Kaffivagninn
Reykjavik
Visit in the morning to enjoy a peaceful breakfast by the harbor's edge.
Kaffivagninn, located at Grandagarður 10 in Reykjavik, holds the distinct honor of being Iceland's oldest restaurant. Perched by the vibrant harbor, it offers a cozy retreat for both locals and visitors seeking authentic Icelandic flavors. Known for its deep-rooted history, Kaffivagninn started its journey with a simple coffee truck serving the fishermen of Reykjavik. Now, it has grown into a beloved dining destination that continues to celebrate its heritage.
The restaurant is open daily, providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner to those with an appetite for hearty, tradition-infused meals. The menu promises a delightful array of options, infused with local Icelandic tastes and fresh seafood. Patrons are often drawn to the comforting homestyle dishes, each crafted with care, reflecting the heart of Icelandic culinary tradition.
Inside, Kaffivagninn radiates warmth and a lively atmosphere, making it an inviting spot for gatherings. Its charm is enriched by the presence of freshly brewed coffee, homemade cakes, and pastries. The café's inviting ambiance offers a perfect setting for a relaxed meal, whether it's a robust breakfast to start the day or a comforting dinner by the water.
Reviews
Really really good. Got the arctic char special of the day, lemon fish, and fish and chips. All were delicious but the arctic char was actually my favorite. The sauce with it was amazing. Fish and chips was light and flaky. Lemon fish had good flavor but there was waaaay too much butter at the bottom of the plate so everything just got coated with butter. Without all that butter it would have been great! Overall definitely recommend!! A lot of locals just hanging out too. Also prices are very reasonable for lunch especially in a touristy area.
One of the best fish restaurants I've visited in Iceland. They serve fresh fish, offer excellent service, and have a great location next to the harbor. I highly recommend it.
Excellent food, super friendly waiters, cozy atmosphere. On the pic: catch of the day (fish) with potatoes and legumes. Hamburger was also very good (ordered by kids). Sound track: 80s pop (loved it!)
Seems like a local place and in a great location for the old harbor. There in Winter just stopped in as my flight arrived before check in and my Hotel was near by one of the few places open for breakfast. I was certainly the only tourist group of old men and a few solo having coffee and breakfast. The oatmeal with blueberries was delicious. Too often it is over sweet or loaded with cream. My daughter had bacon and eggs. Eggs good but she found the Bacon very greasy should have had the excess grease removed. Decorate if the kind you find at South Jersey shore in the 70’s. Ceramic fisherman figures, model ships even a potted fern. The menu says it was run by a family from a small village and it seems to have been there well before the working harbor was moved and the transition to Tourism begun. Hope they get to stay and make some money. Local spots need to supported. So stop by
Honestly, there are so many foods to try, but this place opens early, perfect after traveling from San Diego, CA to Portland and all the way to Iceland! We hadn’t eaten yet, so this was a must. I love experiencing not just the food, but also the surroundings and atmosphere. This place was perfect. Easy parking, a beautiful restaurant, and the food is absolutely healthy. I ordered the Jói Chef Special with apple juice (I hope I spelled it right hehe). It was fresh, healthy, creamy, filling, and so delicious, fish, potatoes, mushrooms, and more. My husband loved it too! He tried a local beer and said it was super smooth. I don’t usually drink alcohol, but I wanted to try an Icelandic beer, and it was worth it! Thank you so much, Katerina, for the food recommendations. They were really helpful. Having our first meal in Iceland like this made it extra memorable.
