Kaffivagninn

Kaffivagninn has been serving coffee and meals at the harbour since 1935, when it opened as a canteen for the fishermen and dock workers who kept Reykjavik's port running. Nearly a century later, the fishermen still come — and so do visitors who appreciate a place where the food is honest, the coffee is strong, and the atmosphere has not been sanitised for tourist consumption.

The Food

The menu is traditional Icelandic cafe fare, done well. The fish of the day — whatever was landed that morning — is simply prepared and genuinely fresh. The plokkfiskur (fish stew) is thick and comforting. The breakfast is hearty: eggs, bread, coffee, and the kind of fuel you need before a day on the water or a day of sightseeing.

The Setting

The interior of Kaffivagninn has the patina of decades. It is not designed or curated — it simply is. Formica tables, simple chairs, and the quiet hum of regulars who have been coming here for years. Through the windows, the harbour goes about its business. It is one of the last places in central Reykjavik where you can sit and feel the working character of the city rather than the tourist version.

Practical Tips

Arrive for breakfast or an early lunch for the most authentic experience. No reservations, no ceremony — just walk in. The harbour location pairs well with whale watching tours and the Grandi neighbourhood. Cash and cards accepted.