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The dining scene in Reykjavík has diversified a great deal in the past few years: traditional Icelandic restaurants now face competition from restaurants serving Asian, Italian, Mexican, Indian, and vegetarian fare. A recent trend has seen the emergence of several upscale establishments emphasizing locally grown ingredients and new Nordic cuisine.
This plain and simple breakfast spot has won the hearts of many politicians who work nearby—as well as Björk—and it tends to get quite busy. If you feel like taking on a huge meal, give "the Truck" (pancakes, eggs, bacon, fried potatoes, tomatoes, and toast) a go. All of the books on the shelves surrounding the tables are free for perusal while you wait for your food.
By day, Kaffibrennslan is a cozy café, with a menu full of sandwich and soup options and every coffee drink you could imagine. At night, the scene changes and you're more likely to be taking a shot with the bartender than asking them which sandwich they prefer—no matter what, you're in for a great time. The second floor is an intimate loft area with window seating that overlooks the busy street below.
If you’re serious about the quality of your cup of joe, then you should feel right at home at Reykjavík Roasters. Owned and operated by some of Iceland’s most esteemed, award-winning baristas, Reykjavík Roasters delivers incredibly consistent cups of coffee. Its dedicated patrons seem to occupy the shabby-chic seating all day long, occasionally getting up for a refill or to play the other side of a vintage vinyl. The staff at this respected establishment prepare every coffee variety perfectly, every time.
There are only two options on the menu at Svarta Kaffið: a vegetarian soup and a meat soup. Known locally as the soup spot, this restaurant really has more of a café atmosphere, with a small list of beers and wine on tap too. You can get your soup in a regular bowl or you can opt for the carb-heavy bread bowl, which is never a mistake.
In business since 1958, Iceland's oldest café is a wonderful place to mingle with locals of all kinds. Many consider the waffles at this Reykjavík institution to be the best in town.
This is a popular spot for dining and people-watching. The menu is broad, covers all main meals with basic dishes, and there are daily specials.
This tiny coffee shop has built itself a solid reputation for excellent Italian espresso. Its delightful brand has been dubbed the "best cup of joe to go," and customers gather on the sidewalk, where they sip from paper cups and talk about politics and the weather.
This is a name you'll see all over Reykjavík—Kaffitár is where Icelanders grab a coffee on their way to work. Some might call it a Nordic Starbucks, but this coffee shop chain is known for paying careful attention to where its beans come from.
Head to Reykjavík Röst to enjoy a harborside coffee. If caffeine isn't your thing, opt for the well-loved hot chocolate.
Iceland’s biggest coffee chain is run by the couple largely responsible for starting the modern Icelandic coffee revolution. Far from its humble beginnings in 1984, the company today boasts its own roastery and operates 12 shops. Six are in downtown Reykjavík—three inside Eymundsson bookstores, so you can enjoy a good book while sipping on a smooth, barista-brewed double latte or macchiato. They also sell great tea, as well as their own brand of light refreshments like cookies, cakes, and delicious frosted muffins. They simply don’t make enough of the citron muffin (everyone’s favorite) so get there early!
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