Litla Kaffistofan

Some cafes exist at the intersection of food and nostalgia, and Litla Kaffistofan is one of them. This fuel-station cafe on the southern edge of Reykjavik has been feeding travellers homemade pastries and strong Icelandic coffee for so long that it has become a cultural institution -- the kind of place where three generations of the same family have stopped for kleinur on the way south.

The History

The concept of the fuel-station cafe is deeply embedded in Icelandic culture. In a country of vast distances and sparse population, filling stations have traditionally served as rest stops, community hubs, and cafes. Litla Kaffistofan -- The Little Coffee Room -- is perhaps the most celebrated example of this tradition, maintaining standards of homemade baking that put most dedicated bakeries to shame.

The Baking

The kleinur are the star. These twisted Icelandic doughnuts, fried golden and lightly spiced with cardamom, are the national snack, and the versions at Litla Kaffistofan are among the finest you will find. The dough is mixed and fried on site, and they are best eaten warm, still faintly crispy on the outside.

Beyond the kleinur, the display cases hold an ever-changing selection of layer cakes, ponnukokur (thin Icelandic pancakes rolled with cream and jam), cream puffs, and whatever else the bakers have produced that morning. Everything is homemade, and the recipes are traditional -- no experimental fusion baking here, just the kind of solid, buttery, satisfying cakes and pastries that Icelanders have been eating for generations.

The Coffee

The coffee is classic Icelandic filter: strong, dark, and served in generous cups. Paired with a kleina or a slice of cake, it constitutes one of the simplest and most satisfying afternoon pleasures available in the greater Reykjavik area.

A Note of Caution

Reports have surfaced about a potential closure. Before making a special trip, check the cafe's website or social media for the most current information. If it is open when you visit, do not miss the opportunity. Places like this, once gone, do not come back.

Practical Notes

Litla Kaffistofan is on Suðurlandsvegur, the road heading south from Reykjavik towards Selfoss and the Ring Road. It is roughly a fifteen-minute drive from the city centre. If you are heading south on a day trip to the Golden Circle or along the south coast, it makes a natural first or last stop.