Early in the Morning
A dedicated breakfast spot on one of Reykjavik's quietest streets, serving beautifully prepared morning meals in a calm, civilised setting before the city wakes up.
Most Reykjavik restaurants focus on dinner, treating breakfast as an afterthought of cold cereal and lukewarm coffee. Early in the Morning takes the opposite approach, dedicating itself entirely to the first meal of the day and doing so with a care and attention that makes you wonder why more restaurants do not follow suit.
The Concept
The name says it all. This is a breakfast-only restaurant, open from 07:00 to 10:00 and then closed for the rest of the day. There is no lunch menu lurking in the background, no dinner service waiting in the wings. Every ounce of the kitchen's energy goes into making breakfast excellent, and the results speak for themselves.
The Breakfast
The menu is compact but perfectly formed. Fresh pastries, baked that morning, arrive warm and fragrant. Eggs are prepared to order -- poached, scrambled, or as a beautifully composed eggs Benedict. Smoked Icelandic salmon appears with cream cheese and capers. Skyr is served with honey and fresh berries. Coffee is strong and properly made.
What elevates Early in the Morning above standard hotel breakfasts is the quality of ingredients and the care in preparation. Every element on the plate has been thought about. The bread is not an afterthought. The butter is Icelandic. The fruit is actually ripe. These details, individually small, collectively transform a meal.
The Setting
The restaurant occupies a quiet spot on Veghusastigur, a side street that most tourists walk past without noticing. The interior is serene and light -- white walls, wooden tables, and the gentle clink of cutlery. It is the antithesis of a busy breakfast buffet, and the calm is part of the experience. You eat slowly here, and that is the point.
Practical Tips
Book ahead, especially in summer. The restaurant is small and word has spread. The three-hour window is tight, so arrive promptly if you want to enjoy a relaxed meal without feeling rushed.
Early in the Morning proves that breakfast, done properly, can be the best meal of the day. In a city overflowing with dinner options, this quiet morning sanctuary is a revelation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Early in the Morning serve?
- The restaurant specialises exclusively in breakfast. The menu includes freshly baked pastries, eggs prepared various ways, smoked salmon, Icelandic skyr, fresh fruit, and excellent coffee.
- What are the opening hours?
- Early in the Morning is open daily from 07:00 to 10:00. It serves breakfast only -- there is no lunch or dinner service.
- Do I need a reservation?
- Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends. The restaurant is small and its reputation means it fills up, especially during peak tourist season.
- Is Early in the Morning expensive?
- The breakfast is priced at the higher end, typically ISK 3,500-5,000 per person. For the quality and setting, however, it represents good value for a special morning meal.
- Where is Early in the Morning located?
- The restaurant is on Veghusastigur, a quiet side street in downtown Reykjavik near the Reykjavik Residence Hotel. It is central but tucked away from the main tourist thoroughfares.
- Is this a good place for a special occasion breakfast?
- Yes. The calm atmosphere, beautiful presentation, and attention to detail make it an excellent choice for a birthday breakfast, anniversary morning, or simply treating yourself to a proper start to the day.
Explore Iceland's Food Scene — Reykjavik
Join a guided food tour and discover the best local flavors Iceland has to offer.
Browse Food ToursMore in Reykjavik
See all →101 Reykjavik Street Food
Traditional Icelandic soups and stews served quickly and cheaply on the main street -- the lamb soup alone is worth the visit.
108 Matur
A small, no-frills lunch spot in the 108 district of Reykjavik, beloved by locals for its freshly made daily specials and remarkably low prices.
1919 Restaurant
The dining room at Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel on Posthusstraeti, set in a beautifully restored early 20th-century building in the heart of downtown Reykjavik.