Are you looking for a small cafe? Or maybe a local Icelandic roaster? Either way, coffee in Iceland is serious business, and locals take pride in a high-quality cup. Discover the best cafes in Reykjavik to experience Icelandic coffee culture at its finest and add them to your trip itinerary.
Iceland’s capital city offers countless things to do and places to see. You’ll need your energy — and if you’re a coffee drinker, you’re in for a treat.
Reykjavik is full of great cafes, many of which are in or around the city center. Despite the sheer amount of coffee in Iceland, the international chains don’t have a strong presence in Reykjavik. This means you’re in for a uniquely Icelandic experience.
In addition to grabbing your morning cup, coffee shops in Reykjavik are perfect places to wind down after day trips outside the capital city or exploring the surrounding area in rental cars. Plus, most cafes in Iceland also serve light food such as soup or savory pastries, making them a good stop for fuel during your travels.
Key Takeaways
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Reykjavik is home to many unique, high-quality cafes serving all kinds of coffee, alcohol, and food.
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Many of the top cafes in Reykjavik are in the city center, making them perfect pit stops when exploring the city.
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Coffee has been a prominent part of Icelandic culture for over 200 years, and the tradition has only gotten stronger.
A Short History of Coffee in Iceland
An Icelandic newspaper advertisement for coffee from the 1930s.
The first Icelander confirmed to have tried coffee was Árni Magnússon, who was born in 1663. He was a prestigious Icelandic scholar who spent much of his life in Copenhagen collecting and preserving old Icelandic manuscripts.
Árni was known to send coffee beans to his friends and family back in Iceland, where this mysterious beverage was unknown. As global trade opened up and the price of coffee decreased, it quickly became popular in Iceland. It’s been central to Icelandic culture since the late 18th century.
A display of coffee and creamers from a merchant's fair in Iceland, 1932.
In the 19th century, coffee quickly overtook tea as the hot drink of choice. Today, Icelanders are among the top five consumers of coffee in the world. It’s a staple of Icelandic hospitality in homes and is common in workplaces throughout the country.
Discover the Best Coffee in Reykjavik
Sitting down at a cafe isn’t only about enjoying well-brewed coffee. The atmosphere, location, and overall character of the cafe play an important role in the overall experience.
Each of the following cafes brings something special to the (coffee) table, making them all worth a visit.
Prikid — Quiet Coffee, Lively Nights
Prikid was established in 1951, making it one of the oldest coffee houses in Reykjavik. Today, it’s a favorite spot for locals and repeat tourists.
In addition to coffee, Prikid offers a full menu that includes hearty breakfasts and amazing hamburgers. The unique environment and eclectic mix of artists and musicians make it a great place to take a quick break while seeing the city.
At night, Prikid transforms into a venue, hosting local musicians and DJs. Parties can get pretty wild, so be prepared for lively energy.
Te og Kaffi — For Tea and Coffee Lovers
Te og Kaffi, which means “tea and coffee,” is Iceland’s largest coffee chain. It boasts eight different cafes in the Reykjavik area.
Since opening in 1984, Te og Kaffi has worked to stay true to its humble, family-business origins. They draw on experience, innovation, and passion to bring customers the best coffee on the market.
Many have argued that Te og Kaffi sparked a coffee revolution in Iceland. The cafe operates a roastery and sells its own beans and coffee brewing paraphernalia. Te og Kaffi has proven itself to be one of the most sincere and unique chains in Iceland.
In the same building as the roastery, the cafe runs training courses for in-house baristas and customers looking to advance their brewing skills and knowledge.
Like the majority of other Icelandic cafes, Te og Kaffi also serves food. Their menu includes sandwiches, paninis, croissants, and savory soups.
- Locations:
Cafe Babalu — A Quirky Spot
Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Viko van Dijk. No edits made.
Cafe Babalu can be found on Skolavordustigur Street, the popular road leading directly to the city center from the iconic Hallgrimskirkja Church. This unusual cafe is immediately recognizable by its bright yellow-and-blue paint job and playful exterior artwork.
