Mokka introduced espresso to Iceland in 1958. Half a century later, Reykjavík Roasters helped establish the city’s modern specialty coffee movement, bringing greater attention to coffee origins, roasting and brewing.
Today, Reykjavík Roasters and Kaffi Ó-le are our top recommendations for specialty coffee in Reykjavík. But the city’s coffee culture extends well beyond specialist roasters. You’ll also find historic coffeehouses, independent espresso bars and neighborhood cafés worth the trip.
Here are seven places we’d recommend.
Reykjavík Roasters
Miðborg
Reykjavík Roasters opened on Kárastígur in 2008 as Kaffismiðja Íslands. The company now operates three cafés, each with its own appeal. Kárastígur is the original, Brautarholt has a dedicated area for hand brewed coffee, and Freyjugata occupies the historic Ásmundarsalur. Visit Kárastígur first, then Freyjugata for the architecture and art.
Kaffi Ó-le
Miðborg
Kaffi Ó-le is a small, charming café on Hafnarstræti. You’ll love the large windows overlooking the street. Coffee is from Kaffibrugghúsið, the independent Icelandic roastery founded by Sonja Björk Grant and Njáll Björgvinsson. The café was a runner up in The Reykjavík Grapevine’s 2025 Best Coffeehouse awards and 58th in the Europe’s 100 Best Coffee Shops awards.
Kaktus Espressobar
Miðborg
Kaktus Espressobar brings an Italian approach to coffee on Vitastígur, just off Laugavegur. Founded by two Icelandic friends, the café serves Italian coffee alongside soup, sandwiches and cakes. Its compact interior is filled with plants. A second location operates inside the National Gallery of Iceland on Fríkirkjuvegur.
Plantan Kaffihús
Miðborg
Plantan Kaffihús is in a former neighborhood grocery on the corner of Njálsgata and Barónsstígur. The entirely vegan menu includes Icelandic favorites such as ostaslaufur, sjónvarpskaka and lakrístoppar, prepared without dairy or eggs. Coffee is from local roaster Kaffibrugghúsið.
Kaffihús Vesturbæjar
Vesturbær
Kaffihús Vesturbæjar, Kaffi Vest to locals, opened in 2014 opposite Vesturbæjarlaug, the neighborhood swimming pool. Its French café influence shows in the chalkboard menu, outdoor terrace and wine selection. Go here after a swim at Vesturbæjarlaug, for brunch with the neighborhood regulars.
Hygge Coffee & Microbakery
Vesturbær
Hygge Coffee & Microbakery opened on Seljavegur in February 2022 and has since expanded to four Reykjavík locations. The sourdough bread, croissants, cinnamon buns and other pastries are all made from scratch. Hygge won The Reykjavík Grapevine’s Best Coffeehouse award in 2025. The newer Barónsstígur café also serves more unusual drinks, including Vietnamese egg coffee and salt coffee.
Mokka Kaffi
Miðborg
When Mokka Kaffi opened in 1958, it was the first café in Iceland to install an espresso machine. Its wood paneled interior and low hanging copper lamps have changed remarkably little since then. Mokka is also an art gallery, displaying works by Icelandic artists that are available for purchase. The waffles have been an attraction for a very long time. When you go, try to snag one of the small tables beneath the artwork.
How to visit Reykjavík’s best coffee shops
Reykjavík is easy to explore on foot, especially around the city center. If you have a few days, though, it’s worth heading into Vesturbær to experience the cafés locals visit regularly.
If you have one day
I’d visit these four cafés in this order:
- Reykjavík Roasters, Kárastígur
- Mokka Kaffi, Skólavörðustígur
- Kaktus Espressobar, Vitastígur
- Kaffi Ó-le, Hafnarstræti
Start at Reykjavík Roasters near Hallgrímskirkja. From there, visit Mokka before heading across to Kaktus. Finish at Kaffi Ó-le, close to the old harbour.
Make an early start so that you can reach Kaffi Ó-le before its afternoon closing time.
If you have three days
Day 1: Central Reykjavík
Reykjavík Roasters → Mokka Kaffi → Kaktus Espressobar
Day 2: Njálsgata and the old harbour
Plantan Kaffihús → Kaffi Ó-le
Day 3: Vesturbær
Hygge Coffee & Microbakery → Kaffihús Vesturbæjar
If you’re visiting Kaffihús Vesturbæjar, consider stopping at Vesturbæjarlaug for a swim beforehand.
If you have one week
With a week in Reykjavík, I’d visit one café each day.
| Day | Coffee shop |
|---|---|
| Monday | Reykjavík Roasters |
| Tuesday | Kaffi Ó-le |
| Wednesday | Plantan Kaffihús |
| Thursday | Kaktus Espressobar |
| Friday | Mokka Kaffi |
| Saturday | Hygge Coffee & Microbakery |
| Sunday | Kaffihús Vesturbæjar |
Plantan is closed on Mondays, so I’ve scheduled it for Wednesday. Otherwise, check opening hours before visiting, particularly around public holidays.
Explore more specialty coffee guides
Enjoyed Reykjavík? Explore our guides to the best specialty coffee shops in Melbourne, New York, Paris, Mexico Cityand Shanghai.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best specialty coffee shop in Reykjavík?
Reykjavík Roasters is our overall recommendation. Its original Kárastígur café opened in 2008, and the company now operates three locations. Kaffi Ó-le is another excellent choice, particularly for coffee roasted by Kaffibrugghúsið.
Where can I find the best espresso in Reykjavík?
We’d start with Reykjavík Roasters or Kaffi Ó-le for contemporary specialty espresso. For a traditional Italian approach, try Kaktus Espressobar on Vitastígur.
Which Reykjavík coffee shops roast their own beans?
Reykjavík Roasters roasts its own coffee. Kaffi Ó-le and Plantan serve coffee from Kaffibrugghúsið, an independent Icelandic roastery.
Where can I find the best filter coffee in Reykjavík?
Reykjavík Roasters at Brautarholt is our first recommendation for hand brewed coffee. Kaffi Ó-le is another worthwhile stop for coffee from Kaffibrugghúsið.
Which coffee shops are near Hallgrímskirkja?
Reykjavík Roasters on Kárastígur and Mokka Kaffi on Skólavörðustígur are both within walking distance of Hallgrímskirkja.
Where can I find good coffee and pastries in Reykjavík?
Hygge Coffee & Microbakery is our recommendation for croissants, cinnamon buns and sourdough baking. Plantan makes vegan versions of traditional Icelandic pastries, while Mokka is known for its waffles.
Can I walk between Reykjavík’s best coffee shops?
Yes. Reykjavík Roasters, Mokka, Kaktus, Plantan and Kaffi Ó-le are all within central Reykjavík. Hygge and Kaffihús Vesturbæjar are farther west but remain accessible on foot.
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