Best Coffee Shops & Bakeries in Reykjavík (2025 Edition)

How We Choose the Best Coffee Shops and Bakeries in Iceland (and Why We Care)

We’re locals who live right here in Reykjavik - and we live and breathe the city’s food and drink scene (literally). We have our favorites that we visit daily, but we’re always on the lookout for the next great coffee shop or exciting new bakery. We know which cafés the locals love, where baristas geek out over their beans, and which bakeries are worth the detour - even on a windy Icelandic morning.

Every year, we create this list with help from our Wake Up Reykjavik Mastermind Group - a collective of passionate locals who live and breathe Iceland’s food and coffee culture. The group includes members of the Wake Up Reykjavik team (the foodies behind the world’s #1 rated food tour), along with some of our favorite local baristas, bakers, and café owners who keep Reykjavik buzzing.

Some cafés earn their place because they’re truly world-class - with espresso so smooth it could win awards, or pastry fusions so creative they deserve a museum exhibit. Others make the list because they’re cozy local favorites - the kind of places where you can sit for hours, read a book, or end up chatting with the guest at the next table.

We do this because we want you to taste the real Reykjavik - the places where locals actually grab their morning coffee and Sunday pastries. Forget the tourist-trap lattes and supermarket croissants; this list is your shortcut to the city’s most authentic cafés and bakeries.

And honestly, we do it because it’s what we love. Every spot we include is a place we personally visit, recommend to our friends - and probably meet them there ourselves.

So grab a cup, settle in, and let’s dive into Reykjavik’s most delicious coffee and bakery scene.

Best Coffee Shops & Bakeries in Reykjavik in 2025

1. Kaktus Espressobar

⭐ Best for: Local vibe, cozy atmosphere & serious coffee lovers

📍 Vitastígur 12 & inside Listasafn Íslands (National Gallery)

💰 $$

☕ What to get: Espresso or cappuccino - plus a pastry or sandwich at the Listasafnið location.

If there’s one place that truly captures the local Reykjavik café spirit, it’s Kaktus espressobar. It’s small, stylish, and deeply cozy - a warm little hideaway filled with good coffee, friendly locals, and soft chatter in the background.

As the name suggests, Kaktus is home to a jungle of cacti and succulents, decorating every shelf and window sill. You can even pick out your own cactus to take home while you’re there.

The original Kaktus on Vitastígur feels like your friend’s living room - relaxed, local, and quietly full of character. In 2025, they opened a second location inside the National Gallery of Iceland (Listasafn Íslands). This one has a very different feel: stylish, bright, and modern - the perfect spot to pair a museum visit with an excellent cup of coffee, especially on a rainy Reykjavik day.

2. 280 Bakarí

⭐ Best for: Next-level artisan pastries

📍 Klapparstígur 37

💰 $$

🥐 What to get: Croissant, “giffill” cinnamon bun, or the tomato feta breakfast bun.

A brand-new bakery that’s already become a local favorite. Opened in October 2025, 280 Bakarí is run by star baker Ari and his wife, together with the husband-and-wife design duo behind HAF Studio - the creative minds behind some of Reykjavik’s most stylish interiors.

This modern artisanal bakery makes everything from scratch - from sourdough loaves and buttery croissants to Danish-style buns, sandwiches, and specialty coffee. The name “280” refers to the baking temperature (280 °C) and doubles as a playful nod to Pantone 280 C, the bakery’s signature color and design theme.

Inside, it’s bright and minimal, with the oven placed front and center so you can watch the craft in action. Seating is limited - just a couple of stools by the window, perfect for enjoying your pastry while watching Reykjavik life go by.

And yes, it really is as good as everyone says.

3. Plantan

⭐ Best for: Vegan-friendly coffee and food in cozy spaces

📍 Njálsgata 64 & Norrænahúsið (Nordic House)

💰 $$

🌶️ What to get: Their signature vegan jalapeño “cheese” bun, cakes, or daily vegan dish.

Plantan opened its doors in 2022 on a quiet side street just off Laugavegur - and instantly became a local hit, especially within the city’s vegan community. It was a much-needed addition to the scene: cozy atmosphere, excellent coffee, and a fully vegan menu baked and cooked from scratch in-house. From their signature buns and cakes to creative daily vegan dishes, everything is made with care and character.

In 2025, Plantan expanded to Norrænahúsið (The Nordic House) - a beautiful, historic cultural venue designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. The new Plantan Bistro offers a wider selection of vegan food in a bright, open setting with amazing views over the city pond. It’s one of Reykjavik’s best spots for a cozy lunch - and a top pick for families with kids, thanks to the spacious layout, welcoming atmosphere, and a fun play area for children.

4. Mokka Kaffi

⭐ Best for: Old-school Reykjavik charm, coffee and waffles

📍 Skólavörðustígur 3A

💰 $$

🧇 What to get: Coffee or hot chocolate - with a classic waffle topped with whipped cream and jam.

