What is Svarta Kaffid known for?

Soup in a bread bowl. Svarta Kaffid (The Black Coffee) typically offers two soups daily — one meat-based and one vegetarian — served in a hollowed-out bread bowl. It has been doing this for years and doing it well.

How much does the soup cost?

A soup in a bread bowl costs approximately ISK 2,000-2,500 (around €14-17). One of the best-value meals in central Reykjavik.

How does it compare to Icelandic Street Food?

Similar concept, different atmosphere. Svarta Kaffid is cosier and more cafe-like, while Icelandic Street Food is more casual and offers unlimited refills. Both are excellent budget options.

Do I need a reservation?

No. Walk in and find a seat. The upstairs seating area has a particularly cosy atmosphere.

Where is Svarta Kaffid?

At Laugavegur 54a, on the main street. Look for the entrance and head upstairs.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. One of the two daily soups is typically vegetarian or vegan.

SoupCasual Dining

Svarta Kaffid

Name: Svarta Kaffid
Address: Laugavegur 54a, 101 Reykjavik, IS
Telephone: +354 551 2999
Price range: $
Rating: 4.3

4.3(1567 reviews)$$$$Budget-friendlyReykjavik, Iceland

The Black Coffee — a cosy two-floor cafe on Laugavegur famous for its hearty soups served in bread bowls. Simple, affordable, warming.

Svarta Kaffid has built its reputation on the simplest possible concept: good soup, served in a bread bowl, in a cosy cafe on the main street. It has been doing exactly this for years, and it continues to draw a steady stream of visitors and locals who appreciate the warmth, the value, and the straightforward satisfaction of a really good bowl of soup on a cold Reykjavik day.

The Soup

Two soups are available daily — typically one meat-based (often lamb) and one vegetarian. Both are thick, well-seasoned, and served in a bread bowl that soaks up the broth and becomes part of the meal. The soups change regularly, so repeat visits are rewarded with variety. The lamb soup, when available, is the most popular.

The Setting

The cafe spreads across two floors, with the upstairs seating area being the most atmospheric — low ceilings, warm lighting, and the kind of snug comfort that makes you want to linger over your soup and coffee. It is a place that feels authentically Reykjavik — unhurried, informal, and genuinely welcoming.

Practical Tips

Walk in any time. The upstairs seats are the cosiest. One soup is usually enough for a satisfying meal. Pair it with coffee and you have a complete experience for under ISK 3,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Svarta Kaffid known for?: Soup in a bread bowl. Svarta Kaffid (The Black Coffee) typically offers two soups daily — one meat-based and one vegetarian — served in a hollowed-out bread bowl. It has been doing this for years and doing it well.
How much does the soup cost?: A soup in a bread bowl costs approximately ISK 2,000-2,500 (around €14-17). One of the best-value meals in central Reykjavik.
How does it compare to Icelandic Street Food?: Similar concept, different atmosphere. Svarta Kaffid is cosier and more cafe-like, while Icelandic Street Food is more casual and offers unlimited refills. Both are excellent budget options.
Do I need a reservation?: No. Walk in and find a seat. The upstairs seating area has a particularly cosy atmosphere.
Where is Svarta Kaffid?: At Laugavegur 54a, on the main street. Look for the entrance and head upstairs.
Is there a vegetarian option?: Yes. One of the two daily soups is typically vegetarian or vegan.