Stefan B Chocolatier

There is a moment in every trip to Reykjavik when you walk past Stefan B Chocolatier on Laugavegur, glance through the window, and decide that handmade Icelandic chocolate is exactly what the afternoon requires. This small shop has been crafting artisan chocolates that capture Iceland's unique flavours since its founding, and it has earned a devoted following among both tourists and locals.

The Chocolate

What sets Stefan B apart from the standard chocolate shop is the commitment to Icelandic ingredients and flavours. Lava salt chocolate combines the mineral sharpness of Icelandic volcanic salt with smooth dark chocolate. Birch-smoked varieties carry a subtle woodiness that evokes the Icelandic landscape. Arctic thyme, wild-harvested from the highlands, adds an herbal complexity that is unlike anything you have tasted before.

The technical execution matches the ambition. Tempering is precise, ganaches are smooth, and the balance between sweetness and flavour is carefully managed. These are chocolates made by someone who understands the craft, not merely follows recipes.

Hot Chocolate

The hot chocolate deserves its own section. Made from Stefan B's own chocolate rather than powder, it is thick, rich, and deeply satisfying. On a cold Reykjavik day -- which is most days -- a cup of Stefan B's hot chocolate is one of the city's great small pleasures. It is the kind of drink that makes you close your eyes and forget about the wind.

Gifts and Souvenirs

The beautifully packaged gift boxes solve the perennial traveller's dilemma of what to bring home. Available in various sizes and assortments, they are elegant enough for proper gifts and portable enough for suitcase travel. The lava salt collection and the mixed Icelandic flavours box are particularly popular choices, and they offer something genuinely unique -- a souvenir that tells a story about Iceland rather than simply bearing its flag.

The Shop

The interior is small but inviting, with display cases showcasing the current collection and staff who are happy to offer tastings and recommendations. There is no pressure to buy, though the smell alone makes resistance difficult.

Visiting

Stefan B is on Laugavegur, which means you will likely pass it multiple times during any stay in Reykjavik. The shop opens at eleven, which makes it a mid-morning temptation, and closes at six (five on Sundays). Allow time to browse, sample, and inevitably buy more than you planned. That is the Stefan B experience, and it is entirely worth surrendering to.