Embarking on a culinary adventure in Reykjavik as a plant-based eater used to involve a bit more guesswork, but not anymore. Today, the city boasts an incredibly vibrant and accessible scene for anyone seeking delicious vegetarian friendly cafes Reykjavik. Far from being an afterthought, plant-based dining here is often celebrated, innovative, and deeply integrated into the local food culture, making it surprisingly easy to enjoy everything from hearty breakfast to gourmet coffee and pastries without compromise.
At a Glance: Your Reykjavik Plant-Based Cafe Guide
- Diverse Options: From dedicated vegetarian spots to cafes with extensive vegan menus, choices abound.
- Coffee Culture: Expect excellent coffee with oat milk often as a default, especially in cafes.
- Budget-Friendly Bites: Cafes often provide more economical plant-based meals compared to full-service restaurants.
- Beyond Coffee: Many cafes offer significant breakfast, brunch, and light lunch options like soups, bagels, and pastries.
- Strategic Snacking: Learn how to combine cafe visits with grocery store finds for maximum value and variety.
- Know Before You Go: Identify key cafes based on your desired meal, atmosphere, and budget.
Reykjavik's Plant-Based Evolution: More Than Just a Trend
Reykjavik's culinary landscape has transformed, moving well beyond traditional Icelandic fare to embrace a global palate with a strong emphasis on sustainability and plant-based living. This shift isn't just about a few token dishes; it's a thriving movement reflected in dedicated vegan establishments, extensive plant-based menus at mainstream restaurants, and a truly impressive array of vegetarian friendly cafes Reykjavik has to offer. The city understands that visitors (and locals) want quality, variety, and ethical dining choices. If you're looking for a broader understanding of how easily you can navigate Iceland's plant-based scene, our comprehensive Easy Vegan & Veg Guide provides even more context and tips.
This welcoming atmosphere extends directly to the cafe scene. Whether you're seeking a quick caffeine fix, a cozy spot to warm up, or a leisurely brunch, you'll find places thoughtfully catering to vegetarian and vegan preferences. The common availability of oat milk is a testament to this, often offered without an extra charge and sometimes even as the default option for lattes and cappuccinos.
Beyond the Brew: What Defines a Vegetarian-Friendly Cafe in Reykjavik?
When we talk about vegetarian friendly cafes in Reykjavik, we're thinking beyond just a coffee shop that happens to have soy milk. These are establishments where plant-based options are integral to the menu, offering substantial meals and treats that truly satisfy. You'll find a spectrum: from cafes that are fully vegetarian or vegan, to those that consciously integrate delicious and varied plant-based items into a broader menu.
Expect more than just a plain salad. Many cafes feature hearty vegan soups, elaborate brunch platters, creative bagels and sandwiches, and an impressive selection of vegan pastries and desserts. The focus is often on fresh, wholesome ingredients, ensuring a satisfying and nutritious experience. These spots often serve as community hubs, perfect for people-watching, planning your day, or simply unwinding after exploring the city.
Your Go-To Vegetarian Friendly Cafes Reykjavik: A Curated List
Reykjavik’s cafes offer diverse vibes and menus. Here’s a breakdown of some standouts, categorised to help you find your perfect match.
Dedicated Plant-Based Havens & Ethical Eateries
These establishments commit entirely or primarily to plant-based menus, making your choice effortless.
- Kaffihusid Gardurinn | Ecstasy's Heart Garden: For two decades, this vegetarian cafe has been a serene oasis inspired by Sri Chinmoy's philosophy. It’s renowned for its simple, homemade food at incredibly economical prices - a significant plus in Reykjavik. Their diverse weekly menu always includes a delicious vegan soup of the day, served with fresh bread (and an option for hummus). Don't miss their vegan desserts, which are often a delightful surprise. If you’re looking for wholesome, uncomplicated fare that feels like a hug, this is your spot.
- Why it stands out: Long-standing, fully vegetarian with clear vegan options, excellent value, peaceful ambiance.
- Practical tip: The menu changes, so check their daily specials for the soup and other offerings.
