Where to Find Reykjavík’s Most Talked-About Cafes Right Now
From hidden micro bakeries to sky-high views, this is where Reykjavík’s cafe scene is heating up.
This guide maps the Reykjavik cafes locals are buzzing about in 2025, from brand-new neighborhood hangouts to iconic spots that still feel fresh. Expect flaky pastries, serious coffee, and a cozy escape from the North Atlantic chill.
Where to Find Reykjavík’s Most Talked-About Cafes Right Now
Reykjavík’s cafe culture is having a moment. Nordic comfort, third-wave coffee, and bakery science are colliding in a compact, walkable city where almost every corner hides a warm window seat.
Below are the Reykjavik cafes gaining real momentum right now, ranked by MapsBuddy’s data on ratings, review growth, and how much buzz they are creating.
Blue Café Reykjavik - Brand new harbor hangout
Blue Café Reykjavik is one of the city’s freshest arrivals, and it already feels like a local secret. With a 4.4 rating from its first wave of reviews and a standout growth score, this very new spot is trending because early visitors are returning with friends.
Why it is trending
- Very new on the scene, with a sharp growth score that signals rising word of mouth
- Cozy, modern interior that fits Reykjavík’s hygge-leaning cafe culture
- Located close to central routes, so it is easy to slot into a harbor walk or city stroll
What to expect
- Warm drinks that lean into comfort: think rich hot chocolate and well-pulled espresso
- Simple, satisfying bites that work for a light brunch or late afternoon stop
- A relaxed vibe that feels more like a neighborhood living room than a tourist stop
Best for
- First-timers looking to experience a “local” Reykjavik cafe before it blows up
- Digital nomads who want a calmer space to work or read
- Pre-dinner meetups when you want something quieter than a bar
Hygge Coffee & Micro Bakery - Small space, big pastry energy
Hygge Coffee & Micro Bakery is exactly what Reykjavik’s cafe trend is about in 2025: tiny footprint, serious coffee, and meticulous baking. With a 4.7 rating and steady review growth as a new business, it is quickly becoming a must-visit for pastry hunters.
Why it is trending
- New enough to feel undiscovered, but already pulling in strong reviews
- “Micro bakery” format means limited batches that often sell out, which fuels hype
- Perfectly aligned with the Scandinavian hygge aesthetic that visitors love
What to expect
- Specialty coffee with attention to grind, roast, and milk texture
- Buttery croissants, laminated pastries, and rotating seasonal bakes
- A compact, cozy space where you might share a table or queue out the door
Best for
- Early-morning pastry runs before a Golden Circle or South Coast tour
- Travelers who care more about quality than seating capacity
- Instagram-friendly shots of pastry trays and latte art
Pro tip
Arrive early if you want the most popular items. Micro bakeries in Reykjavik often sell out by midday, especially on weekends.
Perlan - Cafe with the most dramatic view in town
Perlan is best known as an iconic landmark and museum, but its cafe and restaurant spaces are quietly trending again. With over 10,000 reviews and a strong growth score, it remains one of Reykjavik’s most talked-about stops, especially for coffee with a panorama.
Why it is trending
- The glass dome offers some of the best views over Reykjavík and Faxaflói Bay
- Recent visitor momentum shows travelers are pairing the exhibits with a cafe break
- Combines sightseeing, a warm indoor escape, and a sit-down cafe experience
What to expect
- Coffee, cakes, and light bites that are ideal after exploring the exhibitions
- A bright, airy setting where the view is the main attraction
- Higher prices than a street cafe, but a memorable setting in return
Best for
- First-time visitors who want “coffee with a view” in a single stop
- Families and groups who need a comfortable place to rest mid-sightseeing
- Winter days when you want to stay warm while still feeling close to the landscape
Pro tip
Time your cafe break around sunset or late afternoon on clear days. The light over the city and nearby mountains makes even a simple coffee feel special.
Baka Baka - Lively downtown bakery cafe
Baka Baka sits in central Reykjavík and has evolved into a go-to spot for both locals and visitors. With a 4.4 rating, more than a thousand reviews, and solid recent growth, it is trending because it nails the balance between quality, variety, and location.
Why it is trending
- Central location that makes it an easy stop on any downtown walking route
- Steady review growth shows it is not just a one-time tourist hit
- Flexible enough for breakfast, lunch, or a late afternoon pastry break
What to expect
- A wide range of baked goods, from pizzas and sandwiches to sweet pastries
- Casual, energetic atmosphere, often with a gentle hum of conversation
- Good option if you are with a group and everyone wants something different
Best for
- Fueling up before shopping along Laugavegur
- Mixed groups where some want savory, others want something sweet
- Travelers who want a reliable, central cafe that still feels distinctly local
Pro tip
Use Baka Baka as your “anchor” cafe if you are staying downtown. It works just as well for a quick takeaway as for lingering over a second coffee.
Brauð & Co - Cult bakery that still lives up to the hype
Brauð & Co is the Reykjavik bakery that people talk about long after their trip. With a 4.8 rating and thousands of reviews, it is a modern classic rather than a newcomer, but a strong growth score shows it is still gaining fresh fans in 2025.
Why it is trending
- Legendary cinnamon rolls and sourdough loaves that anchor Reykjavik’s bakery reputation
- Colorful, street-art-style facades that make it easy to spot and fun to photograph
- Multiple locations mean more travelers can access it without long detours
What to expect
- Big, sticky cinnamon and cardamom buns that are often the star of the show
- Rustic loaves and seasonal specialties that locals actually buy for home
- Queues at peak times, especially mornings and weekends
Best for
- A “must do” bakery stop for first-time visitors
- Grabbing pastries and bread for a road trip or picnic
- Anyone curious why Reykjavik’s bakery scene has such a strong reputation
Pro tip
If the main location is packed, ask locals or check MapsBuddy for the nearest other Brauð & Co branch. You often get the same quality with a shorter line.
How to cafe-hop Reykjavík like a local
- Start early: Many of the best pastries sell out before noon, especially at micro bakeries.
- Walk between spots: Reykjavik’s center is compact, so you can easily combine two or three cafes in a day.
- Mix new and classic: Pair a cult favorite like Brauð & Co with a rising star such as Blue Café Reykjavik or Hygge Coffee & Micro Bakery.
- Watch the weather: Use cozy cafes as warm-up breaks between outdoor sights and waterfront walks.
Why use MapsBuddy for Reykjavik cafes
Reykjavík’s cafe landscape changes fast, with new micro bakeries, neighborhood spots, and pop-up concepts appearing each year. MapsBuddy tracks real-time ratings, review growth, and local buzz so you can find trending cafes before they become mainstream, and build a coffee route that feels current, not outdated.
Places featured in this guide
1. Blue Café Reykjavik
Mýrargata 26, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
2. Hygge Coffee & Micro Bakery
Barónsstígur 6, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
3. Perlan
Varmahlíð 1, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
4. Baka Baka
Bankastræti 2 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
5. Brauð & Co
Frakkastígur 16, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland