Kaffi Laugalaekur
A neighbourhood gastro bar in the Laugardalur area serving award-winning sourdough pizzas, craft beer, and weekend brunch — beloved by locals, overlooked by tourists.
Every Reykjavik neighbourhood has its living room, and for Laugardalur, that place is Kaffi Laugalaekur. Tucked around the corner from the city's largest swimming pool, this gastro bar serves as cafe, restaurant, and social hub for the local community — a role it fills with genuine warmth and surprisingly good food.
The Food
The sourdough pizzas are the headline act and have earned recognition in local food circles. The dough is properly fermented, yielding a crust with real character — slightly chewy, well-blistered, and flavourful enough to stand on its own. Toppings are generous and thoughtfully combined.
Beyond pizza, the menu covers the comforting essentials: salads, sandwiches, soups, and a rotating daily special that tends toward hearty, satisfying fare. Weekend brunch (Saturday and Sunday, 11:00-15:00) brings out the neighbourhood crowd for eggs, pancakes, and the kind of leisurely morning that Reykjavik does well.
The Drinks
The craft beer selection is excellent — a rotating tap list that showcases Icelandic breweries alongside international options. Happy hour runs twice daily (16:00-19:00 and 22:00-23:00), making this one of the more affordable places to drink well in Reykjavik.
The Neighbourhood Factor
Kaffi Laugalaekur's greatest asset is its location outside the tourist centre. The Laugardalur area is where Icelanders actually live, swim, and socialise. Eating here means experiencing a slice of local Reykjavik life that most visitors never see. Combine it with a visit to Laugardalslaug (the thermal pool directly around the corner) for the most authentically Icelandic afternoon possible.
Practical Tips
Pair with a swim at Laugardalslaug — pizza and beer after a soak in the hot pots is a deeply civilised combination. Come during happy hour for the best value. Weekend brunch is popular with locals, so arrive early if you want a table without waiting. Bus routes connect easily to downtown.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Kaffi Laugalaekur serve?
- Sourdough pizzas, salads, sandwiches, soups, and a daily special. They also serve specialty coffee, craft beers, and cocktails. Weekend brunch runs from 11:00 to 15:00.
- Is there a happy hour?
- Yes. Happy hour runs daily from 16:00-19:00 and again from 22:00-23:00, with discounted beer and wine.
- How much does a pizza cost?
- Sourdough pizzas run ISK 2,500-3,500 (EUR 17-24). Add a happy hour beer and you have a very reasonable evening out.
- Where is Kaffi Laugalaekur?
- At Laugarnesvegur 74a in the Laugardalur neighbourhood, near Iceland's largest swimming pool (Laugardalslaug). About a 20-minute walk or short bus ride from downtown.
- Is it suitable for vegans?
- Yes. The menu includes several vegan options across pizzas, salads, and daily specials.
- Is this a tourist spot or a local place?
- Firmly local. The Laugardalur location keeps it off most tourist itineraries, which is part of its charm. You will be dining with neighbourhood regulars rather than fellow travellers.
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