Mokka | © Lonnie/FlickrAs its name suggests, this establishment is dedicated to providing excellent coffee. It’s the oldest coffee house in Reykjavik, and was the first one to serve espresso. Since it opened in 1958, its style hasn’t changed much, and visitors can admire the quirky Art Deco interior.

Mokka has incredible historical significants in Reykjavik, being the first coffee house – and introducing espressos for the first time to Icelanders – we’ve been hooked ever since. The coffee shop opened its doors for the first time in 1958 – It took the locals some adjustment getting used to having a coffee house. To be honest, everyone thought it was a bizarre idea at first to buy coffee, rather than just making it yourself at home (for a lot less money.) But with time, the locals realized that having a place downtown to meet your friends or colleagues for a quick cup of coffee isn’t such a bad thing.

In 1958, Guðmundur Baldvinsson and his wife Guðný Guðjónsdóttir opened the coffeeshop after Guðmundur found his love for espresso when he was studying arts in Italy. During its first years, Mokka was a go-to for intellectuals and artists, who enjoyed a demitasse of freshly brewed espresso – the best coffee north of the Alps, according to an Italian ambassador in the 60s. Stepping into Mokka immediately feels like time travelling far back, as the unique interior is still exactly the same as back then, featuring original leather and wood designs from the late 50s.

Mokka Kaffi has been serving espresso to the people of Reykjavik for almost 60 years and the Skólavörðustígur-based café has a homey, traditional vibe. The wooden walls and leather booths make it feel like a combination of a ski chalet and a diner, but the colourful local art on the walls give it character, and the staff were very friendly. The coffee menu is traditional here — you'll have to look elsewhere for your single origins and pourovers — so I stuck with a macchiato (469 krona, or £3.30).

Since 1958, locals and visitors have long held a soft spot (and sweet tooth) for Mokka’s classic waffles. But what keeps people flocking to this central institution, are the cafe's carefully-considered micro roasts and rotating curation of Icelandic artists. As the first place to install an espresso machine in the city, the quiet and low-lot space also attracts true aficionados who come for the doppio shot, which is pungent to say the least and appropriately served in retro brown cups.

Founded in 1958, Mokka Kaffi is one of the oldest coffee shops in the Icelandic capital. It was the first place in Reykjavik with an espresso machine after Guðmundur Baldvinsson returned from a spell in Italy on a mission to bring decent coffee to his friends and neighbours. Making coffee this way is no longer a novelty, but there's something else that's special about Mokka Kaffi – the art on its walls that you can admire while drinking your coffee.

In 1958 Mokka Kaffi became the first coffee shop, a time when coffee was traditionally brewed at home. Before long, it soon became a home away from home and a house-hold name as Icelanders got comfortable hanging out with friends and family at the coffee shop. Mokka Kaffi then introduced the first never before seen espressos machine, which improved the rate of coffee production and won them a place in the heart of several Icelanders.

Mokka Kaffi is a testament to Reykjavík’s rich coffee history, being one of the city’s oldest cafés. Established in 1958, it was the pioneer in introducing the Italian espresso culture to Iceland. Beyond its historic significance, Mokka Kaffi has been a cultural hub for artists and writers and continues to be celebrated for its classic ambiance, monthly art exhibitions, and iconic Icelandic hot chocolate and waffles.

For espresso-based drinks, served in a dark, retro-Scandinavian interior, hit Mokka-Kaffi. Finally, Tiu Dropar, a basement-level, full-service restaurant and bar specializing during the day in waffles and espresso-based coffee drinks, has a cozy, candlelit throwback vibe that’s perfect for a rainy afternoon. You’ll spot tourists, hipsters, young professionals, freelancers, and wizened fishermen, all hanging out.