Stepping into Cafe Babalu is a trip. You’re met with vintage postcards, Icelandic flags, colorful flower baskets, vinyl records, ancient maps, old books, board games, tropical ornaments, and Flintstones toys. It’s like looking into the imagination of a bizarre grandma with a hoarding problem.
Cafe Babalu offers a wide variety of beverage options, free refills for black coffee, and plenty of choices for cakes and desserts. They also offer a soup of the day and savory crepes if you're looking for a light meal.
The cafe has a somewhat DIY approach to service, so don’t be surprised to find yourself pouring your own coffee refills in a colorful mug of your choice.
- Address: Skolavordustigur 22, 101 Reykjavik
Reykjavik Roasters — For the Coffee Connoisseur
If you have a refined coffee palate, visit Reykjavik Roasters and taste some of the best coffee the city has to offer. The cafe was initially founded in 2008 with an emphasis on providing top-notch, small-batch coffee for Icelanders.
They rebranded in 2013 and changed their name to Reykjavik Roasters. However, they kept the same high standards. They now operate as a coffee retailer, cafe, and educator.
Reykjavik Roasters invests a lot of time and money in their coffee. Working with top farms around the world, the company imports beans sourced through environmentally and socially responsible practices. They import coffee beans from Kenya, Ethiopia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru, and Brazil.
Reykjavik Roasters offers brewing and roasting workshops, which are ideal for those who want to improve their barista skills. Currently, they have three locations in Reykjavik, all in the city's central area. Each location has big, tall windows, allowing you to enjoy the view or people-watch while sipping your nice, warm beverage.
Floran Garden Bistro — A Seasonal Experience
Looking for a way to spend a pleasant spring or summer afternoon? Plan a trip to Reykjavik Botanical Garden, followed by a bite and a cup of coffee at Floran Garden Bistro. This quaint cafe and bistro is situated inside the botanical garden and is directly across from the Reykjavik Family Park & Zoo.
Floran Garden Bistro grows much of its produce in the restaurant garden. This relationship between the environment and food culminates in Floran’s ultimate goal — to provide a unique experience where both elements bring out the best in each other.
The atmosphere of Floran Garden Bistro is strongly inspired by the surrounding beauty, making it one of the most aesthetically beautiful places to eat and drink in the city.
The bistro also offers catering services and readily accepts large groups and parties to enjoy its delicious menu and gorgeous scenery. The one downside is that it's only open from May 1 to September 20.
Reykjavik Rost — A Hidden Gem
If you’re planning to visit Reykjavik’s Old Habour, make sure you stop by Reykjavik Rost. They serve a wide range of Lavazza coffee, an Italian brand known for its exceptional quality.
Reykjavik Rost also specializes in sandwiches made with sourdough. The menu includes smoked salmon, smoked lamb, and peanut butter and chili sandwiches. They also serve soups and baked goods.
If you’re in the area during the late afternoon or early evening, take advantage of happy hour. They offer beer, wines, and delicious cocktails. Enjoy the beverage of your choice while you take in the unforgettable view of the harbor.
- Address: Geirsgata 5c, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
Kaffitar — Coffee With Compassion
Kaffitar was founded in 1990 on the principles of kindness, passion, and expertise. The owners have nurtured the company, which is now one of the leading coffee purveyors in Iceland. They focus on environmental protection, customer satisfaction, and quality coffee.
Kaffitar is the closest you can get to a true espresso bar in Iceland, serving frappuccinos and other sweet espresso-based coffee drinks. It's an excellent place to get seasonal beverages, such as the popular pumpkin spice latte in the fall or a cinnamon and almond Christmas drink during the holiday season.
Kaffitar is also a wholesale provider of coffee. They sell beans and ground coffee in a wide variety of flavors. You’ll find their blends in supermarkets around the country. Take some home with you and let family and friends try this amazing Icelandic coffee.
