Best Of Reykjavik 2019: Best Ice Cream

Watching Iceland come into its own as a dining destination over the past five years has been a joy. The Icelandic restaurant scene is diversifying, and the definition of what may be deemed “Icelandic cuisine” is broadening and taking on new shapes. Thanks to this new-found culinary confidence—and the added footfall of tourism—this tiny scene is experiencing an unprecedented moment of opportunity. Whether it’s carefully-pleated Sichuanese vegan dumplings or exploratory tasting menus at Nordic fine dining houses, the bandwagon has room for demanding diners. Our hand-picked panel of picky gourmands have sought out the very best of Reykjavík dining to help you navigate the gastronomic waters of the capital area. From budget bites to fanciful fare, we’ve got you covered.

Best Ice Cream

Skúbb

Laugarásvegur 1

Ice cream is one of those ethereal pleasures that encapsulates the mantra of living—be present. Unlike the sugar crazed concoctions in every supermarket aisle, Skúbb elevates the ice-cream games with their flavour-forward, dense, creamy scoops. Seasonal favourite mango is an absolute treat, while the dark chocolate brownie is lusciously bitter. The non-dairy sorbets are intensely fruity, indicating the absence of imitation flavours. Every scoop is a downright treat, especially with the promise of summer looming large.

Runner-Up:

Ísbúð Huppu

Álfheimar 2-6

Selfoss based ice-cream joint Huppu, with their happy cow logo, may not be a vegan haunt, but this thoroughly Icelandic incarnation serves up all the time honoured local classics—creamy soft serves, assortment of dips and toppings with fruit to candy ratio being 1:100 and the hyper-local bragðarefur ice cream & candy smoothie.

Runner-Up:

Valdís

Grandagarður 21 & Frakkastígur 10

Despite stiff competition, Valdís continues to draw the crowds. If you cannot bear the thought of queuing behind an impatient Icelander—ticket system long forgotten—they now sell their wares in supermarkets. The store scoops are a notch above though, so drop in at Grandi or Frakkastígur.

Previous Winners

2018: Skúbb
2013-7: Valdís

Other Dining Categories

Best Burger

Best Vegan Burger

Best Pizza

Best Sushi

Best Indian

Best Chinese

Best Thai

Best Italian

Best Gastropub

Best Lamb

Best Soup

Best Vegan Meal

Best Seafood

Best Goddamn Restaurant

Best Family Restaurant

Best Lunch

Best Brunch

Best Cheap Meal

Best Place For A Fancy Meal

Best Tasting Menu

Best Late Night Bite

Best Place For A Group

Best Bakery

Best Coffeehouse

Best Ice Cream

Best Newcomer

Best Must-Try Dining Experience

You can buy a copy of the full Best Of Reykjavík 2019 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.