Best Of Reykjavík 2018: Best Late Night Bite

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 Late Night Bite

Mandi

Veltusund 3b

“It should make your hands dirty. You should need five napkins at least,” said the panel. And that’s what you’ll get at Mandi. Their quesadilla-like arais maria is thin flatbread stuffed with ground lamb and spices, grilled and served like a Syrian calzone, only better. The guys behind the counter are forever smiling, the food is cheap, the crowd is bustling and tipsy after 4am, and it hits all the bases for being a sweet post-party snack spot like no other.

Runner-Up:

Devitos

Laugavegur 126

If you were born in the 80s, then chances are you’ve spent at least two decades worth of late-night pizza bingeing at Devitos. Available by the slice or as whole pies, it’s on the weekend that Devitos really steps up its customer care game. Their greasy slices are done just right.

Runner-Up:

Dirty Burger and Ribs

Austurstræti 18

“Nothing beats eating juicy, sticky ribs after a night of drinking,” said our increasingly peckish panel. The ribs at Dirty Burger and Ribs are salty, sweet, and fall-off-the-bone tender. If that doesn’t convince you, we don’t know what will.

Previous Winners

2017: Ali Baba

2016: Fish and Chips

2015: Chicken wings at Dirty Burger & Ribs

2014: Nonnabiti

2013: Nonnabiti

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.