If you’ve ever wondered what breakfast in Iceland is like, it’s quite different than what many of us are used to!
Don’t expect a wide selection of breakfast diners with an elaborate spread of the typical American breakfast when you’re eating out.
You know, the one with red vinyl booths where the smell of sizzling bacon, fried eggs, fluffy pancakes, and waffles greets you when you walk in.
Instead, breakfast here is often enjoyed at home or with a quick visit to the local bakery.
That being said, tourism has definitely influenced the breakfast culture here, especially in Reykjavík, where some restaurants now cater to tourists looking for a slightly more ‘typical’ breakfast experience.
BUT… these spots are rare.
People are quite particular about what they want for the most important meal of the day. And when I discussed the topic recently on social media, many of you were curious about what Icelanders eat for breakfast.
So, here I am, ready to spill the Skyr yogurt about what you can expect for breakfast in Iceland! 😉
Oh, and I’ll also share some of the best spots to grab breakfast or brunch so you can start your day off right before exploring this beautiful country.
So grab your coffee…
And let’s get into it!
Table of Contents:
- Breakfast Culture in Iceland
- What is a Typical Breakfast in Iceland Like?
- 6 Locations for the Best Breakfast in Reykjavík
- What to Expect from a Typical Hotel Breakfast in Iceland?
- Breakfast Foods You Need to Try in Iceland
- Iceland Guidebook and Maps
Breakfast Culture in Iceland
It’s so interesting to me how different breakfast cultures can be!
In Iceland, breakfast is very different from what we were used to in the US.
For starters, breakfast restaurants (especially ones that open early!) just aren’t a thing here.
Locals don’t typically go out for breakfast. They’ll either make it at home or, at most, pop into a local bakery to grab something light to eat.
Another fun difference is the actual breakfast foods in Iceland.
When my family visits from the US, they’re always expecting things like a waffle bar or a build-your-own-omelet station, but those simply don’t exist in Iceland.
It’s a whole new breakfast experience over here!
What is a Typical Breakfast in Iceland Like?
So, what do Icelanders eat for breakfast?
Common breakfast foods usually include cold, fresh ingredients.
Things like fresh vegetables, cucumbers, and red peppers.
They love their deli meats, like ham and salami. Cheese slices and homemade breads are also favorites.
You’ll find a wide selection of delicious jams; butter; yogurt; muesli and hard-boiled eggs.
Oatmeal is another popular breakfast food in Iceland, so if you see hafragrautur on the menu, that’s what it is.
And, of course, there’s coffee and juice.
Thankfully, the coffee in Iceland is amazing. As a self-proclaimed coffee–addict, it would have been a deal breaker for me if that weren’t the case! 😂
The coffee shops here are usually smaller and locally-owned – which I love!
Another interesting item on the menu for breakfast in Iceland is fish oil, known as Lysi.
And nope, it’s NOT in capsule form like the supplements you might take – nope, this is Iceland, and here we do things a little differently!
Known for its amazing health benefits, fish oil in Iceland is actually served in a small shot glass.
You’ll often find it on breakfast tables in Icelandic hotels and guesthouses. If it’s not on the menu and you’re curious to try it, you can grab a bottle from the grocery store.
Take it home and throw it back like the badass Viking you are!
(Or at least imagine yourself to be 🤣)
Speaking of unique Icelandic foods, if you’re excited to explore some of the best food spots in Reykjavík, I highly recommend taking the 👉 Reykjavík Food Walk Tour.
You’ll go restaurant-hopping, and sample amazing Icelandic dishes.
What’s great is that they accommodate most dietary restrictions including those who are gluten and lactose intolerant so everyone can enjoy the experience!
💥 Book your tour here: 👉 Reykjavík Food Walk Tour and get a 10% discount when you enter my special code: ICEVIEW.
6 Locations for the Best Breakfast in Reykjavík, Iceland
If you’re looking for the best brunch and breakfast in Iceland, your best bet will be finding one in Reykjavík.
Just bear in mind that when you find a restaurant serving breakfast, they don’t open super early.
When it comes to choosing the ‘best breakfast’, it all depends on what you like.
What’s perfect for one person might not be the same for someone else – some might crave a big, hearty meal, while others might go for something lighter or healthier.
So, here’s a few options for you in Reykjavík:
Bergsson Mathús: Whether you’re looking for a nice hot breakfast with bacon or eggs, or prefer something light, this is an excellent option. They open fairly early, so it’s perfect if you want to grab a bite to eat before heading out for the day.
Hours: Opens at 07:00 am.
Reykjavík Roasters: If you’re somewhat of a coffee connoisseur, then RR will become one of your favorite spots in the city. Other than getting your coffee fix, they also have mouth-watering bakery items.
Hours: Mon-Sun: Opens at 08:00 am.