Reykjavik’s first espresso café, established in 1958, and still going strong. Mokka hasn’t changed much since then - wood booths, a La Marzocco espresso machine, and walls lined with local art. The smell of fresh coffee and waffles hits you the moment you step inside, and time seems to slow down.

Look closely at the booths - locals say you can see the faint shadows of regulars who’ve sat there daily for decades. It’s a true Reykjavik icon: historic, cozy, and delicious, and the perfect place to warm up with a waffle and watch the world go by on Skólavörðustígur (the rainbow street).

5. Brauð & Co

⭐ Best for: Iconic cinnamon buns & organic sourdough

📍 Frakkarstígur (original) & multiple locations

💰 $$

🍥 What to get: The famous cinnamon bun, hjónabandssæla (happy marriage cake), or vínabrauðslengja.

When Brauð & Co opened its original bakery on Frakkarstígur in 2016, it completely changed Reykjavik’s bakery scene. Overnight, it set a new standard for what an artisan bakery could be - organic ingredients, handmade dough, and real craft.

Everything is baked in an open kitchen, so you can watch the bakers at work the moment you walk in. The air smells like butter, cinnamon, and fresh sourdough. Their cinnamon bun has become an Icelandic obsession - my personal go-to when hosting friends or family, and always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Today, Brauð & Co has multiple locations across the capital area, including an outpost on Laugavegur 180, just outside the downtown core. It’s a perfect stop for travelers heading out on a day of exploring - grab a coffee, a few pastries for the road, and you’re set.

Note that at the original Frakkarstígur bakery, seating is very limited - it’s really a takeaway spot. But what a spot it is.

6. Hygge Coffee & Micro Bakery

⭐ Best for: Exceptional pastries & Scandinavian-style breakfast

📍 Barónsstígur 6

💰 $$

🥐 What to get: Croissants, bagels, or one of their creative seasonal specials — pistachio and pumpkin pastries are standouts.

Hygge Coffee & Micro Bakery opened in 2025 and quickly became one of the most talked-about new bakeries in Reykjavik. True to its Danish-inspired name, it brings a calm, bright, and modern touch to the city’s growing artisan bakery scene.

Everything is baked fresh on-site, and the pastries are simply incredible - perfectly flaky croissants, buttery buns, and beautifully made specials that easily rank among the best in town. The coffee is excellent, too, making it a go-to stop for pastry lovers and anyone starting their day in downtown Reykjavik.

With plenty of seating and a spacious layout, Hygge is a great choice for meeting friends or enjoying a relaxed breakfast before exploring the city.

7. Reykjavik Roasters

⭐ Best for: Third-wave coffee & serious espresso lovers

📍 Kárastígur 1 & inside Ásmundarsalur (art museum)

💰 $$

☕ What to get: Espresso, flat white, or pour-over coffee - this is the serious coffee spot.

Since 2008, Reykjavik Roasters has been the pioneer of Iceland’s specialty-coffee movement. They roast their own beans, focus on quality and ethical sourcing, and have trained some of the best baristas in the country. For locals and coffee enthusiasts, this is the place for perfectly balanced brews and no-nonsense coffee passion.

The original café on Kárastígur is a true Reykjavik classic - relaxed, hipstery, and full of character, with the sound of milk steaming and vinyl records playing in the background. It’s small, lively, and always buzzing with regulars.

Their second location, inside Ásmundarsalur art museum, feels completely different - beautiful, comfortable, and surrounded by local art. It’s the perfect spot to sit down with a coffee, soak up the creative atmosphere, and wander through the museum’s free exhibits. On sunny days, the outdoor patio is a bit of a secret gem - quiet, tucked away, and easily one of the nicest places in town to enjoy a cup outside or lay down in the grass.

Wherever you go, the coffee is exceptional - Reykjavik Roasters is a must-visit for anyone who truly loves their cup.

8. Sweet Aurora

⭐ Best for: French pastries with an Icelandic twist

📍 Bergstaðastræti 14

💰 $$

🍰 What to get: Seasonal pastries or tarts made with Icelandic berries and herbs.

Founded by French pastry chef Aurore Pélier Cady, trained at the renowned Institut Paul Bocuse, Sweet Aurora brings classic French pastry technique to Reykjavik - with a distinctly Icelandic twist. Every creation is made with local ingredients like wild berries, foraged herbs, or sea salt, blending Parisian finesse with Nordic flavor.

The shop itself is elegant yet understated, with each pastry displayed like a little work of art - glossy fruit tarts, delicate éclairs, and intricate seasonal creations that look almost too beautiful to eat. And just like her pastries, Aurore herself is as lovely as they come - always warm, welcoming, and clearly passionate about her craft.

Sweet Aurora is truly unlike any other bakery in Reykjavik. A tiny slice of Paris in downtown Reykjavik. Sweet Aurora is a must for anyone who appreciates true pastry artistry done with Icelandic heart.