- Mama: Located on Laugavegur, Reykjavik's main shopping street, Mama offers a plant-based menu that beautifully blends Icelandic and international influences. It���s a stylish yet relaxed spot where you can enjoy creative dishes and unique tea blends. While more of a restaurant, its welcoming, calm atmosphere and focus on mindful eating give it a strong cafe sensibility, perfect for a leisurely meal or a sophisticated coffee break.
- Why it stands out: Central location, creative plant-based menu, lovely tea selection, chic atmosphere.
- Practical tip: Great for a relaxed lunch or an early dinner when you want something a bit more refined than a quick bite.
- Chickpea: While primarily a takeout spot, Chickpea, nestled within a Kronan supermarket building, offers some seating and a casual cafe-like feel. This family-run vegetarian spot focuses on whole foods, excelling in falafel wraps, pitas, and bowls, all of which can easily be made vegan. It's a fantastic option for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal on the go in central Reykjavik.
- Why it stands out: Fresh falafel, whole food focus, convenient location, good for quick, nutritious meals.
- Practical tip: Ideal for a grab-and-go lunch or a casual sit-down when you're stocking up on groceries nearby.
Iconic Cafes with Robust Vegetarian & Vegan Options
These popular spots aren't exclusively plant-based but have built strong reputations for their excellent vegetarian and vegan offerings within a classic cafe setting.
- The Laundromat Café: A beloved institution in central Reykjavik, The Laundromat Café lives up to its name by offering both affordable brunch and actual laundry facilities. For plant-based visitors, it's a godsend with dedicated vegan and vegetarian breakfast/brunch platters. The atmosphere is vibrant and quirky, making it a great place to start your day or refuel midday.
- Why it stands out: Iconic status, affordable brunch, fun atmosphere, practical amenities.
- Practical tip: Expect a lively crowd, especially during peak brunch hours. Their plant-based breakfast options are generous.
- Grai Kotturinn ("the Gray Cat"): Tucked away and famously without Wi-Fi (encouraging actual conversation!), Grai Kotturinn is an iconic cafe renowned for its breakfasts and brunches. They serve up amazing vegan hummus and vegetable bagels that are a must-try. It’s a small, cozy space, perfect for an intimate start to your day.
- Why it stands out: Quintessential cafe experience, amazing vegan bagels, cozy ambiance.
- Practical tip: Arrive early as seating is limited. A perfect spot for a quiet breakfast before the city wakes up.
- Kaffihus Vesturbaejar: A true local favorite, this cafe in the Vesturbær neighborhood offers much more than just good coffee. It features significant vegan and vegetarian options across all meals, including satisfying salads, omelets (vegetarian), and daily soup specials. It’s a place where you can comfortably settle in for any meal of the day, feeling like part of the neighborhood.
- Why it stands out: Local charm, extensive menu variety, popular with residents.
- Practical tip: A great choice if you’re looking to experience a less tourist-focused cafe scene. Their soup is often a hearty vegan option.
Sweet Treats, Quick Bites & Everyday Delights
For those moments when you need a great coffee, a sweet treat, or a quick, affordable plant-based meal.
- Deig: Located in the Exeter Hotel, Deig is your go-to for tasty and affordable vegan bagels, sandwiches, and homemade doughnuts. They even have a "poor man's offer" (doughnut/pastry + drink for around 1,850 ISK) on weekdays after 10 AM, which is a fantastic deal in Reykjavik. Their freshly baked goods are perfect for a morning treat or a light lunch.
- Why it stands out: Affordable vegan pastries/bagels, great value deals, convenient location.
- Practical tip: Grab a few doughnuts – they're seriously good and often have rotating flavors.
- Emilie and the Cool Kids: This French cafe chain has quickly earned a reputation for having some of the best vegan pastries in Reykjavik. Think irresistible cookies, cupcakes, cinnamon buns, and cakes that will make you forget you're eating plant-based. They also serve great coffee and often have a daily vegan/gluten-free soup. It's a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
- Why it stands out: Unrivaled vegan pastry selection, excellent coffee, cozy French cafe vibe.
