Sufistinn Book Cafe

Sufistinn is the kind of place that rewards those who look up. From the street, you see the Mal og Menning bookshop -- one of Reykjavik's best -- with its shelves of Icelandic literature and tourist guides. Walk through the shop, climb the stairs, and you find yourself in a cafe that feels like a secret: books on every surface, art on the walls, the smell of freshly roasted coffee, and a quiet that the busy Laugavegur below cannot reach.

The Coffee

Sufistinn roasts its own beans, which matters more than you might think. In a city where cafe culture is strong but many establishments rely on the same commercial roasters, Sufistinn's house-roasted coffee has a character of its own. It is rich without being bitter, fragrant, and served with the quiet confidence of people who know their craft.

The coffee is reason enough to climb the stairs. But there is more.

The Cakes

The baking is done in-house, and the results are excellent. Muffins, cakes, and pastries arrive fresh each morning. The chocolate cake is dense and serious. The cinnamon buns are warm and fragrant. The filled croissants and toasted sandwiches offer something more substantial for those who need lunch rather than a snack. Nothing is fancy, and everything is good.

The Setting

This is what makes Sufistinn special. The cafe occupies the upper floor of the bookshop, which means you are surrounded by books. Shelves line the walls. Reading material is available at every table. Art by local artists rotates through the space, adding visual interest without overwhelming the cosy atmosphere.

In summer, there is a small rooftop garden -- genuinely one of Reykjavik's best-kept secrets. A handful of tables with views over the rooftops of the city centre, sheltered from the wind, and far above the noise of Laugavegur. On a sunny day, there are few better places in Reykjavik to sit with a coffee and a book.

Practical Tips

Visit on a rainy afternoon when the rest of Laugavegur is too wet for comfortable walking. Order a coffee and a slice of cake, find a corner, and settle in with a book. In summer, head straight for the rooftop. The prices are modest, the atmosphere is genuine, and the combination of coffee, cake, and literature is one of the simplest pleasures Reykjavik has to offer.