Best Of Reykjavík 2018: Best Indian

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 Indian

Austur-Indíafélagið

Hverfisgata 56

Still going strong twenty years on, this is an institution in its own right, consistently dishing out quality Indian fare without compromising on authenticity. A small rotational menu with regional dishes, this is the place if you are celebrating a birthday, wooing your partner, or simply taking a break from the monotony. Word to the wise? Make a meal of the salmon pollichathu, kozhi mappas and kulchas and share it family style. Keep your eyes peeled for the vegetarian and vegan dishes as well. Call ahead to make reservations.

Runner-Up:

Shalimar

Austurstræti 4

Shalimar’s Pakistani fare might have seen variable quality over the last few years, but they are back now with renewed energy. We recommend making a meal of the thali – simple delicious fare, with an everyday rotation of a lip-smacking assortment of curries, rice, naan and classic tandoori chicken. Finish off with some creamy kheer.

Runner-Up:

Hraðlestin

Lækjargata 8

The affordable sibling of Austur Indíafélagið, mixing a Bollywood interior with vintage movie posters and antique furniture. The chicken 65 and the thalis win the popularity contest, but the masala chai—“the closest to an Indian mum’s version,” said the panel—should be as popular as the mango lassi.

Previous Winners

2016-7: Austur-Indíafjelagið

2014-5: Gandhi

2013: Austurlandahraðlestin

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.