Discover the best places in Reykjavik for a delicious brunch! Start your day with a meal at some of the best restaurants and cafes in Iceland’s capital, setting the perfect mood for your city adventure or day trip from Reykjavik.
Breakfast is commonly said to be the most important meal of the day, but we’d like to argue that brunch is even better, especially when you’re gearing up for an adventure in Iceland!
When heading out from your Reykjavik accommodation, it’s best to prepare for the day with a good meal. Thankfully, Iceland’s capital offers plenty of delicious ways to do so!
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You’ll find great restaurants and cafes in Reykjavik serving tasty brunch menus for those looking for a late breakfast or an early lunch. Whether you’re planning for Reykjavik walking tours or embarking on adventurous self-drive tours to the countryside in your rental car, Reykjavik has the ideal meal to kickstart your day.
Find the best brunch and breakfast places in Reykjavik, and prepare for a delicious culinary adventure with this helpful guide!
Key Takeaways
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Reykjavik has brunch spots open every day of the week, including the bakeries BakaBaka, Sandholt, and the Laundromat Café, plus weekend-only brunches at restaurants like Bastard Brew & Food, Monkeys, Fjallkonan, and Apotek.
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For brunch with a view, Kopar Restaurant sits by the Old Harbor in Reykjavik, within walking distance of the city center.
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For bottomless brunch in Reykjavik, Bastard Brew & Food, Kol, and Sæta Svínið let you order small plates as often as you like, with optional bottomless drinks over a two-hour window.
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Most of these brunch spots are within walking distance of central sights like Hallgrimskirkja Church and Laugavegur Street, so you can eat and explore on foot.
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The most popular restaurants in Reykjavik fill up fast, so reserve a table ahead of time, especially for weekend brunch.
Top 3 Weekday Brunch Spots in Reykjavik
Here are the best places to eat in Reykjavik for a weekday brunch, where you can start any day of the week with a delicious treat!
3. Laundromat Café
Sometimes, you’re just craving the classics, and that’s what makes Laundromat Café such a great place for brunch in Reykjavik. It’s relatively affordable, and you can try different brunch platters, which include mixes of sausages, bacon, eggs, cheeses, fruits, bread, and more. There are omelets, toast, pancakes, and Greek yogurt as well, so you’re sure to find something for everyone!
The atmosphere is casual, and the location features bright colors and quirky decor reminiscent of an American diner. The name isn’t just for fun, either! The Laundromat Café is actually a real laundromat, so if you need to refresh your suitcase, it’s the perfect stop.
You can enjoy a lovely brunch while you wait for the washing machine and dryer to be done, and if you need more time, there are board games, books, and chess that will shorten the wait further. It’s the perfect way to make the most of your brunch time!
2. Sandholt
Photo from Sandholt
Any breakfast, brunch, or lunch recommendation list in Reykjavik would be a scandal if it didn’t include the famous Sandholt bakery. It’s one of the oldest operating bakeries in Iceland, having opened in 1920, and is now run by the fourth generation of artisan bakers.
The bakery serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch every day, so it’s a perfect way to start your day in Reykjavik. You’ll find many options like shakshuka, sourdough bread with delicious toppings, and great sandwiches, along with sweet and savory waffles!
Photo from Sandholt
It’s located in a historic building on Laugavegur Street and collaborates with the Sand Hotel, which is just next door. The hotel offers its guests some delicious Sandholt bread and pastries for breakfast, so if a visit to Sandholt is on your wish list, it may be a good choice for your accommodation in Iceland.
Keep in mind that it’s one of the most popular bakeries in Reykjavik, and while you can always try your luck to see if they have space, it’s always best to book your table at Sandholt ahead of time.
Book your table at Sandholt now!
1. BakaBaka
Many locals and visitors alike would easily give the title of the best brunch in Reykjavik to BakaBaka, as it’s very much deserving of it. It’s open all days of the week, so you can always stop by, no matter your schedule, and as it’s a bakery, it opens super early!
It was opened by the same people who founded the famous Brauð & Co bakery, and BakaBaka has become equally renowned for its delicious pastries and bread. The brunch options deserve just as much recognition.
BakaBaka’s amazing French toast is hard to forget, and you can choose from different fried or scrambled eggs with mushrooms, sausages, bacon, or mortadella. There’s also a delicious shakshuka, ratatouille, and much more. Of course, you can also just go for an amazing pastry with some coffee.
The building BakaBaka is located in was originally built in 1834 to house Iceland’s first bakery! The interior features exposed brick and wood beams, making for a cozy environment to enjoy a meal and great coffee.
