This list of the cosiest cafes in Reykjavik contains affiliate links.
Iceland is a country for the adventurous. A vast, mountainous landscape – peppered with volcanoes, glaciers and icy fjords – this is a country to climb, swim and hike.
However, and come those dark, inward-looking winter months, Iceland is also a country that lends itself perfectly to the art of cafe hopping. This is particularly so for its capital, Reykjavik – a place where Icelandic coffee culture certainly makes itself known.
With the winter sun not making its appearance until gone 10am and setting a little before 4pm, Reykjavik fills those inky dark days with a warm, cosy light; its cafes alight with candles, open fires, sparkling fairy lights and twinkling trees.
Throughout the city you’ll find plenty of these inviting spots – each offering a sanctuary from the icy winds that howl through the city each winter. Offering you a place to warm up with some strong Icelandic coffee and a wedge of cake, these cafes offer a lovely insight into Icelandic life and its take on that (now overused) Danish word – ‘hygge’.
During our own recent five day trip to Iceland, we’re not ashamed to admit that we spent more time lounging inside these homely spots than we did outside – sampling all that Reykjavik’s cafe culture had to offer.
As a result, we now like to think of ourselves as experts when it comes to the cosiest cafes in Reykjavik. Below is a list of some of our greatest finds, including places for brunch, a coffee and the cosiest of evening dining experiences.
1. Cafe Babalú
Skólavörðustígur 22, Reykjavík 101
Look up the cosiest cafes in Reykjavik and Cafe Babalú will top most lists – and rightly so.
A stone’s throw from the city’s famous Hallgrimskirkja (the Church of Hallgrimur) and located in downtown Reykjavik, Cafe Babalú is a treasure trove of eclectic memorabilia, traditional Icelandic tapestries, steaming bowls of soup and warm, inviting lighting.
One thing in particular that this cafe is popular for is its apple crumble and big bowls of lamb stew; both of which we tried. While this isn’t Michelin-starred food, it is tasty enough and the perfect spot for a quick lunch. Booze is also available here (although be prepared to pay around £9 for a glass of wine), alongside smaller snacks such as cheese toasties and and tomato soup.
To save the pennies, you can also opt for one of their combo options – with soup and a grilled cheese sandwich setting you back 2390kr – or £13.
Be warned, there is a resident cat here – although as cat lovers, this didn’t bother us in the slightest. However, be prepared to possibly leave with more car fluff attached to you than when you arrived.
2. Kaffihús Vesturbæjar (Vesturbær, Reykjavik)
Melhagi 20, 107 Reykjavík
We accidentally stumbled across this beautiful cafe – and are so glad that we did.
Exploring the eastern point of Reykjavik on our electric scooters, we were a little caught out by the sun setting so suddenly and the icy cold wind that began to blow in from the Atlantic. A little frozen, we headed up the city’s streets, in search of somewhere to warm up – happening upon the wonderful Kaffihús Vesturbæjar.
Dubbing itself Reykjavik’s ‘neighbourhood bistro’, Kaffihús is a sophisticated, yet warm and welcoming, bolthole. Filled with stripped wooden floors, long tables and flickering candles, this was a space filled with parents and their babies, local intelligentsia, couples on dates and those enjoying a leisurely lunch, when we visited.
In fact, I think we were the only tourists there.
Alongside serving up fantastic coffee (and mouth-watering cakes), this spot also offers up bigger meals, including lunch and dinner (although, be sure to book ahead if you want an evening meal here.
I saw some reviews to say that they didn’t find staff here particularly friendly, but that wasn’t our experience. They were definitely very busy people – but in no way hostile. While we only had coffee and cake there, we would have definitely returned for dinner if we’d had the chance – the cheeseburgers looked incredible. You can also enjoy a glass of Icelandic beer here, alongside wine and cocktails.
It was easily one of the cosiest cafes in Reykjavik that we came across.
3. Cat Café Reykjavik
Bergstaðastræti 10a, 101 Reykjavík
Although (for us) this was easily one of the best cafes in Reykjavik, and definitely one of the cosiest cafes in Reykjavik, I appreciate that if you don’t like cats, then this spot may not be for you.
