7 delicious Icelandic cafes, a glimpse of Nordic taste at the end of the world

Traveling in Iceland, you can not only feel the gentle gifts of nature, but also be immersed in the incomparable cultural atmosphere. It is said that one in every 20 Icelanders has published a collection of poetry. At the same time, Reykjavik's excellent coffee shop culture was born.

CNN once ranked Reykjavik as one of the eight best coffee cities in the world. Today, we will take you to explore the seven most unmissable specialty coffee shops in Reykjavik.

1

Mokka Kaffi

Mokka Café near Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral is one of the oldest coffee shops in Iceland and has been in business since 1958. At that time, Icelanders were only used to brewing coffee at home, and Mokka's espresso amazed them. A group of artists and philosophers quickly gathered here. It is said that the brown wood decoration in the store has not changed to this day, only the artworks on the wall are constantly changing.

Mokka is a must-visit for those who like mocha, because it is famous for its waffles and Swiss mocha. People who come here always order one. Even Icelandic singer Bjork once sang here. Walking on Skólavörðustígur Street, you can smell the aroma of chocolate and coffee from the cafe. The only downside is that there is no wifi here, of course, if you are not a heavy internet user, it doesn't matter.

Address: Skólavörðustígur 3A, Reykjavik

2

Reykjavik Roasters

As the name suggests, Reykjavik Roasters is one of the best coffee shops in Reykjavik, specializing in coffee roasting. Local coffee fans have certified that it has the best coffee in Iceland, and it also ranks first in the same category on Tripadvisor.

Reykjavik Roasters' coffee beans are mainly purchased directly from Colombia and Nicaragua and roasted on site. Their roasting method is different from the ordinary French roasting, and the taste is lighter. Black coffee, Italian espresso, cappuccino, etc. are all brewed in three different ways for customers to choose. In addition to coffee, the snacks here come from Sandholt, the most popular local pastry shop. The warm and friendly atmosphere in the store, the slowly playing records, and the mellow aroma of roasted coffee make Reykjavik Roasters a favorite of Icelanders.

Address: Kárastígur 1 & Brautarholt 2, Reykjavik

3

Tíu Dropar

Tíu Dropar means "ten drops" in Icelandic. This hidden cafe is located in a basement in the center of Reykjavik. The cafe is small but uniquely Nordic - antique furniture, old piano, dim lighting, and it is also one of the oldest cafes in Iceland.

Not only does the coffee here taste good, but it also offers sandwiches, salads, small cakes, traditional Icelandic pancakes and other snacks. After 9pm, Tíu Dropar transforms into a tavern, and singers will come to perform.

Address: Laugavegur 27, Reykjavik

4

KEX

KEX is one of the coolest places in Reykjavik. It is both a youth hostel and a cafe and bar. KEX was formerly the production factory of Mjólkurkex, a famous Icelandic biscuit brand. But now, it is full of antique furniture and lighting, full of artistic atmosphere, and has become a favorite place for many young people who love retro industrial style.

KEX's restaurant not only offers brewed coffee and drip coffee, but also its signature beef burgers. The stunning view of Reykjavik Harbor is even more unforgettable.

Address: Skúlagata 28, Reykjavik

5

Stofan Café

It is said that half of Iceland's hipsters gather in this café by the harbor. Stofan means "living room" in Icelandic, and indeed, the velvet sofas and leather chairs in the café will make you feel like you have really walked into the living room of an Icelandic grandmother.

Stofan is a two-story wooden house filled with antique furniture and a variety of vintage gadgets. The downstairs becomes a small bar at night, while the upstairs is always a cafe. The coffee is Chaqwa brand, which is not as good as the home-roasted ones, but it is also very delicious. The teas with various flavors and the home-made cakes and snacks are worth trying. Here, whether you order a cup of coffee to read a book for the day or a glass of special Icelandic beer, it is a very good pastime. When the weather is good, you can also sit in the antique sofa outside!

Address: Vesturgata 3, Reykjavik

6

Babalú

Babalú is probably the cutest café in the world. Walking into this orange-walled café, you feel like you’ve entered another world. Even the restrooms are decorated with pink fluorescent lights and Star Wars character stickers. It’s so retro and dreamy!

Because Babalú is so famous throughout Iceland, it's hard to get a table when it's crowded. Their homemade Brooklyn cheesecake is delicious, and even a cup of regular coffee or hot chocolate is delicious.

Address: Skolavoerdustigur 22A, Reykjavik

7

Café Haiti

The coffee beans used in the Haiti Café, which opened in 2008, are all purchased directly from small local coffee farms in Haiti. The owners of the café are Icelander Methúsalem and his Haitian wife Elda, who used to grow coffee beans in Haiti before coming to Iceland. Every morning, they roast fresh coffee beans in the café, and the aroma fills the air immediately.

The simple and unpretentious style of the cafe also makes it look not pretentious at all. Some nights even have local musicians come to perform and sing. Order a cup of special Arabic coffee, or have a bowl of cheap fresh fish soup at noon, which can make you regain your vitality.

Address: Geirsgotu 7b & Verbuo 2, Reykjavik

This article comes from the WeChat public account [Zanadu Travel Life]

Authorized reprint, cooperation, submission [email protected]

Iceland & Greenland 12 Days 10 Nights

Polar Secret Adventure

-Package Includes-

【Fly】International round-trip economy class air ticket (excluding tax)

[Fly] Economy class air tickets within Iceland and to Greenland (tax included)

【Accommodation】10 nights accommodation in the hotel included in the itinerary including breakfast

[Travel] The itinerary includes airport pick-up and drop-off, urban transportation, and four-wheel drive super off-road vehicles on some sections

【Guide】Full-time English-speaking driver and tour guide service included in the itinerary

【Meals】Meals listed in the itinerary (excluding beverages)

【Tour】Tickets for activities and attractions mentioned in the itinerary

[Tour] Reykjavik includes an optional activity (refer to the specific itinerary)

-Package Price-

Small boutique 6-person travel from ¥ 66,800 / person

Small boutique 2-person travel from ¥ 72,800 / person

Luxury 6-person package from ¥ 91,800 / person

Luxury VIP room for 2 people from ¥ 98,800 / person

For more product details, please contact ZANADU Travel Consultant

[email protected]