Mokka Kaffi — Old School 
Mokka Kaffi was founded in 1958 by husband-and-wife team Guðný Guðjónsdóttir and Guðmundur Baldvinsson. Little has changed since then. The sophisticated decor is the same, and so is the family who owns this treasure of a cafe.
There is a striking feature inside Mokka Kaffi. Shadows of the cafe's patrons appear as ghostly shapes imprinted on the wood panels after years of people rubbing against them (as seen in the video below). This alone is worth a visit.
The intimate cafe has a loyal customer base. Many of its patrons have kept it as a makeshift second home for decades. Mokka Kaffi is also a transient exhibition space for local and international artists. Exhibitions change monthly, transforming the cafe into a fresh experience as new art arrives.
Aside from the fantastic artwork, the cafe's classic Icelandic hot chocolate and famous waffles with rhubarb jam and whipped cream are a must-try.
- Address: Skolavordustigur 3a, 101 Reykjavik
Hus Mals og Menningar — Arts and Culture
Hus Mals og Menningar is more than a cafe. It’s part of Reykjavik’s thriving music scene. The cafe has transformed over the past years, becoming one of the best live venues in the city.
Back in the day, the spot was a major bookstore in Reykjavik. Vintage books still line the walls. Visit during the day and enjoy a nice cup of coffee and some light reading. Most books are in Icelandic, but there’s an English section upstairs.
Hus Mals og Menningar gets crowded in the evening in anticipation of live music. The cafe’s slogan is "Live music yesterday, today and tomorrow," an indication that they don't take nights off. You can reliably go there every night and know that a quality show or event will take place.
If an Icelandic or international artist isn’t performing, you can still expect great music. The house band “The Honky Tonks” will be playing covers of classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s by artists such as ABBA, The Beatles, and AC/DC.
This cafe is centrally located on Laugavegur Street, which is known for its shopping, restaurants, and bars. Check it out if you’re in the mood for an interesting night of live music.
- Address: Laugavegur 18, 101 Reykjavik
Kaffibrennslan — A Hipster Hang
Kaffibrennslan operates out of a historic house on Laugavegur Street. A big part of its charm is its old-timey interior with an exposed chimney in the middle of the cafe. The floorboards creak as you make your way to your table.
The cafe opens early and closes late. It’s ideal for a nice hot coffee and croissant in the morning or a glass of wine or beer in the evening. Their waffles are particularly good. Try one with classic jam and cream or go for the Elvisian combination of bacon and syrup.
Kaffibrennslan has an outdoor patio where you can sit and enjoy the sun on a summer day. If a gust of wind ruins the mood, no worries. You can step inside their small glasshouse and keep the sun on your face.
Even during the winter, it can be fun to have your very own see-through abode to do some people-watching.
- Address: Laugavegur 21, 101 Reykjavik
The Phallic Cafe & Bistro — The Weird One
One of the most infamous museums in the world can be found in Reykjavik, Iceland. The Phallological Museum, also known as “the penis museum,” started as a private joke between colleagues. Over the years, it’s grown into an impressive, one-of-a-kind collection.
The museum is home to male specimens of the entire mammalian fauna of Iceland, including whales, humans, and over 100 foreign species. Exploring the museum is definitely worth the trip. There's also a fun gift shop with various phallic souvenirs and art pieces for sale.
The Phallic Cafe & Bistro has a nice selection of locally brewed beers on draft, each with its own punny name. The handle of the beer tap is shaped like a penis, and the latte comes with phallic-shaped cream on top.
The waffles are the highlight of this cafe. They’re in the shape of a penis (are you starting to see a pattern?) and come with delicious chocolate, strawberries, and whipped cream. If you prefer something more savory and filling, the duck confit comes highly recommended and will keep you satisfied.
What might seem like a gimmick is a very nice place to enjoy a cup of coffee in a fun environment.
- Address: Kalkofnsvegur 2, 101 Reykjavik
Cafe Loki — Pure Tradition
Located across the street from Hallgrimskirkja Church in central Reykjavik, you’ll find Cafe Loki. It’s named after the Norse god of mischief. The cafe is appropriately located in Asgardur, a small neighborhood with streets named after Norse gods.
