Grái Kötturinn

Grái Kötturinn, the grey cat, is a breakfast café on Hverfisgata, one of the streets running parallel to Laugavegur in the centre of Reykjavik. It does one thing and does it well: hearty breakfasts and brunch, served every day of the week from early morning until early afternoon.

Much of the food is made from scratch. The bread and pancakes are homemade, as are the tuna salad and hummus, and the coffee is a blend put together by the staff, made from five arabica beans and also sold ground in shops. The signature dish is Trukkinn, the truck, a substantial plate of eggs, bacon, potatoes, pancakes, tomato sauce and toast that is designed to keep you going through a long day of sightseeing or recover from a long night.

The café is open every day from 08:00 to 14:30, and the kitchen closes at 14:00. It does not take reservations: the owners say the restaurant is rarely completely full, so you can usually walk in, although there may be a short wait at peak weekend times. If you have questions about ingredients or allergens, the café asks you to call ahead.

Grái Kötturinn suits travellers who want a proper sit-down breakfast rather than a pastry on the go, and it is a good choice before a full-day tour or after a late arrival. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, and it works well for solo travellers, couples and small groups. Portions are generous, so think about sharing if you are not very hungry.

Breakfast is often included in Reykjavik hotel rates, but for those staying in apartments or hostels, or anyone who wants a change from the hotel buffet, a cooked breakfast here is a good alternative. Arriving shortly after opening is the most relaxed time to visit, and it means you can still make an early tour departure. Card payment is standard, so there is no need to carry cash.

From Hverfisgata 16a, Laugavegur, Lækjartorg and Harpa are all within a few minutes' walk. Since it closes in the early afternoon, plan it as a breakfast or brunch stop and then head on to the museums or the harbour.