Best Of Reykjavík 2018: Best Coffeehouse

There has never been a more exciting time for the restaurant scene in Reykjavík. Thanks to burgeoning tourism, exposure, and a genuine curiosity for foods from far and wide, diners now have a plethora of choices on offer. Whether it’s high-end fine dining (we even boast a Michelin starred gem!), or a cheap late night bite, Reykjavík is coming into its own as a culinary destination, offering small plates, tasting menus, farm to table seasonal produce and classic Iceland cuisine, and all while accommodating vegans and vegetarians. The following restaurants are the very best, according to our panel of enthusiastic gourmands. Feel free to let us know what you think of our choices as you eat your way around the city. We’re listening. And we’re hungry.

Best Coffeehouse

Kaffihús Vesturbæjar

Melhagi 20-22

Kaffi Vest has the staunchest loyalists. An all-purpose neighbourhood café-coffeehouse-bar-restaurant establishment, they serve good coffee, excellent Sara Bernhardt cookies, and huge slices of chocolate or carrot cake. Located close to Vesturbæjarlaug pool, the café itself is cosy, with a vibe that lends itself equally to a post-swim lunch, working on your thesis, flirting on a first date, or haggling fees with a client. The lack of sound dampeners makes it pretty noisy in the evening, but if you can get over that, you’re golden.

Runner-Up:

Reykjavík Roasters

Brautarholt 2 & Kárastígur 1

With some of the best coffee in Iceland, Roasters offers the full Scandi coffee house experience, but they’re best known for their specialty coffe and their in-house roasted beans. The crowded Kárastígur branch is best for takeouts and dropping in; Brautarholt for working away from your desk.

Newcomer:

Bismut

Hverfisgata 82

Café Bismút is a welcome new addition to the city’s café culture—located on Hverfisgata and run by three coffee, art and design enthusiasts, it’s been long in the planning, as you can tell from clean, minimal interior, an interesting exhibition programme, and, of course, the lovingly made coffee, served in distinctive yellow glasses. There’s also a huge window onto Hverfisgata for people-watching. In the market for a new favourite coffee spot? Check it out—maybe this is it.

Previous Winners

2017: Reykjavik Roasters

2016: Stofan

2015: Kaffihús Vesturbæjar

2014: Reykjavík Roasters

2013: Kaffismiðjan

Other Dining Categories

Best Burger

Best Coffeehouse

Best Sushi

Best Indian

Best Thai/Chinese

Best Goddamn Restaurant

Best Place For A Fancy Meal

Best Family Meal

Best Cheap Meal

Best Pizza

Best Coffee

Best Bakery

Best Vegetarian Meal

Best Vegan Meal

Best Brunch

Best Seafood

Must-Try Dining Experience

Best Late Night Bite

Best Place To Go With A Group Of Friends

Best Newcomer

Best Lunch Place

Best Veggie Burger

Best Ice Cream

Best Tasting Menu

Best Italian

You can buy a copy of the full Best Of Reykjavík 2018 magazine—an essential guide to having fun in Reykjavík—here, posted worldwide. We also have a Special Offer double-pack that also includes our Best Of Iceland magazine, about places to eat, see, swim, shop and stay, all around the country, here.