Kattakaffihusid is Iceland’s first cat cafe and opened in March 2018. Like many of the other cat cafes we visited, this is not only a place where you can relax with a cup of tea, but where you can also meet – and if you want, adopt – the cats living there.
Opened by two self-declared crazy cat ladies, Gígja Sara Björnsson and Ragnheidur Birgisdóttir, this is a really lovely cafe in downtown Reykjavik- filled with cat memorabilia, tasty cakes and, of course, feline companions.
One thing we were surprised by was just how big their menu was – featuring waffles, thick milkshakes, Kleina (Icelandic doughnuts) and warm apple cake. Easily one of the cosiest cafes in Reykjavik, this is the place to come if you love both cats and sweet treats.
4. The CooCoo’s Nest, Reykjavik
Grandagarður 23, 101, Reykjavík
Definitely one of the best cafes in Reykjavik, we loved CooCoo’s Nest so much that we went back three times.
Found very close to the city’s Grandi Mathöll (food hall – which, incidentally, we ate at four times), this unassuming little restaurant is owned by couple Ann and Lucas Keller, and is found in the city’s old harbour – or trendy ‘Grandi’ area.
When we first visited, we just had a few drinks – sampling the CooCoo Nest’s delicious homemade Baileys (highly recommended). The atmosphere in the bar was super cosy and we spent the night surrounded by the sounds of the busy kitchen, and the sight of flickering candles and old, antique china.
Having seen some of the food being prepared, we decided to book in for an evening meal there the following night. The food was fantastic and we gorged on homemade tagliatelle and sourdough pizza. You can also have brunch at the CooCoo’s Nest, alongside selecting smaller bites to eat from their Deli menu.
This was easily our favourite place to eat in the city and definitely one of the cosiest cafes in Reykjavik.
(Please note, for food, the restaurant only accepts reservations in the evenings).
5. Grái Kötturinn, Reykjavik
Hverfisgata 16a, 101 Reykjavík
Ever wondered what Bjork’s favourite cafe in Reykjavik is?
Well, this is it.
Grái Kötturinn, or ‘Grey Cat’, is a secluded, modest little cafe, tucked away just a short walk from the infamous Icelandic Phallological Museum (one of the best museums I’ve perhaps ever visited).
One of the best places for brunch in downtown Reykjavik, serving up a big slice of Icelandic coffee culture, alongside fluffy pancakes, Grái Kötturinn is a very popular spot – so be prepared to wait for a seat.
Indeed, this cafe is a small one – with little tables tucked away into corners and leaning bookshelves, overflowing with books, taking up the remaining space. However, the wait is worth it – as we had the most amazing breakfast here.
Their most popular brunch item is the Cafe’s famous ‘Truck’: American pancakes with bacon, egg, friend tomatoes, friend potatoes, toast syrup and butter (3,300kr). Having tried this myself, I can confirm it is delicious – and extremely filling.
Friendly, eceltic and perfect for any carb-loving bibliophiles, the Gray Cat is definitely one of the cosiest cafes in Reykjavik, and a fantastic place for brunch and coffee.
6. Sandholt, Reykjavik
One of the most popular places for brunch in Reykjavik is the sophisticated and delicious Sandholt.
A bakery and eatery, Sandholt is something of an institution in Reykjavik. Family run and now in its fourth generation, this bakery offers a blend of traditional Icelandic recipes, alongside traditional and delicious treats, such as macaroons and petit fours.
You can either pop in here and grab a tasty treat (the Pain au Chocolats looked spectacular), or you can sit down and enjoy a bigger meal (alongside ordering directly from the bakery, too).
Definitely one of the best places for brunch in Reykjavik, we visited here one dark Sunday morning, at around 10am. We both had a really lovely meal: I went for their waffle with cheddar cheese, chives, fried egg, bacon and jalapeno maple syrup, whilst Claire enjoyed their Shaksuka. Interestingly, it wasn’t as expensive as I thought – cheaper than Gray Cat cafe, in fact.
Be sure to try one of their specialist breads when visiting – as these are bakers who specialise in ‘ancient’ breads. These include loaves of Enkir bread, Rye bread and Kamut bread – all equally delicious and nutritious.
7. Sky Lagoon Café, Reykjavik
Vesturvör 44-48 200, 200 Kópavogur
Although located a little out of town (around a ten minute drive away), the Sky Cafe found at Reykjavik’s latest resident – the Sky Lagoon – is truly lovely.
