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Best Cafés in Reykjavik (2026)

Coffee and baking are part of everyday life in Reykjavik, and the city has a strong café culture that comes into its own in the long, dark winter months. Mornings start early at bakeries such as Sandholt on Laugavegur, run by the fourth generation of a baking family, and Brauð & Co. on Frakkastígur, famous for its cinnamon buns and organic sourdough. For specialty coffee, Reykjavik Roasters roasts its own beans and has a café on Kárastígur near Hallgrímskirkja.

If you want a proper sit-down breakfast, Grái Kötturinn on Hverfisgata serves homemade pancakes and hearty plates until early afternoon. For something sweet later in the day, Ísbúðin Valdís in the Grandi harbour area shows how seriously Icelanders take their ice cream, whatever the weather. Away from the centre, Kaffi Laugalækur is a relaxed neighbourhood café for brunch and dinner near Laugardalur. Most cafés open early and many close by late afternoon, so plan accordingly, and remember that a coffee and pastry is one of the more affordable treats in an expensive city. Bakeries are also the best places to stock up on picnic food before a day trip.

6 places · Updated October 27, 2026

Our top 3 cafés in Reykjavik

  1. Reykjavik Roasters Kárastígur Specialty coffee roaster and café, SkólavörðuholtSmall specialty coffee café of Reykjavik Roasters near Hallgrímskirkja, serving coffee from beans the company imports green and roasts itself, open every day from 08:00.
  2. Sandholt Family bakery and café, LaugavegurLong-running family bakery on Laugavegur, now run by the fourth generation of master bakers, known for its daily sourdough, cakes, tortes and pastries.
  3. Brauð & Co. Frakkastígur Organic sourdough bakery, Frakkastígur / LaugavegurThe original Brauð & Co. bakery, opened in 2016 on Frakkastígur, baking organic sourdough, croissants and its famous cinnamon buns in full view of customers.

Café

2. Sandholt

Family bakery and café$$Laugavegur

Long-running family bakery on Laugavegur, now run by the fourth generation of master bakers, known for its daily sourdough, cakes, tortes and pastries.

View details — Sandholt