The Coocoo's Nest

The Coocoo's Nest sits on Grandagarður in the Grandi harbour district, a stretch of Reykjavik that has transformed from working waterfront to one of the city's most interesting dining neighbourhoods. This small, family-run restaurant has built its reputation on two things: brunch and sourdough pizza. Both are done with care.

Brunch Done Right

Weekend brunch at The Coocoo's Nest is something of a local institution. The plates are generous, colourful, and built around quality ingredients. Expect eggs prepared with attention, good bread, fresh vegetables, and combinations that feel considered rather than thrown together. The menu changes with the seasons, which keeps regulars coming back.

No reservations are accepted for brunch, which means arriving early is not optional — it is strategy. By 11:30 on a Saturday, you will likely be waiting for a table.

The Pizza

The sourdough pizzas are the other pillar of the menu. The base is slow-fermented, giving it a flavour and texture that sets it apart from the standard Reykjavik pizza offering. Toppings lean Italian but with occasional Nordic touches. The crust has the kind of char and chew that tells you someone cares about the dough.

Taco Tuesdays have also become a thing here — a fun weekly special that draws a crowd.

The Space

The restaurant is small and warm, with a design sensibility that is casual but not sloppy. Big windows look out over the harbour, and on a clear day the view adds considerably to the experience. It feels like somewhere you could linger over a second coffee without anyone rushing you out.

Practical Notes

Closed on Mondays. The Grandi area is an easy walk from downtown — about 15 minutes from Hallgrimskirkja. While you are in the neighbourhood, the Whales of Iceland exhibition and the Omnom Chocolate factory are both nearby. The Coocoo's Nest makes a natural starting point for a Grandi exploration.