- Practical tip: Go with an appetite and try a few different pastries; you won't be disappointed.
- Salka Valka Kitchen: While more of a full-service restaurant, Salka Valka (located below Hallgrimskirkja Church) embodies a casual, welcoming atmosphere with a substantial cafe feel. This meat-free establishment consistently offers a menu that's typically half-vegan, featuring vegan smoothies, a daily vegan soup with sourdough bread, and popular vegan pizza and apple pie. It's a great spot for a more substantial cafe-style meal.
- Why it stands out: Wholly meat-free, diverse vegan options, including pizza and dessert, excellent soup.
- Practical tip: Their daily vegan soup is a warming and satisfying choice, especially on a chilly day.
Navigating Menus & Making the Most of Your Visit
Even in a city as progressive as Reykjavik, a few smart strategies can enhance your plant-based cafe experience.
- Always Ask, Always Clarify: While "vegan" is widely understood, "vegetarian" might sometimes imply dairy or eggs. If you have strict dietary needs, politely inquire about ingredients, especially for baked goods or soups. Most staff are knowledgeable and happy to help.
- Look for Symbols: Many menus now use clear symbols (V for vegetarian, VG or a leaf symbol for vegan) to denote suitable dishes.
- "Vegan Soup" is Your Friend: Due to Iceland's climate, hot soups are incredibly popular, and many cafes (and even restaurants) offer a daily vegan soup. It's often a hearty, flavorful, and economical option.
- Embrace Oat Milk: Seriously, it's everywhere and usually excellent. If you love lattes or cappuccinos, you're in for a treat.
- Budgeting with Cafe Meals: Dining out in Reykjavik can be pricey. Opting for breakfast, brunch, or light lunch at cafes is often a more budget-friendly approach compared to dinner at a full-service restaurant. You can get a delicious, filling plant-based meal without breaking the bank.
- Morning is Prime Time: Many cafes excel at breakfast and brunch, offering their most extensive plant-based selections during these hours.
Beyond the Cafe: Essential Plant-Based Logistics in Reykjavik
Your cafe visits will likely be part of a broader culinary journey. Here’s how other aspects of Reykjavik’s food scene complement the cafes.
Grocery Store Goldmines
For supplementing your cafe visits or stocking up for excursions, Reykjavik's supermarkets are fantastic.
- Kronan: This is the undisputed champion for vegan products in Iceland. You'll find a vast selection of meat substitutes, dairy alternatives (including an impressive array of plant-based cheeses), pastries, and fresh ingredients. Kronan provides economical options for both visitors and locals and is highly recommended for stocking up before heading out of the capital.
- Bonus: Another economical supermarket chain, Bonus also carries a good range of plant-based essentials. Look for their distinct yellow bag.
- Netto: A slightly pricier option, Netto often has a more natural foods vibe and can be a good source for organic or specialty plant-based items.
Iceland's supermarkets, particularly Kronan, are notable for their variety of imported plant-based cheeses and "meaty" proteins, often from Europe, known for their flavor and reasonable prices. Don't forget to pick up some exceptional sourdough bread, which is a highlight of Icelandic baking.
Food Halls & Street Food: Casual & Diverse Dining
For times when you want variety or a quick, informal meal, these options often blend seamlessly with a cafe-hopping itinerary.
- Food Halls (Mathölls): Popular for their diverse dining options under one roof, food halls like Hafnartorg Gallery Food Hall (home to Black Dragon, which has amazing vegan dumplings and oyster mushrooms) provide a lively atmosphere and plenty of plant-based choices that feel very casual and accessible, similar to a cafe experience but with more choice.
- Mandi: A go-to for Syrian street food, Mandi is known for its reasonably priced and incredibly popular vegan falafel wraps and bowls, as well as the best hummus plate. Its central location on Ingolfstorg Square and late-night hours make it a perfect casual stop after a day of exploring.
- Lamb Street Food: Offers savory vegan falafel wraps and can make all salads vegan upon request. They focus on organic packaging and minimizing waste, with two popular locations for a quick, ethical meal.
