Best Breakfast in Reykjavík

Reykjavík might be small, but its breakfast scene is full of flavor. From artisan bakeries to cozy harbor cafés, mornings here are about good food, friendly faces, and great coffee. You’ll find everything from traditional Icelandic dishes like skyr and rye bread to lighter, modern options.

If you’re planning your first meal of the day in Iceland’s capital, here’s where to enjoy the best breakfast in Reykjavík.

Wake Up to the Best Breakfast in Reykjavík

Breakfast is one of the best ways to experience local life in Reykjavík. Cafés and bakeries open early, usually between 7:00 and 9:00 am. Most are small and locally owned, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Coffee is a big deal here, and cafés take pride in serving it well. Freshly baked bread and pastries are standard, often made in-house, and menus feature simple, high-quality ingredients. You’ll see Icelandic staples like skyr and rye bread alongside eggs, fruit, or smoked salmon. Most cafés also cater to different diets, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free items easy to find.

Top Breakfast Spots in Reykjavík

If you’re ready to try breakfast the local way, these Reykjavík cafés are a great place to start.

1. Reykjavík Röst

If you want the best breakfast in Reykjavík with a view, Reykjavík Röst is the place to go. Located by the Old Harbour, this coffee house and bar opened in 2017 and quickly became known for its relaxed atmosphere, great coffee, and local ingredients.

Fresh sourdough bread is served with Icelandic smoked salmon, Serrano ham, or other toppings. You’ll also find skyr, Icelandic pancakes, and homemade pastries, with vegan options available. Coffee is the highlight, from classic brews to creative blends like keto coffee and versions made with chaga and reishi mushrooms.

Things to know about Reykjavík Röst:

• Opening hours: Daily from 8:00 am
• Location: Geirsgata 5, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
• Breakfast menu options: Sourdough sandwiches, skyr, Icelandic pancakes, pastries, Icelandic rhubarb cakes, vegan options, specialty coffees, tea, and hot chocolate

2. Grái kötturinn

Grái kötturinn has been one of Reykjavík’s most beloved breakfast spots since 1997. This small, book-filled café is known for its cozy atmosphere, excellent coffee, and comforting homemade food. Their signature breakfast dish, The Truck (Trukkinn), features American-style pancakes, bacon, potatoes, fried eggs, tomatoes, and toast. Coffee is another favorite here, and many people come just as much for the brew as for the food.

The café’s name means “gray cat” and was inspired by a gray cat that used to linger around the area. Fittingly, it also matches an Icelandic expression used to describe someone who frequents the same place for a long time.

Things to know about Grái kötturinn:

• Opening hours: Daily from 8:00 am
• Location: Hverfisgata 16a, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
• Breakfast menu options: The Truck breakfast plate, homemade bread, bagels, croque sandwiches, tuna salad, hummus, alfajores, coffee, milk, juices

3. Jómfrúin

In Reykjavík's city center, Jómfrúin is known for serving authentic Danish smørrebrød with an Icelandic twist. Open for over 25 years, it connects Danish culinary traditions with Icelandic ingredients for hearty, beautifully presented dishes.

Portions are generous, the quality excellent, and many options can be made gluten-free on request, which you can enjoy either indoors or outdoors. It opens daily from 11 am, which is a bit late for breakfast, but well worth waiting for if you want a meal that feels special and hearty.

Things to know about Jómfrúin:

• Opening hours: Daily from 11:00 a.m.
• Location: Lækjargata 4, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
• Breakfast menu options: Danish smørrebrød with Icelandic flavors, seafood and meat selections, vegetarian and gluten-free options, cakes, coffee, tea, and juice

What to Try: Classic Icelandic Breakfast Dishes

If you want a local taste, here are some classic Icelandic breakfast staples you’ll find across the city:

