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Latest update: 26 December 2024
Close your eyes and pay up. At least, that’s the strategy I use when I drink a coffee, order a cocktail, or go out for dinner in Reykjavík. Don’t think about it, because then I’ll spontaneously go on a diet. So yes, it’s expensive, but in Reykjavík, there are really nice coffee shops, bars, and restaurants that I simply don’t want to miss out on. So make your own selection and spend, spend, spend!
Coffee shops in Reykjavík
Reykjavík has a vibrant coffee scene. I think all Scandinavian countries actually do. No wonder the coffee shops in Reykjavik all have the same Scandinavian design as the Dutch coffee bars that are often inspired by Scandinavia.
Coffee bar Hygge
Hygge is the Danish word for coziness. Coffee bar Hygge doesn’t quite live up to its name. It’s a large, modern place with a Scandinavian interior, but it all feels a bit cold. Of course, the menu also includes typical Danish delicacies such as a cinnamon bun. The coffee is great!
Reykjavík Roasters
Reykjavík Roasters is a cozy coffee shop near the Hallgrimskirkja. It’s on a small square where you never want to leave the outside seats on sunny days – until you bounce away from the caffeine. But I also enjoy a nice cappuccino inside on a cold day. You can really unwind at Reykjavík Roasters. The name suggests they roast their coffee beans in this coffee bar themselves. You can take a bag of those home as a souvenir.
Kaktus Espressobar
I think Kaktus is such a lovely neighborhood coffee bar. Early in the morning, locals are already chatting, and everyone entering the cafe is greeted cheerfully. One of the men hands out dog treats. It all feels homely and cozy. I immediately feel welcome, and the coffee is very tasty. You can also have breakfast and lunch at Kaktus.
Tip! Also check out my blog about what you can do and see in Reykjavík.
Restaurants in Reykjavík
Reykjavík is chock full of restaurants. You can get everything there: from sushi to Mexican. But I prefer to keep it a bit more local. I absolutely have to eat lobster soup! Restaurant dinner time is a bit comparable to the Netherlands: many restaurants open at 6 pm. Reservations are usually made between 7 and 8 pm.
Lobster soup at Seabaron
If you are in Reykjavík, you must get lobster soup somewhere. According to many, the best place to do this is at Seabaron. They are known for their lobster soup. I don’t really like fish soups, and I don’t like lobster soup either, but I still want to try it. It’s tastier than expected but not a culinary highlight. For me at least. We also order a delicious fish skewer with a sauce. Seabaron is a simple restaurant where you order at the bar and eat at shared tables.
Reykjavík Kitchen
Only one time during our Iceland trip, we have a full three-course meal with wine pairing. It is the last evening, and we choose Reykjavík Kitchen. It feels like I am complaining about the price in every blog about Iceland, but it is all so expensive here. The two of us pay €206. The food is definitely worth it: beautiful Icelandic dishes. But the wines are a bit disappointing. We tell the staff, and they give us a glass of bubbles as compensation. Good solution – I am happy again, haha. If you want a whole night of dining, tell the staff to slow it down. Otherwise, the food comes from the kitchen so fast that you will be outside within an hour.
Lamb streetfood
Lamb street food is a restaurant behind the old harbor, so it isn’t very atmospheric in terms of location. It is somewhere between a regular restaurant and a fast-food restaurant – we expected it to be a bit fancier when we made the reservation. And we certainly didn’t expect to finish the meal within the hour. But… the food is really delicious. The name Lamb streetfood already gives it away: you eat Icelandic lamb dishes. I choose one of the wraps and an Icelandic craft beer. There is no time to linger here, so quickly: off on to one of Reykjavík’s cocktail bars!
Cocktail bars in Reykjavík
Alcohol is incredibly expensive throughout Iceland. You can easily pay ten euros for a beer. So, we didn’t order that much alcohol during our trip, but Reykjavík has some cool cocktail bars. And apparently, it’s also cocktail week during my visit, which means you get a few euros discount on the house cocktails. I believe I’ve earned a cocktail!
Tip! Many cocktail bars have happy hours. So find out what time they are. It will save you money!
Cocktail bar Kokteilbarinn
Kokteilbarinn is part of the adjacent Monkeys restaurant. There is a huge train compartment in the bar. It feels like a first-class compartment. Because of Reykjavík Cocktail Week, we try two ‘cheap’ cocktails. Read: 2990 ISK. Don’t think about it and enjoy! At Kokteilbarinn you can get all the regular cocktails and some unique creations. For example, we try one with gin and yogurt. It sounds like a risk, but it is surprisingly tasty.
Jungle Cocktail Bar
The Jungle Cocktail Bar is a good cocktail bar, but the inside temperature is pretty cold. Every day is happy hour from 4 to 6 pm. That is THE time to have a cocktail at Jungle Cocktail Bar. You pay about 1800 ISK for a cocktail, a very reasonable price. The cocktails are super tasty and unique. The decor of the Jungle Cocktail Bar could have been more over the top. Yes, there are plants, and yes, the wall is green, but I want more jungle!
More Iceland inspiration?
Useful links for your Iceland trip
- Accommodation. Favorite remains Booking.com. Would you rather stay in a hostel? Check Hostelworld.
- Activities. Book the best tours and activities at GetYourGuide, Klook and Viator. ‘Free’ walking tours can be booked at Freetour.com or GuruWalk.
- Car rental. If you want to compare more prices, try Discover Cars and Rentalcars.com.
- Guidebooks. I like paper travel guides to flip through, available for sale Amazon and others.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high phone and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Be sure to check out Trip, Skyscanner, and Kiwi.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? See what Expedia or CheapOair has on offer.
- Yoga retreat or horseback riding vacation. Or treat yourself to a yoga retreat in Iceland or a horseback riding vacation.
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First published: August 2024 The article has been updated since.
