Forsetinn Cafe and Bar

Adalstraeti is the oldest street in Reykjavik. The settlement exhibition beneath the road contains the remains of a Viking-age longhouse. Above ground, the buildings that line the street hold centuries of Icelandic history within their walls. Forsetinn Cafe and Bar occupies one of these buildings, and it wears its history with an easy confidence that suits the location perfectly.

The Daytime

During the morning and afternoon, Forsetinn operates as a proper cafe. The brunch menu is the main draw — well-prepared egg dishes, fresh Icelandic bread, smoked salmon, and the kind of coffee that makes the walk across town worthwhile. It is not trying to reinvent the cafe format. It is doing the fundamentals well, in a city where a reliable brunch spot is worth its weight in ISK.

Lunch follows a similar philosophy: soups, sandwiches, and salads built from solid ingredients without unnecessary complication. The lamb soup, when it appears, is worth ordering. The sandwiches are generous. The coffee is kept topped up.

The Evening

As the day progresses, Forsetinn transitions from cafe to bar. The food menu contracts, the drinks menu expands, and the atmosphere shifts accordingly. By Thursday evening it begins to feel like a proper bar — conversation gets louder, the cocktail menu gets attention, and the historic surroundings add a layer of character that purpose-built bars struggle to replicate.

The drinks selection covers the basics competently: Icelandic craft beers on tap, a reasonable wine list, and cocktails that are mixed with care if not with particular ambition. It is a good spot for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap, and on weekends it holds its own as a destination in itself.

The Setting

The interior balances history and modernity. The bones of the building are old — thick walls, low ceilings in places, the kind of architectural quirks that come from centuries of adaptation. The furnishings are contemporary without being aggressively modern. It works as both a quiet morning coffee spot and a lively evening bar, which is a harder trick to pull off than it sounds.

In summer, the outdoor seating on Adalstraeti is some of the most pleasant in the city centre. The street is relatively quiet by Reykjavik standards, and the surrounding historic buildings create an atmosphere that feels distinctly Icelandic.

Practical Tips

No reservations are needed for the cafe. Weekend brunch gets busy between 11:00 and 13:00, so arriving early or slightly late is advisable. The bar does not usually require booking either, though weekend evenings can fill up. The location is central to everything — a short walk from Hallgrimskirkja, the harbour, Laugavegur, and every major attraction in the city. If you are exploring Reykjavik's oldest quarter, Forsetinn is the natural place to pause.