Vegetarian or Vegan Breakfast, Reykjavík
Finding places to eat when you have dietary restrictions while traveling can often be a hassle. Luckily, Reykjavík has plenty of options!
Cafe Loki: This restaurant is proudly Icelandic and you can see that in their menu! They focus on traditional homestyle cuisine. You can try their bagels with a selection of fillings or homemade rye bread with eggs and herring for elements of a more traditional Icelandic breakfast.
Hours: Mon-Sun opens at 08:00 am.
On the subject of dietary restrictions, you’ll be happy to know that many restaurants also cater to those who are sticking to a gluten-free diet. You need to check out this post if you’d like to know more.👇
➡️ READ: Eating Gluten-Free in Iceland: Expert Tips, Best Restaurants + More
Braud & Co.: If sourdough and organic ingredients are like music to your ears, and your weakness is amazing freshly baked goods you’re going to love Braud & Co. They also have vegan and vegetarian options available.
Hours: Depending on which one you visit, they open as early as 06:30 or 07:00 am
Traveling to Iceland and wondering if you can stick to your special diet? Then you’ll definitely want to watch this video.👇
American Breakfast, Reykjavík
As I mentioned before, finding a place that serves the traditional American-style breakfast with all the bells and whistles isn’t always easy in Iceland, but there are a few places that come close.
Laundromat Cafe: If you’re searching for a tasty hot breakfast with pancakes, delicious healthy bowls, and eggs, here it is!
Hours: They open at 09:00 am during the week and 10:00 am on the weekend.
Grái Kötturinn: Pancakes, bagels, bacon, and eggs – if you’re missing the traditional homemade American breakfast, this is a great place to stop for brunch or breakfast in Iceland.
Hours: They open every day of the week at 08:00 am.
Take a look at this post to find out where to eat and drink in Reykjavík, where I’ve covered all the best foodie hotspots in the capital.👇
➡️ READ: Reykjavík Food & Drink Guide: The Best Foodie Hot Spots In Iceland’s Capital
What to Expect from a Typical Hotel Breakfast in Iceland?
If you’re staying at a hotel in Iceland, definitely try to find one that serves breakfast.
The thing is, once you get outside of Reykjavík, and venture to the small towns, there aren’t many restaurants to begin with and even fewer that serve breakfast or open early.
SOME hotels will serve cooked eggs and waffles, but that’s pretty rare. Usually, you’ll get a typical Icelandic breakfast.
Unless you bring your own breakfast or stay somewhere with a kitchen, you might have to plan ahead.
Pro tip: Again, I highly suggest finding a bed and breakfast in Iceland or a hotel that has breakfast included. However, if you get stuck, go to a local bakery – at least they’ll have pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and delicious coffee.
When I’m searching for hotels in Iceland, I love using 👉 Booking.com because I can filter for options with places that have breakfast included.
Not only that, but with its wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and preference, plus reviews from fellow travelers and great prices, it makes finding the perfect place to stay super easy!
Breakfast Foods You Need to Try in Iceland
So we know that the lamb, fish and ice cream here are amazing, but here are a couple of Icelandic breakfast foods you must try.
Kleina: This is an Icelandic donut. It’s almost cake-like and slightly sweet, but it pairs so well with coffee and is the perfect way to finish your breakfast with a delicious treat!
Skyr: Is it cheese, is it yogurt? Technically it’s cheese but its consistency is most similar to Greek yogurt. Skyr is creamy, high in protein, and comes in many flavors. Please don’t leave Iceland without trying it, it is SO delicious!
Here are a few more foods you absolutely have to try out when you’re here.👇
Iceland Guidebooks and Maps
Planning a trip to Iceland can feel like a lot!
There are so many incredible places to see – it’s normal to feel overwhelmed.
Whether you’re worried about cramming too much into your itinerary or missing out on must-visit spots, my 👉 Iceland Guidebooks + Maps are here to help you.
Stop wasting time endlessly searching for information, like where to enjoy breakfast in Iceland, and skip straight to the good part – exploring the best that Iceland has to offer!
My guides are packed with detailed PDF guides, exclusive discounts, and even a curated Spotify playlist for your road trip soundtrack. Because let’s face it, everyone needs a soundtrack for their trip! 😀
Find out all the practical details you need for your trip like where the nearest grocery stores, clinics and fuel stations are.
Staying close to the capital and looking to experience the city like a local?
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It also includes accommodation recommendations like bed and breakfasts in Iceland, Reykjavík, and details like where to park, restroom locations, where to find an ATM and a whole lot more.
Reykjavík Map
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This map is like having your own personal tour guide showing you the best of the city – from the trendiest restaurants to those little-known local spots most tourists miss out on.
Ready to explore Iceland, one bite at a time? Grab your Reykjavík digital map and see how fun organizing your trip can be.
Happy Planning!
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