Modern, sleek and appropriately dimly lit (perfect after a twilight dip in the adjacent lagoon), the cafe here is a great place for a glass of wine, or warming cup of green tea.
If you’re feeling a little peckish, then the cafe also specialises in nutritious – and traditionally Icelandic – food, alongside sandwiches and soups. Alternatively, if you’re after something a little more discerning, then be sure to order from their ‘Smakk Bar’ – where you can order up to five unique tasting plates including the wonderfully named ‘Mind the Cheese’, ‘The Generous Sea’ and ‘The Icelandic Countryside’.
Surprisingly these plates aren’t all that expensive, costing around 1,900kr – or £11. You can also enjoy a glass of Icelandic beer here, if you wish.
All in all, this is an atmospheric, relaxed and refined cafe – and one of the nicest places to eat in Reykjavik.
8. Reykjavik Flea Market
Tryggvagata 19 Old Harbour, Reykjavik 101, Iceland
Whilst not strictly a cafe, Reykjavik’s Flea Market is easily one of the cosiest (and coolest) places in the city to grab a coffee and explore.
Open Saturday and Sunday 11am-5pm, the Flea Market sits next to the city’s Art Museum and directly across from the harbour. Made up of two large rooms, filled with different vendors, here you can find everything from traditional Icelandic knitwear to old, Icelandic stamps and coins.
Alongside this, you can explore stalls overflowing with paintings, lamps, old toys, vintage records, furniture and clothing – alongside more modern, handmade items.
We suggest grabbing a coffee before you go in (perhaps from the nearby Laundromat Cafe or Reykjavik Roasters) and snuggling down on one of the market’s old leather Chesterfield sofas, before commencing your browsing.
9. The Cafe in Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall
Austurbakki 2, Reykjavik 101, Iceland
Reykjavik’s beautiful ‘Harpa’ building – its resident concert hall – is difficult to miss.
Appearing to float almost on top of the city’s waters – a purple, black and sparkling cube of a building – Harpa is just as bit stunning inside as it is out.
The hall is free to enter, even if you don’t have a tour booked or a concert to see (you’ll find lots of people wandering around this breathtaking building). Having something of a soft spot for concert halls (especially the one found in Hamburg), we decided to have a quick peek inside – and stumbled across its fantastic cafe – also known as the Hnoss Restaurant.
Visible as soon as you walk in, this sophisticated and atmospheric restaurant offers hearty bowls of fish stew, open sandwiches and fantastic lattes (I also highly recommend their chicken schnitzel).
Beautifully lit – with views across the water – this is a fabulous place, with incredible food – and easily one of the best cafes in Reykjavik.
10. Reykjavik Roasters
Offering up the best coffee in Iceland – and bringing with it a big dose of Icelandic coffee culture – are the fantastic Reykjavik Roasters.
Importing beans largely from South America and East Africa, the folk at Reykjavik Roasters are dedicated to then roasting these beans with love and care; bringing you a high-quality and delicious mug of coffee.
A small chain, there are four Reykjavik Roasters cafes throughout central Reykjavik, open all week round. These can be found at the following locations:
- In the art museum – Gerðarsafn
- Ásmundarsalur on Freyjugata 41
- Kárastígur 1, 101 Reykjavik
- Brautarholt 2, 105 Rejkjavik
Alongside offering the best coffee in Reykjavik, here you can also take part in art sessions and (if local to Iceland) sign up to their coffee subscription service. These are definitely some of the best cafes in Reykjavik.
11. Mokka Kaffi
Skólavörðustígur 3a, 101 Reykjavík
Mokka Kaffi is one of the best cafes in Reykjavik – and definitely one of the cosiest places to sit, with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
Said to be one of the city’s oldest cafe, this was one of, if not the first, cafe in Iceland to own its own Espresso machine – therefore able to make Italian style coffee. Still owned by the same family who opened it in 1958, Mokka Kaffi is a nostalgically warm, well-worn and much-loved institution in Reykjavik.
Alongside selling some of the best coffee in Reykjavik, it also offers a small menu that includes mouth-watering waffles and Icelandic hot chocolate (very rich and creamy).