Best Of Reykjavík 2018: Best Ice Cream

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 Ice Cream

Skúbb

Laugarásvegur 1

Giving stiff competition to granddaddy Valdís, Skúbb plays into the national obsession for ice-cream all day, any day. Unlike the ultra-aerated, maximised-for-profit tub versions available in supermarkets, these creamy churned scoops are dense and full of flavour. We especially like the dark chocolate, and the roasted white chocolate. Who even knew chocolate could be roasted? The seasonal mango ice-cream and other fruity sorbets are worth making the trip to Laugardal, just for the excuse to have some ice cream afterwards.

Runner-Up:

Valdís

Grandagarður 21

The long lines here deter no one. The flavours are fun, with a nod to local tastes, like the lakkrís, aka liquorice, or the not-so-subtle jokes on current affairs—who can forget the memorable “icehot1” flavour? The takeaway ice-boxes are particularly great if you are hosting a party at home.

Runner-Up:

Ísleifur Heppni

Hlemmur Mathöll, Laugavegur 107

Newcomer: Liquid nitrogen ice-cream is still seeing a popularity surge. Hard not to understand when the rather theatrical process yields creamy, intensely flavoured ice-cream with none of the icy grittiness of freezer burns. Freshly made warm waffles are a great vehicle for all that sugar and cream.

Previous Winners

2013-14: Valdís

2012: YoYo

2010-11: Ísbúðin Ísland

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.