Cafe Loki offers high-quality coffee drinks such as cafe latte or americano. But it's known for its excellent selection of traditional Icelandic food.
Don't expect the fine dining experience offered by many of the fancy restaurants in Reykjavik. Instead, invite your taste buds to the cozy home of an Icelandic grandma and enjoy some local comfort food.
You’ll find classics such as rye bread with sliced smoked lamb or "plokkfiskur," which is Icelandic gratinated mashed fish. On a cold day, nothing beats the hearty taste of an Icelandic lamb meat soup. For your sweet tooth, check out Cafe Loki's unique rye bread ice cream.
Sit outside and enjoy the iconic view of Hallgrimskirkja Church while enjoying a cup of coffee and homemade Icelandic recipes on a sunny day.
- Address: Lokastigur 28, 101 Reykjavik
Fancy a Reykjavik Food Tour?
If Reykjavik cafes aren’t quite enough for the foodie in you, consider the following guided tours:
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Reykjavik Food Walk Tour — Explore local food on this tour of six popular locations. This is a great way to experience Reykjavi’s amazing food and culture.
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Private 3-Hour Food Tour of Reykjavik — Enjoy a personal guided tour and learn all about Reykjavik’s food scene while tasting incredible dishes.
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Traditional Icelandic Food Tour — Discover the unique flavors of traditional Icelandic food on this walking tour through Reykjavik.
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Food Lover’s Tour of Reykjavik — Set off on a culinary journey in the heart of Reykjavik and discover why traditional Icelandic cuisine is so special.
In addition to food tours, you can book all types of Reykjavik excursions and experience Iceland’s capital city any way you want.
FAQs About Cafes in Reykjavik
Read some of the most common questions about visiting cafes in Reykjavik so you can make the most of your visit.
What is the most popular type of coffee in Iceland?
Traditional black coffee (filtered or drip coffee) is the most common. However, espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos have become increasingly popular in cafes.
What is the typical price of a coffee in Reykjavik?
Coffee prices vary based on the cafe. A standard coffee is between 4 USD and 6 USD. Specialty drinks like lattes and cappuccinos are between 5 USD and 9 USD. Expect higher prices in tourist-heavy areas.
Do cafes in Reykjavik have free Wi-Fi?
Yes, most cafes offer free Wi-Fi, making them great spots for digital nomads or travelers. Popular cafes with strong Wi-Fi include Reykjavik Roasters, Kaffitar, Mokka Kaffi, and Kaffibrennslan.
Do I need to tip in Reykjavik cafes?
Tipping is not required, as service charges are included in prices. Rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated.
Can I bring my laptop and stay for a few hours?
Most cafes allow it, but some discourage long stays during peak hours. The best work-friendly spots include Reykjavik Roasters and Kaffitar.
Do I need a reservation for cafes in Reykjavik?
No reservations are needed for most cafes. Only a few, like Floran Garden Bistro, require bookings for large groups or special occasions.
Do cafes in Reykjavik have a dress code?
Nope. Dress casually and comfortably. Many locals wear warm sweaters and layers, especially in winter. Save your nicer clothes for restaurants in Reykjavik.
Is it easy to find lactose-free or alternative milk options?
Yes. Most cafes offer oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, or lactose-free milk. Always check with a cafe before you visit if you have strict dietary requirements.
What payment methods do Reykjavik cafes accept?
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, along with Apple Pay and Google Pay. Cash isn’t very common in Iceland, so plan on paying by card.
Enjoy a Cup in Reykjavik
You're now well-equipped to embark on your own Reykjavik coffee adventure. Each cafe has its own unique character and story. Take your time, savor the aroma of freshly roasted beans, and engage with the friendly locals. You might discover a hidden gem or a new favorite brew.
Ready to immerse yourself in Iceland’s food and drink culture during your trip? Let us know what you can’t wait to try in the comments below.