• Skyr – A Thick, creamy, and high-protein fresh cheese. This traditional Icelandic food appears like a yogurt, but smoother and less tangy. Often served with berries, honey, or granola.
• Hafragrautur – Icelandic oatmeal made with rolled oats, often topped with brown sugar, cinnamon, or a knob of butter.
• Rúgbrauð – Dense, dark rye bread, sometimes baked in geothermal heat. Served with butter, cheese, or smoked fish.
• Flatkaka – Soft rye flatbread usually eaten with butter, cheese, or hangikjöt (smoked lamb).
• Pönnukökur – Thin Icelandic pancakes, similar to crepes, often filled with jam and whipped cream.
• Kleina – A twisted, deep-fried pastry that’s slightly sweet and usually enjoyed with coffee.
• Icelandic coffee – Strong, smooth, and always freshly brewed. Coffee is a daily ritual here, not just a drink.
• Súrmjólk – A type of sour milk, a bit like buttermilk or kefir, often enjoyed on its own or with cereal.
• Lýsi (cod liver oil) – A traditional way to start the day, rich in omega-3, and still taken by many Icelanders. It’s usually served in a shot glass, and you can also buy it from grocery stores.

Tips for Enjoying Breakfast in Reykjavík

From finding a table to ordering like a local, here are a few things to know before sitting down for breakfast in Reykjavík:

• Go early: Popular cafés like Jómfrúin and Reykjavík Röst can fill up fast, especially on weekends.
• Reserve a table if you can: Many places take online reservations. It’s a good idea if you’re visiting during summer or busy travel weeks.
• Expect quality, not rush: Food and coffee are made with care, and service is friendly but relaxed. Breakfast here is meant to be enjoyed, not hurried.
• Ask for recommendations: Icelanders are proud of their food culture, and staff are usually happy to suggest their favorite dishes or local specialties.
• Try something local: Even if you usually stick to familiar choices, order at least one Icelandic item like skyr or rye bread for an authentic local taste.
• Bring a card, not cash: Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, even for small purchases.
• Dress for the weather: If you plan to sit outside, keep in mind that mornings can be cool, even in summer.

Other Great Morning Stops in Reykjavík

If you want to explore beyond the main cafés, here are a few more great places to enjoy breakfast or a relaxed morning meal around the city:

• Satt Restaurant – Offers a generous breakfast buffet with hot and cold options, including scrambled eggs, Icelandic sausages, bacon, porridge, waffles, skyr, pastries, fruit, and local breads. Open daily from 7:00-10:00 am.
• VOX Brasserie & Bar – Located in the Hilton Reykjavík Nordica, VOX serves a high-quality buffet featuring Icelandic and Scandinavian dishes like oatmeal, skyr, fresh produce, and pastries. Open daily from 7:00–10:00 a.m. They also offer a Grab-and-Go option, from 4:00-7:00 am, for staying guests looking for an early morning breakfast in Reykjavík.
• Geiri Smart – Located at Canopy by Hilton Reykjavík City Centre. It offers the Canopy Breakfast Buffet with a wide selection of hot and cold options. That includes pastries, egg dishes, bacon, gravlax, smoked salmon, fresh fruit, cereals, and vegan and vegetarian choices. Staying guests can also opt for a breakfast bag delivered to their room or a grab-and-go option. Open daily from 7:00–10:00 am.
• Apótek Kitchen + Bar – Found inside the historic Apótek Hotel in central Reykjavík. It serves a hearty breakfast buffet with Icelandic and European options, including skyr, Danish pastries, Belgian waffles, and Icelandic pancakes. Open from 7:00–10:00 am on weekdays and 7:00–11:00 am on weekends.

Final Thoughts: Starting Your Day the Icelandic Way

Starting your morning at one of Reykjavík’s cafés is a simple but memorable part of any trip. Whether you choose a skyr bowl, a slice of sourdough by the harbor, or a plate of smørrebrød, the best breakfast in Reykjavík blends good food, local ingredients, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Grab a coffee, find a cozy table, and start your day the Icelandic way before exploring Reykjavík's top attractions