Iðnó is often talked about as one of the best cafés in Reykjavik. It sits peacefully right on the edge of Tjornin Pond, inside one of Reykjavik's most historic buildings, but I've always associated Iðnó with its place in the buzzing Reykjavik nightlife.
The last time I visited Iðnó was during Gay Pride 2022, when Icelandic pop king Páll Óskar lit up the stage, followed by an unpleasant morning of recovery. Since then, I have been curious to experience the quieter side of Iðnó, as they have an actual café, which also doubles as a bar.
On a chilly afternoon in early autumn, a friend and I finally stopped by for coffee during a walk around downtown Reykjavik, and were in for a treat!
A Cultural Icon by the Tjornin Pond
The historic entrance of Iðnó is right across from the Reykjavik City Hall, and highlights the upcoming cultural events.
Iðnó is one of the best live music venues in Iceland. Built in 1897 as the headquarters of the Reykjavik Craftsmen Association, this “House of Craftsmen” has been a cultural hub ever since.
For decades, it was home to the Reykjavik Theatre Company, and today it remains an iconic concert and events venue.
The walls whisper stories through old photos, contrasting with posters for upcoming events!
Inside, you can feel the history of the building. Framed photographs document Reykjavik’s development and Iðnó’s role as a cultural landmark. Historic theatre moments hang side by side with modern concert posters, giving visitors a sense of the past and the present at a glance.
The grand hall of Iðnó is also a popular location for weddings in Iceland and connects to a large patio that becomes a go-to spot for a cold beer or glass of wine on sunny days.
As our visit fell on a cool late-September afternoon, we opted for warm drinks and chose a cozy corner table inside with a view of the pond. From there, we watched people strolling along the waterfront and took in the colorful old houses framed by the yellow, orange, and red autumn trees.
A Sandwich, a Skyr Cake, and a Side of Cozy
Iðnó feels both cozy and glamorous at the same time. Just look at those chandeliers!
The menu of Iðnó is small but thoughtful, leaning toward café classics with a Nordic touch.
The idea of the grilled sandwich immediately tempted us, though the classic Icelandic kjotsupa meat soup was a close second place. The skyr-cake, Iceland's answer to cheesecake, called to us from the bar counter, topped with berries and nuts.
After deliberation, we decided to share the grilled ham-and-cheese sandwich and the skyr cake, pairing them with cappuccinos.
Definitely try the sandwich, though the menu does require further investigation in future visits!
It didn't take long for the sandwich to arrive, with a lovely golden crust. It was filled with ham, cheese, and mustard, and came with a tangy side of mustard, mayo, and crunchy pickles, perfect for dunking.
It was rich and crusty, and I find myself thinking about the mustard-mayo sauce combo now, a few days later. It definitely needs a return visit!
The cake was a perfect mix of creamy, fluffy, savoury, and sweet!
The skyr cake was much lighter than expected and was perfect with the warm cup of coffee.
The tartness of the Icelandic skyr balanced the creamy texture, and the nut topping added a satisfying crunch. “This is very approved by me,” my friend declared enthusiastically between bites, a verdict I can only echo.
Our cappuccinos were smooth and well-made, but while coffee dominates the daytime, the café also serves popular Icelandic beers and makes simple cocktails such as gin and tonic. It's perfect if you want to ease into evening mode.
The cozy Iðnó bar keeps it simple but solid.
Even during this quiet afternoon, you could sense Iðnó’s musical DNA.
The faint soundcheck from the grand hall lent our coffee break an undercurrent of excitement. It was a reminder that later the same evening, the floor would once again tremble under live music, and I found myself wishing that I had a big night out planned!
A Peaceful End with a Promise of Future Fun
Outside Iðnó, Tjornin Pond offers art, views, and a place to pause.
After finishing our coffee and sharing the last forkful of skyr cake, we stepped outside and wandered along the edge of Tjornin Pond. The afternoon light shimmered across the water where a few people sat quietly on benches, soaking up the peace of the moment.
We paused to say hello to the birds that call the pond home, carefully avoiding the goose giving us the ultimate stink-eye.
We ended our visit with a stroll by the pond to greet the local birds, but they didn't make us feel very welcome, to be honest.
While I had heard good things about Iðnó, especially about its good-value menu, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and the cozy setting. The beautiful building, the sense that something exciting is always going on, and, of course, the great food combine into what is now one of my new favorite cafés in Reykjavik.
It's well worth a stop while exploring the downtown area, so make sure to visit if you get the chance.
Conclusion: Iðnó offers travelers a slice of Reykjavik history, a scenic break during a city walk, and a subtle teaser for the nightlife ahead. The coffee is great and the menu is good value, with our sandwich and skyr cake being absolutely delicious. Afterwards, make sure to take a stroll along peaceful Tjornin Pond and enjoy the historic surroundings!
