1. The Kex is what you could call the epitome of quirky hipsterism. Situated in the hostel that used to be a cookie factory (Kex is the Icelandic word for cookie), with a fantastic view of the bay, the bar offers tasty craft beers on draft and bistro-style food in case you get peckish. The Kex has a large outdoor patio with a fantastic view of the bay and a little park out back, which is well worth a visit whenever one wants to enjoy a little sun.
Crowd: Members of the city council, hostel -guests, and hipsters.
Address: Skúlagata 28
2. Loft is situated in the Loft Hostel in Bankastræti street and is the latest addition to Reykjavík’s hostel flora. The bar is nice and spacious with ample seating, and the roof terrace has an absolutely amazing view over the city centre.
Crowd: Pretty much anyone and everyone.
Address: Bankastræti 7
3. Kaffi París is located in the heart of the city and a popular spot for people- watching and basking in the sun. On sunny days, Kaffi Paris and the other cafés situated around Austurvöllur square are bustling with life. The café offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner for those in need of a little fill- me- up. Crowd: Popular with tourists and Icelanders alike.
Address: Austurstræti 14
4. Vegamót means “crossroads,” and is named after the little street it’s on, Vegamótastígur. During the day it’s a popular bistro with a large menu, but in the evenings it transforms into a popular bar. It has been a favourite of locals for well over a decade and continues to be so. The restaurant’s outdoor area is not only well- sheltered from wind but also sunny all day— therefore it’s jam-packed during warm summer days.
Crowd: Family-oriented during the day time. Attracts a more stylish crowd during evenings and weekends.
Address: Vegamótastígur
5. Café Flóra is located in Grasagarðurinn, Reykjavík’s botanical garden, in Laugardalur valley – only a thirty- minute walk from the city centre. The café’s beautiful surroundings make it a wonderful place to spend a summer day. Café Flóra’s menu consists of Scandinavian- inspired dishes and classic Danish open-faced sandwiches.
Crowd: Old and young come together at the café to enjoy the idyllic setting.
Address: Laugardalur valley
Get ready for alfresco season with Iceland Insider’s guide to the cafés with the best verandas, rooftops and outdoor areas in Reykjavík.
1. The Kex is what you could call the epitome of quirky hipsterism. Situated in the hostel that used to be a cookie factory (Kex is the Icelandic word for cookie), with a fantastic view of the bay, the bar offers tasty craft beers on draft and bistro-style food in case you get peckish. The Kex has a large outdoor patio with a fantastic view of the bay and a little park out back, which is well worth a visit whenever one wants to enjoy a little sun.
Crowd: Members of the city council, hostel -guests, and hipsters.
Address: Skúlagata 28
2. Loft is situated in the Loft Hostel in Bankastræti street and is the latest addition to Reykjavík’s hostel flora. The bar is nice and spacious with ample seating, and the roof terrace has an absolutely amazing view over the city centre.
Crowd: Pretty much anyone and everyone.
Address: Bankastræti 7
3. Kaffi París is located in the heart of the city and a popular spot for people- watching and basking in the sun. On sunny days, Kaffi Paris and the other cafés situated around Austurvöllur square are bustling with life. The café offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner for those in need of a little fill- me- up. Crowd: Popular with tourists and Icelanders alike.
Address: Austurstræti 14
4. Vegamót means “crossroads,” and is named after the little street it’s on, Vegamótastígur. During the day it’s a popular bistro with a large menu, but in the evenings it transforms into a popular bar. It has been a favourite of locals for well over a decade and continues to be so. The restaurant’s outdoor area is not only well- sheltered from wind but also sunny all day— therefore it’s jam-packed during warm summer days.
Crowd: Family-oriented during the day time. Attracts a more stylish crowd during evenings and weekends.
Address: Vegamótastígur
5. Café Flóra is located in Grasagarðurinn, Reykjavík’s botanical garden, in Laugardalur valley – only a thirty- minute walk from the city centre. The café’s beautiful surroundings make it a wonderful place to spend a summer day. Café Flóra’s menu consists of Scandinavian- inspired dishes and classic Danish open-faced sandwiches.
Crowd: Old and young come together at the café to enjoy the idyllic setting.
Address: Laugardalur valley