It is also a very popular location, as it has been showered with acclaim for its pastries, so make sure to reserve a table and plan your visit to ensure availability. If you don’t manage to grab a table for brunch, it’s also worth highlighting that in the evening, BakaBaka transforms into a pizzeria, serving some of the best Italian pizzas in Reykjavik.
No matter what time of day you visit, you can be sure that your meal will be absolutely delicious. Make sure to include it in your Reykjavik itinerary!
Book your table at BakaBaka now!
Top 7 Weekend Brunch Spots in Reykjavik
While the previous brunch locations are available every day of the week, here are even more delicious options that are only on offer during weekends!
7. Kopar Restaurant
Kopar Restaurant sits by the Old Harbor in Reykjavik, with beautiful views across the water. Every Saturday from 12 PM to 3 PM, it serves its bottomless brunch, called “Botnlaus bröns,” with seasonal Icelandic ingredients, fresh seafood, and plenty of classic favorites.
Kopar is known for its rock crab soup, smoked Arctic char, and salted cod, making it a great choice among seafood restaurants in Reykjavik. If you’re looking for vegan-friendly foods in Reykjavik, you can enjoy the mushroom Wellington and a full vegetarian tasting menu.
The restaurant feels warm, with an open kitchen, wooden beams, exposed brick, and large windows overlooking the harbor. Try to get a table upstairs or by a window for views of the fishing boats and mountains. In summer, you can also take your table out on the terrace. Read a local foodie’s review of Kopar Restaurant for a closer look at the dining experience.
It’s also worth coming back for dinner to try the “Ævintýraferð,” or Adventure Menu. This six-course experience comes in seafood and vegan versions. The wine list is designed by the restaurant’s in-house sommelier, and the bar makes excellent cocktails and mocktails.
Book your table at Kopar Restaurant now!
6. Monkeys Food & Wine
Monkeys Food & Wine is known for its stunning maximalist interior, great cocktails, and delicious Nikkei cuisine, combining Peruvian and Japanese traditions to create interesting small dishes.
There are two offers to choose from: a lighter three-course brunch or a full-out five-course luxury brunch. You can mix the starters, mains, and desserts however you please, though we recommend trying the fried crispy plantains, double-baked croissant, and the chia chocolate brownie!
For an even more luxurious experience, add “bottomless bubbles” to the meal to enjoy prosecco, mimosas, cocktails, and Carlsberg with your meal over a period of two hours. It’s a surefire way to set an amazing tone for a fun day.
Monkeys is also a fantastic place for a nice dinner or for some evening cocktails. It’s a strong contender for the title of the most aesthetically pleasing restaurant in Iceland, making it truly worth a visit. There’s even a beautiful railroad car in a part of the restaurant where you can enjoy your drinks! Make sure to stop by Monkeys during your time in Iceland; it’s sure to be memorable!
Reserve your table at Monkeys Food & Wine now!
5. Fjallkonan
Fjallkonan is a very popular restaurant that has a fantastic weekend brunch with plenty of delicious options to choose from. It’s located just by Ingolfstorg Square in the center of Reykjavik, making it a great place for those wanting to spend the day exploring the city’s sights!
They serve many classic options with their own original twist, such as a selection of different Eggs Benedict. You can even get one with a decadent “craffle”, which is an amazing combination of a croissant and a waffle!
If you’re feeling hungry and feeling kind enough to share with another person, you can tackle the brunch tower, which is probably one of the best-value brunch options around. There are also plenty of fun cocktails to choose from, and you can make your own mimosas with a bottle of Piccini!
Fjallkonan is a great location for a unique breakfast, but if you happen to be starting your day late, you can also try their afternoon tea. It’s served daily after 2:30 PM, not just on weekends, and includes options such as blueberry scones, confit duck, Arctic char, and more. There are also delicious sweet desserts to choose from.
Reserve a table at Fjallkonan Restaurant now!
4. Apotek Kitchen + Bar
If you want to feel extra fancy while enjoying an amazing brunch, stop by Apotek Kitchen + Bar. It’s in one of the more historic buildings in the city center, a landmark of Austurstraeti Street, and it’s just a stone’s throw away from the Althingi Parliament Building.
It was built in 1917 to house the Icelandic Order of Freemasons and was one of the larger buildings in Reykjavik at the time. The interior has been preserved wonderfully, with decorated ceilings, large windows, and elegant pillars that make for a beautiful dining space.
