlets

Love it or hate it, Búllan is still going strong after all these years. The Geirsgata old-style burger joint location—the cutest one in downtown Reykjavik—is made better by the smoky steak burger. Pair it with some fries and a milkshake, and you have the quintessential American fast-food meal.

Runner-Up:

Block Burger

Skólavörðustígur 8

Block Burger may have been heavily inspired (ahem) by Shake Shack, sans the mega chain’s signature potato roll buns. Block Burger slings excellent hamburgers—their hand-shaped patties make for a tender, unevenly edged, perfectly crisped, delectable burger, topped off by their signature sauce with sharp mustard. And at 1,180 ISK, the price is right.

Previous Winners

2017: Sæta Svínið

2015-6: Búllan

2014: Kex Hostel

2013: Vitabar

Other Dining Categories

Best Burger

Best Coffeehouse

Best Sushi

Best Indian

Best Thai/Chinese

Best Goddamn Restaurant

Best Place For A Fancy Meal

Best Family Meal

Best Cheap Meal

Best Pizza

Best Coffee

Best Bakery

Best Vegetarian Meal

Best Vegan Meal

Best Brunch

Best Seafood

Must-Try Dining Experience

Best Late Night Bite

Best Place To Go With A Group Of Friends

Best Newcomer

Best Lunch Place

Best Veggie Burger

Best Ice Cream

Best Tasting Menu

Best Italian

You can buy a copy of the full Best Of Reykjavík 2018 magazine—an essential guide to having fun in Reykjavík—here, posted worldwide. We also have a Special Offer double-pack that also includes our Best Of Iceland magazine, about places to eat, see, swim, shop and stay, all around the country, here.