9. Kaffibrennslan

⭐ Best for: Classic café charm in a historic building

📍 Laugavegur 21

💰 $$

🥐 What to get: Cappuccino and kleina (Iceland’s twisted doughnut) — or the BLT sandwich.

Kaffibrennslan is a Reykjavik institution - set inside a beautifully preserved 1884 house on the city’s main shopping street, Laugavegur. By day, it’s a relaxed café serving great coffee, teas, sandwiches, and pastries; by night, it subtly transforms into a cozy bar with wine and cocktails.

Spread across two floors and a glass-roof courtyard, it’s the perfect place to pause between shops or shelter from Icelandic weather with a steaming cup in hand. There’s history in every beam and brick here - and a calm, friendly energy that keeps both locals and travelers coming back.

10. Baka Baka

⭐ Best for: Morning pastries & evening pizza under one roof

📍 Bankastræti 2

💰 $$$

🥐 What to get: Kleina, ham-and-cheese croissant, or chocolate cookie.

Located in a historic 1834 wooden house - home to Reykjavik’s very first bakery - Baka Baka is a modern all-day favorite. By morning, it’s a bright artisan bakery serving fresh pastries, sourdough bread, and excellent coffee. By late afternoon, it transforms into a lively sourdough-pizza and natural-wine bar.

Everything is made with care and creativity, from flaky croissants to chewy, wood-fired crusts. The space itself is steeped in character: old timber floors, big windows, and the smell of fresh dough in the air. Arrive early - the best pastries often sell out before noon - and you’ll see why this spot is loved from breakfast to last call.

11. Deig

⭐ Best for: Iceland’s best donuts & bagels

📍 Frakkastígur 16

💰 $

🍩 What to get: Classic glazed donut, maple-bacon donut, or a bagel with cream cheese.

Small, friendly, and full of life, Deig (meaning “dough”) is the little sibling of Le Kock - the legendary burger joint run by some of Reykjavik’s most talented chefs. Together, the two spots form a powerhouse duo of casual comfort food: Le Kock for the city’s best burgers, and Deig for handmade bagels and donuts that locals can’t resist.

Everything here is made fresh daily - soft, chewy bagels and perfectly glazed donuts that are dangerously addictive. It’s the kind of place chefs themselves come for a quick bite between shifts, which says everything you need to know about the quality.

The vibe is casual and cheerful, often with a line of locals grabbing breakfast to go. Grab a bagel sandwich and a coffee (and definitely a donut or two), then stroll toward the harbor - it’s simple, delicious Reykjavik comfort food at its best.

12. Te & Kaffi

⭐ Best for: Reliable Icelandic coffee chain with local roots

📍 Multiple locations (flagship: Laugavegur 27)

💰 $$

☕ What to get: Any coffee + local pastry.

Family-owned since 1984, Te & Kaffi was Iceland’s first true coffee chain and still holds a special place in locals’ hearts. What began as a small roastery has grown into cafés all over the country - yet the quality, consistency, and Icelandic warmth remain the same.

You can always count on good coffee and comfortable spaces, whether you’re downtown in Reykjavik or on the road around Iceland. Expect friendly service, well-made drinks, and the familiar comfort of a place that locals have trusted for decades.

13. Sandholt Bakery

⭐ Best for: Artisan bakery, dine-in & breakfast

📍 Laugavegur 36

💰 $$$

🍳 What to get: Almond croissant, sourdough bread, or full breakfast - shakshuka or eggs benedict.

Operating since 1920, Sandholt is one of Reykjavik’s oldest family-run bakeries; and still one of the best. Four generations later, it remains a cornerstone of the city’s food culture, known for classic craftsmanship and enduring quality.

Everything is baked on-site: buttery croissants, crusty sourdough, and pastries that fill the air with the smell of vanilla and fresh bread. The bakery is especially famous for its breakfast menu, which draws big morning crowds — particularly travelers. If you’re planning to dine in, expect a short wait, but if you’re just grabbing pastries to go, you can skip the line and dive right in.

Final Notes

And there you have it - our handpicked list of the best coffee shops and bakeries in Reykjavik for 2025.

Whether you’re chasing the city’s flakiest croissant, the smoothest flat white, or simply a cozy spot to watch Reykjavik life drift by, these are the places locals truly love.

Use this guide as your go-to list for where to grab coffee and pastries in Reykjavik - every spot has been tried, tested, and approved by our local foodie mastermind group.

And if you’d like a proper introduction to Icelandic flavors, join our Reykjavik Food Walk - it’s the most delicious way to explore the city, meet locals, and taste the best of Icelandic cuisine.

See you in Reykjavik!

Written by Egill Fannar - Co-Founder of Wake Up Reykjavik

Proudly born in Akureyri but now a local in downtown Reykjavik, Egill has spent over a decade helping travelers experience Iceland like locals - from cozy cafés & restaurants to hot pools and hidden adventures across the highlands.