Best Of Reykjavík 2023: Best Burger

Best Burger

Joint Winner

Le Kock

Tryggvagata 14

Photo by Art Bicnick

Le Kock’s gourmet tuck-shop burgers aren’t too sloppy, nor are they so fine to the point where they’re try-hard. No ma’am, these are obscenely tasty burgers that elicit sighs of pleasure and guilt in equal measure. Here is an ode to the OG cheeseburger with crisp toasted buns, perfectly melty cheddar, a juicy patty cooked just right, and pickles and slaw adding fresh crunch. The Trump tower, on the other hand, is an unapologetic double-patty American smash with yellow mustard, a shockingly balanced truffle ketchup and perfectly smashed patties. They can veer into the dreaded sauce puddle muddle, so either request restraint or grab extra napkins, whichever way you roll.

Joint Winner

2 Guys

Hlemmur Square

Photo by Joana Fontinha

2 Guys have got us between the bun and patty, and how! Last year’s newbies and this year’s one of two top dogs, this homage to hip-hop and sweaty burgers are a panel favourite. “Honest and no-frills,” these burgers manage to be both nostalgic and fresh all at the same time. Each burger is assembled with such precision that it never slides or falls apart. What is particularly striking is that the chef lets the burger truly shine, without the weight of unnecessary frou-frou. A rule they break with aplomb with the candied jalapeno and crushed Dorito studded 2Pac that feels like a levelled up midnight munchie.

Newcomer:

Beef & Buns

Bíldshöfði 9

Photo by Art Bicnick

“You guys should venture out to suburbia more,” quipped one of our panellists cheekily, before making a case for newcomer Beef & Buns. American smashed burgers continue to reign supreme in popularity and this outpost too pays homage to the lace edged, singed fringed burger. It’s a tough world out here for burgers and we fervently wish for this one’s continued success.

Previous Winners

2022: Le Kock

2021: Yuzu

2020: Le Kock & Hamborgara Bullan

2019: Le Kock

2018: Le Kock