Best For
Hearty bread-bowl soups and warming up on a cold day.
IS
Soup Restaurant·Cozy, Buzzy, No Frills
Located in the heart of Reykjavík’s Miðborg neighborhood, Svarta Kaffið has earned a reputation as a local gem for its focused and perfected menu. The concept is refreshingly simple: every day, the kitchen prepares two fresh soups—typically a meat-based option like lamb or beef and a flavorful vegetarian alternative—served inside a hollowed-out, crusty loaf of bread. The interior is small and intimate, providing a welcoming refuge from the chilly Icelandic weather. Because the menu is so streamlined, service is exceptionally fast, making it a great choice for a quick lunch or a casual dinner. While it often gets busy with both locals and tourists, the rotating daily recipes ensure that even repeat visitors find something new to enjoy. It’s a quintessential Icelandic dining experience that prioritizes flavor and comfort over complexity.
Located in the heart of Reykjavík’s Miðborg neighborhood, Svarta Kaffið has earned a reputation as a local gem for its focused and perfected menu. The concept is refreshingly simple: every day, the kitchen prepares two fresh soups—typically a meat-based option like lamb or beef and a flavorful vegetarian alternative—served inside a hollowed-out, crusty loaf of bread. The interior is small and intimate, providing a welcoming refuge from the chilly Icelandic weather. Because the menu is so streamlined, service is exceptionally fast, making it a great choice for a quick lunch or a casual dinner. While it often gets busy with both locals and tourists, the rotating daily recipes ensure that even repeat visitors find something new to enjoy. It’s a quintessential Icelandic dining experience that prioritizes flavor and comfort over complexity.
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Address
Laugavegur 54, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Websitefacebook.com
Phone551 2999
Hours
Opens soonMon
11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Tue
11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Wed
11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Thu
11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Fri
11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Sat
11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Sun
12:00 - 10:00 PM
Highlights
Signature soups served in large, edible bread bowls.
Daily rotating menu featuring one meat and one vegetarian option.
Fast and efficient service perfect for a quick city break.
Warm and inviting atmosphere ideal for escaping the cold.
Central location on Reykjavík's main shopping street.
Dietary Options
vegetarian-friendly
Time of Day
Lunch, Dinner
Occasion Tags
Casual Dining, Tourists, Locals, Solo, Quick Bite
Reviews
4.6
Excellent3,4 K reviews
Svarta Kaffið is widely celebrated for its simple yet iconic concept of serving hearty soups in large, edible bread bowls. With a high rating from thousands of visitors, it has become a staple for those exploring downtown Reykjavík. Reviewers consistently praise the quality of the two daily offerings—one meat-based and one vegetarian—noting that the flavors are rich and the portions are substantial. The service is frequently described as exceptionally fast and friendly, with orders often arriving within moments of being placed. Many guests highlight the cozy, attic-like atmosphere as the perfect place to warm up after a day of sightseeing. While the restaurant does not take reservations and can get crowded quickly, the consensus is that the unbeatable soup and unique dining experience are well worth the visit.
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Location
Miðborg, Reykjavík, Reykjavíkurborg, Iceland