- Saffran: A healthy fast-food chain with a dedicated vegan wrap and vegan Satay dish. While locations are outside downtown, delivery is available, making it a convenient option for a healthy, fast meal.
Pitfalls to Avoid & Smart Choices to Make
Even with Reykjavik's welcoming plant-based scene, a little foresight goes a long way.
- Don't Assume "Vegetarian" Means "Vegan": Always double-check if "vegetarian" includes dairy or eggs if you're strictly vegan. While most places are good at clarifying, it's safer to ask.
- Pace Yourself with Costs: Eating out, even in cafes, can add up quickly. Utilize the "poor man's offers" at places like Deig, leverage grocery stores for snacks, and make lunch your main meal out if budgeting is a concern.
- Beyond the Capital: Remember that while Reykjavik is a plant-based paradise, options can become significantly more limited once you venture into the countryside. Stocking up at Kronan before road trips is highly recommended.
- Check Opening Hours: Reykjavik cafes often have varying opening hours, especially on weekends or public holidays. A quick check online can save you a wasted trip.
Quick Answers: Your Reykjavik Plant-Based Cafe FAQs
Q: Is it easy to find vegan options in cafes in Reykjavik?
A: Absolutely! Reykjavik is incredibly vegan-friendly. Most cafes offer oat milk as standard, and many have dedicated vegan options for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, including pastries, bagels, and hearty soups.
Q: Are cafes in Reykjavik expensive for vegetarians?
A: Reykjavik is generally an expensive city. However, cafes often provide more economical plant-based meal options compared to full-service restaurants. You can find good value, especially for breakfast or lunch, with options like daily vegan soups or special offers on pastries and coffee.
Q: Do cafes typically offer gluten-free vegan options?
A: Yes, many cafes in Reykjavik are conscious of dietary restrictions. While not universally available for every item, you will often find gluten-free vegan options, particularly for soups, salads, and sometimes specific pastries (like those at Emilie and the Cool Kids). Always ask staff for clarification.
Q: What's the best way to save money on plant-based food in Reykjavik?
A: Combine cafe visits with grocery shopping. Enjoy a cafe breakfast or lunch, then pick up snacks, plant-based cheeses, bread, and other staples at supermarkets like Kronan for later meals or picnics. Look for "happy hour" deals at places like Litli Barinn (more of a bar/restaurant but has small plates) or daily specials at cafes.
Q: Can I get good vegan coffee in Reykjavik cafes?
A: Excellent vegan coffee is a given in Reykjavik. Oat milk is widely available and often served as a default alternative milk without extra charge, making plant-based lattes, cappuccinos, and other coffee drinks easy to come by and consistently high quality.
Your Reykjavik Plant-Based Cafe Playbook
Ready to dive into Reykjavik’s delightful cafe scene? Here’s a quick-start guide to make your visit seamless:
- Prioritize: Decide what kind of cafe experience you're after: a dedicated vegan spot, an iconic cafe with strong options, or a quick grab-and-go for pastries.
- Explore the Spectrum:
- For a wholesome, economical meal: Head to Kaffihusid Gardurinn.
- For an iconic brunch experience with laundry: The Laundromat Café.
- For the best vegan pastries and coffee: Emilie and the Cool Kids.
- For delicious, affordable vegan bagels/doughnuts: Deig.
- For classic breakfast vibes and amazing vegan bagels: Grai Kotturinn.
- For a local favorite with varied options: Kaffihus Vesturbaejar.
- Ask Away: Never hesitate to ask staff about vegan options or ingredients. Reykjavik's hospitality is top-notch.
- Embrace the Soup: When in doubt, a daily vegan soup is almost always a winner – warming, satisfying, and often a great value.
- Pair with Groceries: Complement your cafe outings with strategic stops at Kronan for snacks, ingredients, and plant-based treats to enjoy later.
With this guide in hand, you’re not just finding a place to eat; you’re tapping into a thriving, plant-forward culture that’s ready to make your Reykjavik visit deliciously memorable. Enjoy every sip, bite, and cozy moment!