Top 10 Best Breakfast Spots in Reykjavik

Occupying a prime harborfront position with sweeping views of Faxaflói Bay and Mount Esja beyond, this restaurant elevates breakfast beyond mere fuel to a proper dining experience. Their smoked salmon plate showcases Iceland's world-famous seafood with house-cured salmon, cream cheese, capers, and artisan bread that lets the fish shine. The elegant yet unpretentious atmosphere and those knockout views make it particularly popular for special occasion breakfasts, business meetings over morning coffee, or travelers wanting to start their day with a dose of Reykjavik's spectacular natural beauty.

This charming downtown café channels Parisian bistro vibes with its vintage décor, marble tabletops, and exceptional pastries that pair beautifully with their expertly pulled espresso drinks. The croque monsieur is a standout—properly crispy, oozing with quality cheese, and substantial enough to fuel a morning of sightseeing. Despite its central location near the harbor, it maintains a relaxed, locals-know-best atmosphere that's ideal for coffee snobs, couples wanting a sophisticated breakfast date, or anyone seeking a Continental European breakfast experience in the heart of Reykjavik.

This welcoming, woman-owned café on Bankastræti serves some of the most generously portioned and lovingly prepared breakfasts in downtown Reykjavik, with a focus on homestyle comfort and fresh ingredients. The avocado toast here isn't just millennial bait—it's loaded with perfectly ripe avocado, quality toppings, and served on exceptional sourdough that's worth the carbs. The warm, maternal energy (true to its name) and genuinely friendly service create a nurturing atmosphere that makes solo travelers feel at home and families feel welcomed, with high chairs and patience for little ones always available.

This hidden gem in a residential area consistently earns the highest ratings in Reykjavik for good reason—everything from the house-baked bread to the delicate pastries is crafted with obvious care and top-tier ingredients. Their skyr bowl topped with homemade granola and seasonal berries showcases Icelandic ingredients at their finest, while the croissants rival anything you'd find in Paris. The minimalist Scandinavian interior with blonde wood and natural light creates a serene, almost meditative breakfast experience that appeals to design-conscious travelers, couples seeking a romantic morning, and locals treating themselves to something special.

Operating since 1935, this no-nonsense harbor café is Reykjavik's oldest restaurant still serving its original purpose—fueling dockworkers, fishermen, and now savvy travelers with hearty, unpretentious Icelandic breakfast fare. The plokkfiskur (traditional fish stew) is legendary, though morning visitors swear by the simple but perfectly executed bacon and eggs with toast, served with strong coffee in utilitarian mugs. The harbor location offers authentic maritime atmosphere and spectacular sunrise views over the old port, making it ideal for early risers, seafood lovers, and anyone seeking genuine working-class Reykjavik culture before the cruise ships dock.

Yes, there are actually washing machines humming in the back, but this whimsical café-laundromat hybrid has transcended its gimmick to become a legitimate breakfast destination with a book-lined interior that encourages hours-long hangs. The American-style pancakes with bacon and maple syrup satisfy homesick North Americans, while the extensive all-day breakfast menu caters to every craving from veggie scrambles to loaded breakfast burritos. The eclectic vibe—part library, part laundromat, part community living room—attracts a diverse crowd of backpackers, families, and locals who appreciate the quirky charm and consistently solid food at reasonable prices.

Tucked away in the residential Vesturbær neighborhood, this beloved local secret feels a world away from the tourist-packed downtown, offering a glimpse into where Reykjavik residents actually start their mornings. The brunch menu leans Continental with excellent eggs Benedict variations, but the real insider move is pairing any breakfast with their house-roasted coffee—some of the best in the city. With its spacious interior, natural light flooding through large windows, and a relaxed pace that encourages lingering, it's ideal for families, remote workers setting up for the day, or anyone seeking a more residential Reykjavik experience.

Translating to "The Grey Cat," this quirky Hverfisgata gem lives up to its feline namesake with a cozy, lived-in vibe that feels like breakfast at your coolest friend's apartment. Their all-day breakfast menu is a love letter to comfort food, with the pancakes—thick, fluffy, and generously portioned—earning cult status among regulars who've been coming here since 2003. The mismatched vintage furniture, local art on the walls, and genuinely warm service create an intimate neighborhood feel that's increasingly rare in downtown Reykjavik, making it perfect for solo travelers seeking authentic local hangouts or small groups wanting a laid-back morning scene.

Perched across from Hallgrímskirkja church with million-dollar views of Iceland's most iconic landmark, Café Loki specializes in traditional Icelandic breakfast fare that tourists often hear about but rarely know where to find. This is your gateway to authentic rye bread ice cream, fermented shark for the brave, and the stellar Icelandic meat soup that locals swear by on chilly mornings. The no-frills, homestyle atmosphere attracts everyone from curious backpackers to Icelandic grandmothers, and the second-floor window seats offer unbeatable church views that'll have you lingering long after your plate is clean.

This iconic Laugavegur bakery has been a Reykjavik institution since 1920, drawing crowds for its legendary sourdough and flaky pastries that emerge fresh from the ovens throughout the morning. The cinnamon buns here are borderline religious experiences—crispy caramelized edges giving way to soft, buttery spirals that pair perfectly with their robust Icelandic coffee. With its vintage tile floors and glass display cases packed with Nordic delicacies, Sandholt strikes the perfect balance between old-world bakery charm and contemporary café culture, making it ideal for solo travelers, couples on a romantic morning stroll, or anyone seeking an authentic taste of Reykjavik's pastry heritage.