Iceland’s coffee culture is – deeply ingrained in the social fabric of Icelandic society. Along with being a drink that perks people up, grabbing a cup of coffee in Iceland is often a social interaction, where the drink is enjoyed in the company of others, many times in cozy settings. This communal aspect is so integral that offering coffee to guests is considered a basic hospitality gesture.
The Icelandic Coffee Scene in Downtown Reykjavík
Reykjavík, the heart of Iceland’s coffee scene, is home to a plethora of unique cafés, each with its own character and offerings, but bound by the common thread of quality and creativity.
Local cafes that offer high-quality coffee experiences thrive here. While there is no Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts in Iceland, even though Dunkin was here for a brief time, there is one international coffee chain called Joe & the Juice.
However, local cafes dominate the coffee scene and I’m going to share some of them that might interest you if you also happen to be a coffee lover. This is not an exhaustive list by any means but it’s a great starting point for enjoying the Icelandic coffee scene.
Mokka Kaffi
Mokka Kaffi is a testament to Reykjavík’s rich coffee history, being one of the city’s oldest cafés. Established in 1958, it was the pioneer in introducing the Italian espresso culture to Iceland. Beyond its historic significance, Mokka Kaffi has been a cultural hub for artists and writers and continues to be celebrated for its classic ambiance, monthly art exhibitions, and iconic Icelandic hot chocolate and waffles.
Reykjavík Roasters
Reykjavík Roasters, originally known as Kaffismiðja Íslands, emerged in 2008 and has since become a cornerstone of Reykjavík’s coffee culture. Their philosophy revolves around importing high-quality beans and roasting them meticulously to bring out the best flavors for coffee aficionados.
The café takes pride in sourcing its beans directly from farmers, particularly in Colombia, ensuring ethical practices and respect for both the environment and the people involved in coffee production. This direct relationship with coffee farmers reflects the café’s commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices.
Reykjavík Roasters has established itself as a hub for serious coffee lovers, offering a range of coffee without decaf options, emphasizing the pure coffee experience. The cozy atmosphere, combined with the café’s reputation for quality, makes it a place where people often share tables with fellow coffee enthusiasts, fostering a sense of community among its patrons.
Kaffitár Coffee House
Kaffitár represents the modern evolution of Icelandic coffee, with a focus on sustainability and quality. As a leading coffee provider, Kaffitár sources its beans from renowned coffee-growing regions and is known for its espresso bars, seasonal drinks, and as a wholesaler of coffee. Their presence in supermarkets across Iceland allows both locals and visitors to take a piece of Icelandic coffee culture home.
Café Babalú
Café Babalú, with its eclectic charm and vibrant orange exterior, stands out as a cozy retreat offering a range of coffee, cakes, and desserts. Known for its friendly atmosphere, it’s a place where one can enjoy unlimited refills of black coffee, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists seeking a warm, welcoming space.
Te og Kaffi (Tea & Coffee)
Te og Kaffi is a family-owned chain, which started in 1984, that has significantly contributed to what many call the Icelandic coffee revolution, marrying tradition with innovation to serve some of the finest coffee in the region.
With eight cafés spread across the capital, Te og Kaffi is renowned for its commitment to quality, from sourcing beans to the art of brewing, ensuring each cup reflects their dedication to the craft. Their baristas are not just skilled but also passionate about coffee, providing a warm and welcoming experience to all who visit.
Beyond just serving coffee, Te og Kaffi is deeply involved in the coffee-making process, operating their own roastery and offering a wide range of coffee-related products and training courses aimed at enhancing brewing skills and knowledge.
Reykjavík Röst
Reykjavík Röst is a lovely café located by the Old Harbour in Reykjavík in a beautiful turquoise colored house. It was established in the summer of 2017, and prides itself on serving quality coffee, including traditional options and innovative creations.
Some of the innovative ones include Keto coffee and beverages infused with Chaga and Reishi mushrooms, whimsically named “Magic Mushroom.” Their focus on quality extends to their food offerings as well, with a special emphasis on sourdough bread sandwiches and homemade soups, using locally sourced ingredients like Icelandic smoked salmon and lamb.
What sets Reykjavík Röst apart is not just its culinary offerings but also its cozy and welcoming atmosphere, enhanced by stunning views of the harbor. The café also takes pride in its selection of Icelandic cakes, traditional pastries. For those who enjoy a good brew, Reykjavík Röst has a selection of local beers on tap, cocktails, and a full bar available in the evenings, making it a perfect spot for both coffee aficionados and those looking to enjoy a relaxing evening by the harbor.
Kattakaffihúsið - The Cat Coffee House
Kattakaffihúsið, Reykjavík’s first cat café, adds a unique twist to the Icelandic coffee culture. While the concept of a cat café, originally popularized in Japan, might seem unusual in the context of Iceland, Kattakaffihúsið has found its place by offering not just a cozy café experience but also an opportunity for cat adoption.
This concept addresses the human desire for animal companionship, which in densely populated cities like Tokyo led to the creation of spaces where people could enjoy the company of pets they couldn’t have at home due to space or legal restrictions. Kattakaffihúsið brings this idea to Reykjavík with a charitable angle, aiming to provide a safe haven for cats until they find a permanent home.
The Reykjavík Cat Walk Tour
If you are a cat lover or are even just intrigued to see where some of these feline cuties hang out, then I think you’ll enjoy the Reykjavik Cat Walk Tour hosted by Your Friend in Reykjavik, a tour company that prides itself on offering authentic local experiences.
You can use my code ALLTHINGSICELAND (in all caps) to save 10% on your Cat Walk Tour and over 45 other tours you book with Your Friend in Reykjavik.
I have personally done this walking tour and loved it. It’s surprising how many stops there and all of the adorable cats that can be found in their usual spots, if you know where to look.
There are even cat murals and, of course, a visit to the Cat Café. This café takes in cats that need a home and they roam freely around the cafe as people enjoy their drinks and food. The whole café is decorated in a cat theme, and it is incredibly cute. It is up to the cats if they want to interact with guests and a decent number of them do. During the visit to the cafe, some delicious treats like hot cocoa or coffee and cookies are included for tour participants. This walking tour is a delightful way to learn about Reykjavik from a different perspective.
If you are curious about why dogs were banned in Reykjavík, check out this podcast episode.
Why it is worth having coffee in Reykjavík, Iceland
Each of these cafés contribute to the tapestry of Icelandic coffee culture, which is characterized by its preference for quality over quantity, the social experience of coffee drinking, and the innovative use of local and imported beans roasted to perfection within the country.
This dedication to quality and community has fostered a coffee scene that is both diverse and intimate, offering an array of experiences that reflect the spirit and warmth of Iceland itself.
Random Fact of the Episode
It is said that Árni Magnússon was the first man to drink coffee in Iceland. I guess he was quite the trend setter because the drink surged in popularity. There is an estimate that from 1819 to 1855 that imported coffee went from 5 tons per year to 213 tons per year!
Icelandic word of the episode
kaffi – coffee
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