Bakeries and Coffee
- Braud & Co. – THE BEST. So many yummy choices – my favorite is the pretzel croissant; they also have a vegan cinnamon roll. The bakery has several locations scattered throughout the capital region and its suburbs. The main and most well-known one downtown is near Hallgrims Church and often has a line out the door. There is also a drive-through location attached to a gas station near the Hilton and the Grand Hotel, but that one is not convenient to downtown hotels/walking. I’ve heard that a brand new location also just opened up downtown near the old post office food hall (as of June 2024). https://www.braudogco.is/en-gb
- Mokka Cafe – This is a cool little (emphasis on little!) coffee bar downtown on Skólavörðustígur (the “rainbow street”) with great waffles, a few savory snacks, and retro furniture and decor. One interesting aspect to its interior design is that they feature rotating art exhibits from local artists. There is also outdoor seating when the weather is ok. Mokka Kaffi (Website in Icelandic only.) See my Instagram post about this spot here: Spotted By M – Mokka
- Reykjavik Roasters – Coffee bar and local roastery, with several locations downtown. In addition to coffee and espresso drinks, they serve snacks including a tasty greek yogurt parfait with apples and honey. They also sell their beans in all locations; my favorite beans are Dona Darko, medium roast. The most central location is near the Braud & Co. bakery just down the street from the Hallgrims Church and ROK (see Spotted By M posting about Reykjavik restaurants for more on ROK here). Reykjavik Roasters site: https://reykjavikroasters.is/en/
- Sandholt – Amazing (and a little fancy!) bakery on the main shopping street of Laugavegur. The bakery also serves a good sit-down breakfast or lunch. The attached hotel bar also does a happy hour. More details on their website: Home – Sandholt
- Deig Bakery – This is THE place for a bagel in town. This small counter Is located inside Le KocK restaurant in the Exeter Hotel downtown just across from the harbor. They have vegan bagels and also yummy donuts. M’s TIP – Stop by here in the morning, if you’re waiting to get into your hotel room. Le Kock
- Baka Baka – This bakery is in a great location in an old house near the Prime Minister’s office, which makes it a convenient stop if you’ve just come in from the airport or are starting to explore the downtown/pond/Harpa areas. Good coffee and morning pastries. I hear they also do a pizza in the evening but I’ve always just gone for a coffee and snack. Check out their full menu on their website: BakaBaka
Ice Cream
- Valdis – Icelanders love ice cream – all the time, even when it is snowing and freezing outside. Valdis has the best ice cream including yummy and surprising flavor combinations (licorice!) and a selection of vegan/gelatos. Their coffee ice cream is one of my favorite ever! There are two locations in Reykjavik; the main one is in Grandi and there is one nearer to the main Hallgrims church downtown (which has waffles), but there is also a location on the South Coast in the small town of Hvolsvollur. https://valdis.is/index.php/en/ See my Instagram post on this spot here: Spotted By M – Valdis
