Iceland (Lonely Planet, 7th Edition) - Fran Parnell [178]
Hótel KEA (Map Click here; 460 2000; www.keahotels.is; Hafnarstræti 87-89; s/d Jun-Aug Ikr18,600/23,900, Sep-May Ikr13,300/16,600; ) KEA has spacious business-style rooms with a dated design and large bathrooms. There’s little local character about it, but some rooms have balconies and good views over the fjord. There’s a bar, a cafe and a swanky but soulless restaurant, Rosagardurinn.
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EATING
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out in Akureyri, with a large selection of cafes and restaurants serving everything from spicy noodles to authentic Icelandic cuisine. Locals love dipping their edibles in Béarnaise sauce – don’t be shy to follow suit!
Restaurants & Cafes
BUDGET
Café Brauðbúd Konditori (Map Click here; UndirhlíÐ) This excellent-value canteen at the Bónus supermarket serves the usual sandwiches, cakes and soup as well as hearty pasta, pizza and meat dishes from Ikr500. Despite the boxy facade, there’s a tinge of character here.
Kristjáns Bakarí (Map Click here; Hafnarstræti; 8am-5.30pm Mon-Fri, to 5pm Sat, 10am-5pm Sun) For a quick pit stop this small bakery and cafe on the main drag sells a bumper selection of fresh bread, cakes and pastries.
Café Paris (Blaá Kannan; Map Click here; 461 4600; Hafnarstræti 96; lunches Ikr950; 9am-10.30pm Mon-Sat, 10am-10.30pm Sun) This old-style cafe with wooden interior and chilled atmosphere is a great spot for breakfast or lunch. The huge windows and outdoor tables provide prime locations to watch the world go by and the good-value lunches (often veggie) draw the crowds.
Indian Curry Hut (Map Click here; 461 4242; Hafnarstræti 100B; mains from Ikr1395; 11.30am-1.30pm & 5-9pm Mon-Thu, to 10pm Fri & Sat, 5-9pm Sun) Add a little heat to your chilly Akureyri evening with a flavourful curry from this popular takeaway hut.
MIDRANGE
Krua Siam (Map Click here; 466 3800; Strandgata 13; mains Ikr1200-2300; lunch & dinner) Eating Thai noodles while staring out into a blizzard can be a bit strange, but Krua Siam does a darn good job of transporting tastebuds to the Land of Smiles, despite being a mere 40km from the Arctic Circle.
Bryggjan (Map Click here; 440 6600; Skipagata 12; pizza Ikr1295-2895; 11.30am-10pm) Enjoy this nod to Italy amid flashy plasma TVs and artsy B&W photos.
Bautinn (Map Click here; 462 1818; Hafnarstræti 92; mains Ikr1300-3400) A local favourite, this friendly, relaxed place in the centre of town has an excellent all-you-can-eat soup and salad bar (Ikr1500) and an extensive menu featuring everything from pizza, fish and lamb to such Icelandic favourites as puffin, whale and horse meat.
La Vita é Bella (Map Click here; 461 5858; Hafnarstræti 92; mains Ikr1770-3070; 6-11pm) This Italian restaurant features a good-value selection of salads, risottos and pasta, including lasagne and ravioli, a good range of pizzas and excellent Mediterranean-inspired fish and meat dishes.
Greifinn (Map Click here; 460 1600; www.greifinn.is; Glerárgata 20; burgers from Ikr1770, pizzas Ikr1380-3140; 11.30am-11.30pm) Family-friendly and always buzzing, Greifinn is one of the most popular spots in town. The menu features plenty of comfort food, from juicy burgers and nachos dripping with cheese to good pizzas, salads and devilish desserts.
Strikið (Map Click here; 462 7100; www.strikid.is; Skipagata 14; mains lunch Ikr890-2790, dinner Ikr1590-3150; 11.30am-11pm) This slick, minimalist top-floor restaurant has great views over the harbour and an eclectic menu featuring everything from soup and burgers to Thai noodles, pasta, and meat and seafood dishes. Friendly waitresses serve Kaldi – Akureyri’s microbrew.
TOP END
RUB 23 (Map Click here; 462 2223, 461 2756; www.rub.is; Kaupvangsstræti 23; sushi from Ikr1950, fish from Ikr3750; 6-10pm Sun-Thu, to 11pm Fri & Sat) Pulling off ‘minimal chic’, trendy RUB lets patrons create their own marinades (or ‘rubs’) for