Every month, we talk about Reykjavík’s newest restaurants, bars, hangouts, and more. What is hip and happening in and around the city? In this month’s edition: SONO matseljur, Chikin, Máls og Menningar, and Sæta Húsið.
SONO matseljur
SONO took over the restaurant of cultural centre The Nordic House in the past weekends, and they are expanding their operations this summer. SONO is a vegan and vegetarian restaurant offering dishes made with local and seasonal ingredients mixed with the best spices from the Middle East. Spices, herbs, and plants are homegrown or harvested in the Westfjords and all dishes are freshly made from scratch. On their menu, you will find items like aubergine carpaccio, filled artichoke, and baked nectarines.
Chikin
Chikin is Reykjavík’s hottest chicken joint and bao bar. Their chicken burger is said to be the best in town, and they are celebrated for their super hot sauce. Next to chicken burgers, they offer deep-fried sweet potato waffles and chicken fingers. They have something for vegans and vegetarians, too; fried rice cakes, and bao buns with shiitake mushrooms, pickled daikon, ginger-miso mayo, shallots, and coriander.
Máls og Menningar
For over half a century, Mál og Menning was a popular bookstore and landmark in the centre of Reykjavík, but last year, it went bankrupt. Soon after, plans were made to reopen the venue. The new concept is called Máls og Menningar and it is a venue for music, literature, and art. People can order coffee and waffles while browsing through books. Books are an important part of the décor and a large selection is on sale. There is a stage with a grand piano and there is live music every night of the week. Máls of Menningar is open from 12:00 until 24:00 every day.
Sæta Húsið
Sæta Húsið is the new sweet tooth heaven in town, offering ice cream rolls with whipped cream and delicious toppings. First, you pick a size and two flavours of ice cream, for instance Oreo, Kinder Bueno, Nutella, or fruity flavours like banana or kiwi. Why not follow the Icelandic trend and choose liquorice? Then, you pick toppings (two are included). Go for salted caramel sauce, peanuts, gummi bears, or anything else you like. That’s it! Sæta Húsið is located at Laugavegur 6 and is open every day from 12:00 until 22:00.
