Brunch is the best of many worlds. It‘s not just breakfast or lunch – it can also involve some tasty cocktails! That is why it is our favourite meal. But not every place offers brunch. Here is a guide to some of the best spots.

The Laundromat Cafe

An oldie but a goodie. This classic chain actually closed down a few years ago but thankfully reopened its doors in September 2019. Smack dab in the middle of downtown, The Laundromat Cafe is a favourite for visiting tourists. There are usually plenty of tables, so the wait shouldn‘t be too long. They serve breakfast all day, and offer some delicious homemade juices and smoothies. 

Recommended dish: The Elvis Pancakes

Kaffihús Vesturbæjar

On the other side of town is Kaffhús Vesturbæjar, a hip café that is perfect for a spot of brunch after a soak in the Vesturbæjarlaug pool across the street. This charming spot opens at 9 on the weekends. It is first and foremost a coffeehouse, so this is a great place to order a latté or cappuccino. They also serve delicious hot chocolate! Brunch is offered on the weekends, and consists of everything from classic kleinur to salmon toast. Their menu is always changing, but you can‘t go wrong with an omelette.

Recommended dish: Omelette of the day

Vox Brasserie & Bar

How about a brunch buffet?! Vox Brasserie & Bar is located in the Hilton Hotel east of downtown. This brunch is a little more pricey, but you get a lot of bang for your buck. Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays (as well as some holidays). The spread includes tons of sweets and pastries, fresh fruit, pancakes, eggs and bacon. You name it, they got it. Wash it all down with a beer or signature cocktail, and you got yourself a brunch to remember.

Recommended dish: It‘s a buffet, try everything!

You can reserve a table at Vox here.

Kol Restaurant

Are these options not boozy enough for you? Kol Restaurant has you covered with its Bottomless Bubble Brunch. For a set (though steep!) price, you can drink all the mimosas and prosecco you want. They offer a meat or vegan menu that includes everything from shrimp to chicken and waffles (non-vegan) to a cauliflower taco (vegan). There are several dishes so you don‘t just fill up on the bubbly! Kol is located on Skólavörðustígur (the rainbow road) very close to Hallgrímskirkja church. 

Recommended dish: Chicken and waffles

Here you can reserve your table at Kol Restaurant.

Grái Kötturinn

Grái Kötturinn, or The Gray Cat, is another tourist favourite. It is a small space that can fill up very quickly. While this is technically more of a breakfast place than a specialty brunch spot, The Gray Cat serves up some classic (American) breakfast dishes better than its competitors. If you are looking for a simple eggs and bacon kind of a breakfast, this is your place. Add in the cosy atmosphere and a great cup of coffee, you got yourself a winner.

Recommended dish: Buck Rogers

Emilie and the Cool Kids

Further up Hverfisgata street from Grái Kötturinn is a newcomer, Emilie and the Cool Kids. Like The Gray Cat, it has a cosy atmosphere and not much seating. Emilie is serving up something a little different than the other restaurants. Yes, you can still order pancakes or pastries. But here you can order some of the most savory bagel sandwiches you have ever tasted. Grab a fresh squeezed orange juice to wash it down.

Recommended dish: Fat Mike

Other places that serve a great brunch: Sandholt, Brút, Snaps, and Kaffivagninn.

Related: Reykjavík’s Fast Food Favourites