Svarta Kaffið
Reykjavik
At a glance
Svarta Kaffið, located on Laugavegur 54 in central Reykjavík, offers a distinctive culinary experience that places it well within the city's dynamic dining scene. Known for its simplicity and depth of flavor, the menu primarily focuses on soul-warming soups served in bread bowls. This unique method of presentation and consumption makes for a rich, satisfying meal that aligns perfectly with Iceland's cooler climate.
The setting at Svarta Kaffið is casual and inviting, appealing to both locals and visitors looking for a relaxed dining experience. The ambiance is warm, with a straightforward yet cozy interior where patrons can unwind in comfort. This unpretentious eatery is well-suited to those who appreciate hearty, straightforward dishes without the fuss.
Svarta Kaffið appeals to diners who are drawn to comfort food served in an innovative fashion. It's particularly adept at attracting those who enjoy a laid-back meal in an intimate setting where the focus is on the quality and warmth of the dish itself. Whether stopping by for lunch or enjoying a leisurely dinner, guests will find a welcoming atmosphere that encourages lingering over good food and conversation.
Reviews
Food was amazing, I scoped this place out the first day in Iceland but it took until day 3 to get here but worth the wait! I had lamb stew and it was perfect, hearty and filling! Had wine and a Pepsi Max with my meal and I couldn’t ask for more. It was reasonably priced and we did not leave hungry. Thank you!
This is a famous iconic spot in Iceland well-known for its bread soup, and it’s always packed with long queues. After trying it, I felt it was nothing special. The bread is quite firm, probably designed to hold the soup inside. They only have two soup options: meat soup and vegetable soup, with the meat option being lamb. The soup is extremely salty, even when eaten with the bread it still tastes overly salty. The restaurant only serves these two soups with no other food options available, only drinks. Just need to try it once for the experience, won’t revisit.
Svarta Kaffið is an absolute must-visit every time we’re in Reykjavík. The soup is incredible! Seriously tasty, proper comfort food, and the portions are more than generous. It’s the kind of place you leave feeling completely satisfied (and already thinking about your next visit). Everything we’ve tried has been full of flavour and clearly made with care. What really makes it though is the atmosphere. The staff are genuinely warm and welcoming, creating a relaxed, cosy vibe that makes you want to stay longer. It feels personal, not rushed, and just a really nice place to unwind after exploring the city. A little detail to look out for… check the top of the walls inside where you’ll spot bank notes from all around the world. It’s such a cool touch and adds to the character of the place. We make a point of visiting every single time we come to Iceland, and it never disappoints. Highly recommend.
If you find yourself in Reykjavík during a storm, there is no better refuge than Svarta Kaffið. This legendary spot on Laugavegur is the definition of "cosy". We took shelter here while it was storming outside, and the combination of the warm atmosphere and hearty food made for an amazing experience. The Experience The Menu: They keep it simple and perfect. They serve two types of soup every day—one meat-based and one vegetarian—served inside a large, hollowed-out loaf of fresh bread. The Food: The soup was piping hot, rich, and flavourful. Tearing off pieces of the crusty bread bowl to dip into the soup is the ultimate comfort food. The Drinks: They have a great selection of local beers on tap. Pairing a cold Icelandic pint with a steaming bowl of soup while watching the rain and wind hit the windows was a highlight of our time in the city. The Vibe: It’s a small, rustic, and unpretentious space. It feels like a local secret, even though it’s very popular. The service is fast and friendly, and the upstairs seating offers a great view of the busy shopping street below.
Wonderful small restaurant in the centre of Reykjavik. Exceptional and delicious soup in a large bread bun. We enjoyed the lamb and beef and a vegetable soup. Delicious and substantial. This little gem is a must to visit, get out of the cold and get warmed up with a delicious soup. You won’t go wrong. Great speedy service.
