Islenska Kaffistofan

Before the espresso revolution reached Iceland, before latte art became a competitive sport and cold brew appeared on every corner, Icelanders drank filter coffee. Pots of the stuff, brewed strong and dark, consumed throughout the day at a pace that would alarm a cardiologist. Islenska Kaffistofan -- The Icelandic Coffee House -- keeps that tradition alive in an age of pour-overs and flat whites.

The Coffee

The filter coffee here is the star, and it is excellent. Brewed properly, served hot, and strong enough to wake you up without the acidity that plagues cheaper versions. The cafe takes the old Icelandic approach seriously: coffee is meant to be drunk in quantity, at leisure, and preferably with something sweet alongside it.

Espresso-based drinks are available for those who cannot live without them, but ordering a latte here feels a bit like ordering a burger at a sushi restaurant. Technically possible, but you are missing the point.

The Cakes

The homemade cakes are the essential companion to the coffee. Traditional Icelandic recipes dominate: dense, buttery creations that are sweet without being cloying, and substantial enough to constitute a genuine afternoon meal if you have two slices. The selection changes daily, and the quality is consistently high.

The Atmosphere

This is where Islenska Kaffistofan truly distinguishes itself. The cafe is calm, unhurried, and refreshingly analogue. There are no queues of tourists photographing their drinks, no cramped communal tables, and no background music fighting for your attention. It is the kind of place where you can sit with a book, a newspaper, or a companion and simply enjoy the quiet pleasure of good coffee in comfortable surroundings.

The location at Katrínartúni, slightly removed from the tourist centre, reinforces this sense of tranquillity. The clientele is predominantly local, which is always a good sign.

Who Should Visit

Anyone who appreciates traditional coffee culture and wants a break from the performative aspects of modern cafe life. Islenska Kaffistofan is not trying to impress you with unusual brewing methods or Instagram-worthy presentation. It is simply a good coffee house, run by people who understand what that means. In Reykjavik's increasingly trendy cafe scene, that counts as a genuinely radical proposition.