Looking for a place in downtown Reykjavík to sit down for an early lunch or late breakfast? We at Iceland Insider have you covered! We compiled a list of five of our favorite places for a brunch in downtown Reykjavík.
I. Public House Gastro Pub. As the name suggests, Public House is a gastropub that’s located in downtown Reykjavik. The restaurant opened this past May and has met and exceeded everyone’s expectations.
The menu is different from what you may be used to, but somehow they manage to turn a pulled-duck-waffle into the perfect brunch. Try it. You won’t be disappointed.
Where: Laugavegur 24, 101 Reykjavík
II. Nauthóll. Nauthóll bistro is located by Reykjavik’s one and only (man-made) beach. One a nice summer (Sun)day, you can sit outside and watch the planes come in; the locals enjoying the good weather by biking or rollerblading by the ocean, and best of all: You can do this while brunching.
Nauthóll is perfect for those with ‘decision-making-anxiety’ because there’s only one brunch that’s served. Fruit, sourdough bread, pancakes, and egg in a jar. It’s simple made fancy, and it’s always good.
Where: Nauthólsvegur, 101 Reykjavík
III. Coocoo's Nest. This tiny little place may be slightly difficult to locate by Reykjavik’s old harbor, but it’s worth it. Coocoo’s Nest offers the classics with a twist: Cinnamon Pancakes; Green eggs and ham; Breakfast Burritos, and many more.
And to top it all: They only use organic eggs! It’s quaint, it’s charming, it’s a stop you won’t regret making.
Where: Grandagarður 23, 101 Reykjavík
IV. Snaps. Snaps Bistro and Bar is located in downtown Reykjavik, much like Vegamót. It’s the restaurant at the Odinsve Hotel, but luckily for those of us not staying at the hotel, the restaurant is open to everybody. It’s a favourite among locals and it’s usually packed – whether it’s for brunch or weekday dinner, but it’s packed for a good reason too.
Snap’s brunch menu is reasonably priced, has a good variety of different options, and the atmosphere is cozy. If you get there and every seat is occupied, I recommend waiting. Perhaps while sipping on one of their signature brunch cocktails.
Where: Þórsgata 1, 101 Reykjavík
Read more: Guide: The street food of Reykjavík – Not just hot dogs anymore
Read more: Best of Icelandic Food & Drink, Part One
V. Hverfisgata 12. Whether you are dealing with a hangover or want to have a healthy weekend family celebration, the brunch menu at Hverfisgata 12 has you well covered.
Since opening in 2014, the restaurant has made its name with gourmet pizzas crafted with Icelandic-inspired toppings and dough made from whey and barley.
Staying true to its origins, three brunch pizzas top the menu. If you go for the one with homemade tomato sauce, fire-baked eggs, bacon, and black pepper, you should not need more nourishment until dinner time. Less calorie-laden options include avocado with crème fraîche and herbs on the restaurant’s splendid rye bread, and smoked trout on rye bread with poached egg and sauce hollandaise.
If you like your brunch to involve some booze, Hverfisgata 12 won’t let you down. You can choose between the restaurant’s own take on the Bloody Mary (vodka, pizza juice, and house spices), a Blumosa (blueberry syrup and bubbles), and a wide selection of craft beers.
The brunch scene has gone way too far in too many places around the world, with gastronomic grandstanding and pretentiousness. There is no such nonsense at Hverfisgata 12. The menu is simple and honest, as it should be. -jk
Where: Hverfisgata 12, 101 Reykjavík
Looking for a place in downtown Reykjavík to sit down for an early lunch or late breakfast? We at Iceland Insider have you covered! We compiled a list of five of our favorite places for a brunch in downtown Reykjavík.
I. Public House Gastro Pub. As the name suggests, Public House is a gastropub that’s located in downtown Reykjavik. The restaurant opened this past May and has met and exceeded everyone’s expectations.
The menu is different from what you may be used to, but somehow they manage to turn a pulled-duck-waffle into the perfect brunch. Try it. You won’t be disappointed.
Where: Laugavegur 24, 101 Reykjavík
II. Nauthóll. Nauthóll bistro is located by Reykjavik’s one and only (man-made) beach. One a nice summer (Sun)day, you can sit outside and watch the planes come in; the locals enjoying the good weather by biking or rollerblading by the ocean, and best of all: You can do this while brunching.
Nauthóll is perfect for those with ‘decision-making-anxiety’ because there’s only one brunch that’s served. Fruit, sourdough bread, pancakes, and egg in a jar. It’s simple made fancy, and it’s always good.
Where: Nauthólsvegur, 101 Reykjavík
III. Coocoo's Nest. This tiny little place may be slightly difficult to locate by Reykjavik’s old harbor, but it’s worth it. Coocoo’s Nest offers the classics with a twist: Cinnamon Pancakes; Green eggs and ham; Breakfast Burritos, and many more.
And to top it all: They only use organic eggs! It’s quaint, it’s charming, it’s a stop you won’t regret making.
Where: Grandagarður 23, 101 Reykjavík
IV. Snaps. Snaps Bistro and Bar is located in downtown Reykjavik, much like Vegamót. It’s the restaurant at the Odinsve Hotel, but luckily for those of us not staying at the hotel, the restaurant is open to everybody. It’s a favourite among locals and it’s usually packed – whether it’s for brunch or weekday dinner, but it’s packed for a good reason too.
Snap’s brunch menu is reasonably priced, has a good variety of different options, and the atmosphere is cozy. If you get there and every seat is occupied, I recommend waiting. Perhaps while sipping on one of their signature brunch cocktails.
Where: Þórsgata 1, 101 Reykjavík
Read more: Guide: The street food of Reykjavík – Not just hot dogs anymore
Read more: Best of Icelandic Food & Drink, Part One
V. Hverfisgata 12. Whether you are dealing with a hangover or want to have a healthy weekend family celebration, the brunch menu at Hverfisgata 12 has you well covered.
Since opening in 2014, the restaurant has made its name with gourmet pizzas crafted with Icelandic-inspired toppings and dough made from whey and barley.
Staying true to its origins, three brunch pizzas top the menu. If you go for the one with homemade tomato sauce, fire-baked eggs, bacon, and black pepper, you should not need more nourishment until dinner time. Less calorie-laden options include avocado with crème fraîche and herbs on the restaurant’s splendid rye bread, and smoked trout on rye bread with poached egg and sauce hollandaise.
If you like your brunch to involve some booze, Hverfisgata 12 won’t let you down. You can choose between the restaurant’s own take on the Bloody Mary (vodka, pizza juice, and house spices), a Blumosa (blueberry syrup and bubbles), and a wide selection of craft beers.
The brunch scene has gone way too far in too many places around the world, with gastronomic grandstanding and pretentiousness. There is no such nonsense at Hverfisgata 12. The menu is simple and honest, as it should be. -jk
Where: Hverfisgata 12, 101 Reykjavík
