Cafés in Reykjavik

Cafés in Reykjavik

Icelanders have always been coffee lovers and this is reflected in the number of cafés that have sprung up in the past few years, such as Kaffitár, the aromatic coffee shop with a social conscience that brightens up Bankastræti downtown. There are 5 more Kaffitár outlets in Reykjavík with the latest opening in the new exhibition centre at Perlan. Most cafés sell light meals & alcoholic beverages as well as being child-friendly. Many cafés have taken advantage of the effects of global warming in Iceland and now provide outdoor seating for warmer days. There’s nothing like sipping a good cappuccino in the sun while watching daily life in Reykjavík. Each café has its own speciality and ambience, making choosing difficult, so why not do a ‘café crawl’ that includes the Icelandic traditional food specialist, Café Loki or newcomer Café Laugalækur until you find your favourite barista.

Kaffitár

Bankastræti 8, tel: 420 2732

Iceland‘s most popular coffee shop, built on the passion of the barista and the aroma of newly-ground coffee. We offer a wide variety of coffees, cakes and pastries in a relaxed atmosphere.

Café Loki

Lokastíg 28, tel: 466 2828

This is where you experience typical Icelandic hospitality while you indulge in traditional Icelandic food. Family-owned, the restaurant makes use of recipes that have been passed on from one generation to the next.

Café Laugalækur

Laugarnesvegur 74a, tel: 537 6556

A speciality café and art gallery in the Laugardalur valley. We offer healthy sourdough flatbreads, salads and sandwiches as well as delicious soups and dish-of-the-day. We also serve brunch on weekends from 10:30 -15:00.

Babalú

Skólavörðustígur 22

A cosy café with a laid back atmosphere. Offers crêpes, paninis and homemade cakes.

Café Flora

Reykjavík Botanical Garden

A lovely café set in the Botanical Gardens. Light meals from local produce.

A coffee house in the capital of Iceland. Photo by Olga

Café Haiti

Geirsgata 7b

A relaxing atmosphere and excellent coffee roasted at the premises.

Café Paris

Austurstræti 14

A cosy café in the heart of town. Serves a selection of light meals.

Café Roma

Rauðarárstígur 8

Café/ bakery which offers tasty light meals at reasonable prices.

Grái kötturinn

Hverfisgata 16a

A tiny little 50´s-style café, located in a quiet place on Hverfisgata.

Hannesarholt – Cultural house

Grundarstígur 10

Located in the historic home of the late Hannes Hafstein, Iceland’s First Minister and a beloved poet.

Hressó

Austurstræti 20

Café, bar and bistro that turns into a nightclub in the evenings and at weekends. They sometimes offer live music and have a good dancing area.

IÐA Zimsen

Vesturgata 2a

A book café in a cosy and relaxed atmosphere. Serves light courses and good cakes.

Iðnó

Vonarstræti 3

Theatre café. Beautifully decorated and furnished.

Kaffi Sólon

Bankastræti 7a

Café, bistro, bar and a club, depending on the time of day.

Kaffi Vinyl

Hverfisgata 76

Vinyl store that offers light vegan and vegetarian food.

Kaffifélagið

Skólavörðustígur 10

A small coffee house with a sit in or take away option.

Kjarvalsstaðir

Flókagata 24

Located at Kjarvalsstaðir art museum.

Nice selection of art magazines and good crêpes.

Laundromat Café

Austurstræti 9

Nice Café with light meals and children’s play area in the basement. Transforms into a bar at night.

Mokka Kaffi

Skólavörðustígur 3a

One of Reykjavík´s oldest cafés. Offers a selection of coffee, sandwiches and cakes.

Nora Magasín

Pósthússtræti 9

A small café that offers home-made meals at affordable prices.

Reykjavík Roasters

Kárastígur 1

Local coffeehouse that serves speciality coffee from fresh roasted beans.

Sandholt Bakery

Laugavegur 36

Quality bakery and café, offering light meals and snacks.

Svarta Kaffið

Laugavegur 54

A nice café in a cosy old house. Serves excellent soup in a bread bowl.

Te og Kaffi

Austurstræti18 and Laugavegur 27 & 77 (ask for other locations).

Excellent coffee, cakes and light dishes