Is Reykjavik Roasters the best coffee in Reykjavik?

Many people think so. Reykjavik Roasters roasts its own single-origin beans and the baristas are skilled. If you care about specialty coffee, this is the first place to visit.

Do they roast their own beans?

Yes. Reykjavik Roasters sources single-origin beans and roasts them in-house. The roasting profiles change with the seasonal coffee offerings.

How much does a coffee cost?

A specialty coffee costs ISK 600-900 (approximately €4-6). Bags of beans are available to take home.

Where is Reykjavik Roasters?

The main location is at Karastigur 1, a quiet side street near Laugavegur. There are additional locations around the city.

Light pastries and baked goods, but the focus is firmly on coffee. Come for the coffee; eat elsewhere.

What coffee should I order?

The pour-over or filter coffee showcases the beans best. The espresso-based drinks are also excellent. Ask the barista what is fresh — they love talking about their current offerings.

Coffee & Cafe

Reykjavik Roasters

Name: Reykjavik Roasters
Address: Karastigur 1, 101 Reykjavik, IS
Telephone: +354 517 5535
Price range: $
Rating: 4.6

4.6(1987 reviews)$$$$Budget-friendlyReykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik's best specialty coffee — single-origin beans roasted in-house, expertly prepared, and served in a small, characterful space that takes coffee as seriously as you do.

In a city where the weather regularly demands a hot drink, having good coffee matters. Reykjavik Roasters takes this responsibility seriously — perhaps more seriously than any other cafe in Iceland. They source single-origin beans, roast them in-house, and prepare each cup with the care and precision that specialty coffee demands.

The Coffee

This is where Reykjavik Roasters excels. The pour-over coffee is the best way to taste the quality of the beans — clean, complex, and revealing of the origin and roast. The espresso is rich and well-extracted. The baristas are knowledgeable and happy to talk about the current offerings, which change with the seasons as new beans arrive.

If you are used to specialty coffee in cities like London, Melbourne, or Portland, Reykjavik Roasters will meet your expectations. If you are not, it may recalibrate them.

The Setting

The Karastigur location is small, warm, and filled with the aroma of freshly roasted beans. It has the character of a coffee shop that has evolved naturally rather than been designed — books on shelves, simple furniture, and a atmosphere that encourages lingering. Bags of beans are available to purchase and make an excellent souvenir.

Practical Tips

Visit in the morning for the freshest brews. The space is small and can fill up — if it is busy, take your coffee to go and enjoy it on a walk. If you have time, ask for a pour-over rather than a quick espresso — it is worth the wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Reykjavik Roasters the best coffee in Reykjavik?: Many people think so. Reykjavik Roasters roasts its own single-origin beans and the baristas are skilled. If you care about specialty coffee, this is the first place to visit.
Do they roast their own beans?: Yes. Reykjavik Roasters sources single-origin beans and roasts them in-house. The roasting profiles change with the seasonal coffee offerings.
How much does a coffee cost?: A specialty coffee costs ISK 600-900 (approximately €4-6). Bags of beans are available to take home.
Where is Reykjavik Roasters?: The main location is at Karastigur 1, a quiet side street near Laugavegur. There are additional locations around the city.
Is there food?: Light pastries and baked goods, but the focus is firmly on coffee. Come for the coffee; eat elsewhere.
What coffee should I order?: The pour-over or filter coffee showcases the beans best. The espresso-based drinks are also excellent. Ask the barista what is fresh — they love talking about their current offerings.