The great weekend brunch menu features options such as avocado and shrimp toast, and the duck and waffle with an egg, which we highly recommend! There are also different versions of Eggs Benedict that are worth a go, and if you have a sweet tooth, the passion meringue waffle is amazing!
Apotek is well known for its original cocktail selection, which you can pair with your tasty meal. For a special treat, you can also order the mimosa mini bar that lets you mix to your heart’s content! If you’re not up for alcohol, there are also great non-alcoholic cocktails on offer.
If you’re a late riser or want to enjoy a brunch-like treat in the afternoon, you can also stop by for an afternoon tea! It’s served after 2:30 PM and includes delicious sandwiches and savory waffles, with a selection of sweet treats and desserts.
Book a table at Apotek Kitchen + Bar now!
3. Kol Restaurant
Kol is a fantastic restaurant located on Skolavordustigur Street, just next to Hallgrimskirkja Church, which makes it an excellent location for brunch before heading out to see the city sights. On the weekends, you can enjoy the Kol bubble brunch, which offers a set menu of exciting dishes.
You’ll see classics such as Eggs Benedict, chicken on waffles, cronuts, and more, but each one has a unique twist. There’s also a vegan version of the menu available, which is fantastic and arguably the best vegan brunch in Reykjavik! If you want to add to the meal, you can also choose more small dishes off their brunch menu, though there won’t be a true need for this as you won’t leave hungry!
To accompany the experience, you can add bottomless bubbles to the menu and enjoy as many prosecco-based cocktails as you’d like over two hours. Or, if you want to be super fancy, you can get Moët & Chandon champagne instead of prosecco! The cocktail menu is also fantastic and created by expertly skilled bartenders. There are plenty of options with and without alcohol to go with your brunch.
With its innovative cuisine, exceptional service, and prime location, Kol is a great option for a fun brunch experience in Reykjavik. Remember to stop by during your time in Iceland!
Book a table at Kol Restaurant now!
2. Sæta Svínið Gastropub
One of the more fun locations for a weekend brunch in Reykjavik is Sæta Svínið. The name means “the sweet pig,” and right at the entrance, you’ll be greeted by a small statue of said pig. It’s often dressed in quirky outfits, setting the playful tone for your visit!
The brunch menu of Sæta Svínið has sinful and delicious options like waffle sandwiches, different versions of Eggs Benedict, banana pancakes, and more. If you’re in for something sweet, you should try the Toblerone pancakes, the berry cheesecake pancakes, or the dreamy caramel waffle.
The cocktails are also fantastic and carry on the whole breakfast theme. You can try an egg, bacon, and bourbon cocktail or the various original pig-pun-named creations. You can also go for more classic drinks or try your hand at creating your own mimosas!
You won’t leave hungry at Sæta Svínið, as the food is amazing and the portions are very generous. Make sure to check out our review from our visit here.
Reserve your table at Sæta Svínið now!
1. Bastard Brew & Food
For those who really want to indulge in a great late breakfast or early lunch, the best place for a bottomless brunch in Reykjavik is Bastard Brew & Food. It has a fantastic menu where you can order two small dishes at a time, as often as you want, over a period of two hours.
The menu is split into four, with brunch classics, savory and sweet options, and fun breakfast tacos! We especially recommend the pulled pork tacos and any of the pancakes, but it’s best to try as many different dishes as possible. If you’re in a group, it’s also a great idea to share so you can try even more things!
You can also include bottomless drinks in your brunch offer if you want to start your day with a party. Of course, you can also just order from the bar instead or go for non-alcoholic options if you prefer a more relaxed day.
The casual and fun atmosphere, tasty food, and the chance to indulge make Bastard Brew & Food one of the best places to go for an amazing brunch. Make sure to reserve a table for the weekend brunch, as it’s very popular.
Book your table at Bastard Brew & Food now!
Treat Yourself to the Best Brunch in Reykjavik
No matter which one of these amazing brunch locations you choose, the experience is sure to be a culinary highlight of your trip to Reykjavik. You’re in for a good time with classic and innovative dishes, great service, and nice locations! Treat yourself to an amazing meal, plan a visit to these restaurants, and make the most of your Reykjavik adventure!
Will you start your day with a brunch in Reykjavik, or are you more of an early breakfast person? Which of these locations would you like to try? Are there any brunch options missing from our list? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
I'm an Icelandic folklorist writing about Icelandic nature and culture for travelers. I share practical guides, cultural insights, and tips on hidden spots, helping you experience the best of Iceland and maybe come to love it as much as I do!
