When I think of coffee shops, I think of early mornings and getting a caffeine kick to start the day. Well, it doesn’t quite work that way in Reykjavik. The earliest most shops open is 0800, which was way later than Ashley and I had hoped for. This was especially frustrating when trying to fuel up before taking off on our Golden Circle road trip or our epic day trip to Vik and back.
1. Reykjavik Roasters
This corner coffee shop is one of the only places in Reykjavik that opens at 0800 daily. It’s on the small side, so seating is limited with just a few mismatched couches, chairs, and tables. Ashley, my friend and coffee connoisseur, claims they have amazing coffee. The best part about Reykjavik Roasters is that they focus on importing environmentally conscious coffee. They work with farms around the world and have an incredible selection of roasts paired with their cute shop and friendly staff. Another bonus is their great pastries and smaller breakfast treats like lemon avocado toast (YUM!).
Hours:
Weekdays from 0800 to 1730
Weekends from 0800 to 1700
Contact:
Kárastígur 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
+354 517 5535
2. Te & Kaffi
This is more of a chain coffee shop as there are a few in Reykjavik besides this one. However, they are very consistent with their coffee across locations (at least the few we went to). I don’t have much to say about Te & Kafi except that they have a very large selection of drinks, as well as simple breakfasts, snacks, and pastries.
Note: It’s one of the only coffee shops that sells decaf coffee (if you’re into that).
Hours:
Sunday from 1000 to 2200
Monday thru Saturday from 0900 to 2200
Contact:
Austurstræti 18, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
+354 555 1910
3. Café Loki
As mentioned in my post about the top places to eat in Iceland, Café Loki is one of our favorite restaurants. Even though it isn’t really a “coffee shop,” Ashley made the claim that it was the best coffee of our whole trip HANDS DOWN. That’s quite a bold claim coming from someone who is as addicted to coffee as she is! Since I’m not a huge fan of hot bean water, their hot chocolate with cream was delicious and their food made me want to go back more than a couple of times. There is a lovely view of Hallgrimskirkja from the café as well as a beautiful painted mural on the wall inside for a great atmosphere. Overall a nice location, clean restaurant, and GREAT coffee!
Hours:
Every day from 0800 to 2200
Contact:
Lokastígur 28, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
+354.466.2828
4. Café Babalú
Another on my list of places to eat, this funky café has good food and a great selection of hot beverages. I mostly enjoyed going here for its quirky atmosphere and highly recommend a visit for at least a cup of coffee. Of course, I personally think everyone should also try their hot chocolate and crepes at least once.
Hours:
Every day from 0830 to 2230
Contact:
Skólavörðustígur 22, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
+354 555 8845
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For even more, check out my tips for exploring Iceland on a budget, what to know before renting a car in Iceland, or all my posts on Iceland!
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I haven’t been in Iceland and I want to try their coffee scene! Upon seeing the photos, it looks like I’ll book my ticket next year to Iceland. Gosh, the coffee is enticing me now! Wow!!! Enjoy!
It is very good! Can’t wait to hear about your trip!
I was in Iceland last year and I went to Te and Kaffi! That was my favorite coffee shop, so wonderful inside. I haven’t stumbled upon the others yet, though. I’ll have to hit them up on my next trip there. I also didn’t know that Cafe Loki was so close to the church! I would’ve been there everyday for coffee (I stayed nearby)! Great post!
You should go next time! It’s literally right across the street and SO GOOD! 🙂
Wow, you have posted lovely coffee joints in Reykjavik. Cafe Loki sounds good as they serve delicious hot chocolate and I would love to have it in this cold country. Reykjavik Roasters is also a great place to have coffee because it is environment friendly and selected from the best farms.
There are definitely a TON of great places all around Reykjavik!
I was in this great city and do agree they have some cracking coffee shops. Though a late start to some of these but if you on a holiday that’s fine. I did visit Loki and the coffee was indeed top quality. The coffee does seem a bit pricey but then most things in Reykjavik are. Thanks for sharing.
Yea unfortunately Iceland is pretty pricey, but we made up for it while saving on LOTS of other things. Even wrote a post on how to do Iceland on a budget 🙂
I love all the cafes here.the cookies in te &Caffe look delicious. Would love to taste that coffee in cafe Loki. Wow can’t wait for my trip to Reykjavik
They were SO GOOD. I can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself!
I’m a coffee addict so I need to save this list for my Reykjavik trip! So good to know that they don’t open early – I’m usually drinking junky hotel coffee just to tie me over until I can find a decent cup, so at least I’ll know! But it also sounds like these are all great places to have a quick bite and avoid some of the incredibly high food prices I’ve heard about. My SO isn’t into coffee either, but you’re definitely selling the hot chocolate options! Thanks for the tips!
Annick, the hot chocolate was my JAM! It’ll be the perfect middle ground for when you two get to Reykjavik! I was never disappointed when my friend wanted to get coffee because I knew that meant hot chocolate and pastries for me hehe 🙂
Reykjavik sure has an amazing cafes culture! 8 AM is a late start indeed, we’re all used to finding places opening more early but it’s not happening in Iceland! I couldn’t blame them tho (who wants to get up at 7 AM and go out in the blistering cold just to get to work :)) Anyway, all of your recommendations look like great choices and I would love to check them out next time I visit Reykjavik.
Right?! It makes me more upset that we wake up so early to work while they get to sleep in! hah. 🙂
8am is a late start indeed, I am used to some places opening earlier. But at least the Reykjavik Roasters opens at 8am and offers some really good coffee. I will take your friend Ashley’s word for it. I also appreciate Te & Kaffi – while it is a chain, I like that their coffee remains consistent. I think that is so important. This way whenever you go to a Te & Kaffi, you know what to expect. But you totally had me at “BEST COFFEE IN THE WORLD” at Café Loki – this one is going on the bucket list!
Right?! 0800 is like “late morning” to me so it was a little frustrating. You absolutely have to go! 🙂
One of the things we really liked when we visited Reykjavik was stopping and relaxing in the many coffee shops. All four of your recommendations look like great choices, I particularly like the sound of Cafe Babalu, as I love a good hot chocolate. We really liked the Laundromat Cafe, an international chain that started in Copenhagen.
It was so delicious… and Laundromat was one of my favorites but it closed this year unfortunately! So sad.