This is where I go for breakfast on cold winter mornings with my amma. One of Reykjavík’s oldest and most beloved cafés, Mokka Kaffi has been a coffee culture cornerstone since 1958, famously the first place to serve espresso in Iceland. Step inside, and you’re greeted by warm, wood-paneled walls and the soft hum of conversation—a cozy, intimate space with vintage charm and original art on the walls.

According to the tour company, Wake Up Reykjavik, Mokka Kaffi, the first café in the city to make and serve espresso, is one of the top coffee shops in town. Since 1958, this coffee shop has been a gathering place for Icelanders for not only java, but also, for hot chocolate and waffles. Mokka Kaffi doubles as an art gallery—visit to admire or purchase local paintings, drawings, and the like.

Price Range: 1 000 ISK (+/- $7.20/ to €6.75) to 2 000 ISK (+/- $14.40/ to €13.45). This might not be your full-spectrum restaurant with a wide variety on its menu, but you can’t have a list of the best restaurants in Reykjavik and not include the place everyone considers a must-visit for Icelandic waffles. Mokka Kaffi is definitely another favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Start your day with a bold cup of Icelandic coffee from Reykjavík Roasters (Kárastígur 1), downtown Reykjavík’s go-to spot for all things freshly brewed, or enjoy a hot beverage from Mokka-Kaffi (Skólavörðustígur 3), one of the city’s oldest cafés. Founded in 1958, Mokka-Kaffi once doubled as an art gallery and continues to sell local art, along with their famous waffles.

Mokka café house is truly a Reykjavík institution – they’ve been serving coffee from their cozy and intimate downtown location since 1958. Mokka is a favorite haunt of the Reykjavík art community and its walls are adorned with its patron’s latest art collection. Its location on Skolavörðustígur is perfect to sit outside if the weather is nice and gaze over the city.

One of the oldest Reykjavík coffee shops, Mokka serves some of the best hot chocolate I’ve ever tasted. They also make incredible waffles, so if you want a warm drink and something sugary to eat, you’re all set. Mokka kaffi displays artwork from local artists, which is also available for purchase, so keep your eye out for pieces that capture you.

Located on the rainbow road, Mokka Kaffi is the perfect spot to grab a cup of coffee and relax. Known for its cozy atmosphere with warm wooden accents and comfortable seating, you’ll see plenty of locals chatting over a latte or reading a magazine. You can also get coffee to go, if you just need a quick caffeine boost while exploring downtown.

Nestled in the heart of Reykjavík, Mokka Kaffi is not just a cafe but a historical landmark, having opened its doors in 1958. It stands as one of the oldest coffeehouses in the city and proudly maintains a no-frills, traditional approach to coffee. The walls adorned with artwork and photography exhibitions make it a cultural hub.

Mokka-Kaffi is the oldest coffee shop in Reykjavik and has been serving amazing coffee since 1958. It is the first coffee shop that installed an espresso machine and has been serving espresso, cappuccino and café latte ever since!. Along side a mouthwatering selection of sandwiches, cakes, hot chocolate and their famous waffles!

Said to be one of the city’s oldest cafe, this was one of, if not the first, cafe in Iceland to own its own Espresso machine – therefore able to make Italian style coffee. Still owned by the same family who opened it in 1958, Mokka Kaffi is a nostalgically warm, well-worn and much-loved institution in Reykjavik.

Amongst the oldest cafés still in existence in Reykjavik, Mokka Kaffi has been around since 1958. It was originally founded by husband and wife team Guðný Guðjónsdóttir and Guðmundur Baldvinsson. They were the first establishment in Iceland to own an espresso machine and the first to serve Italian style coffee.

This beautiful old coffee shop is one of the oldest cafés still in business in Reykjavik and was the first coffee shop to make coffee with an espresso machine!. They offer a range of drinks and cakes (ask which are vegan) and have non-dairy milk for coffee. Address: Skólavörðustígur 3A, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

As soon as I walked into Mokka Kaffi, I was immediately drawn to the cozy atmosphere. The walls were decorated with beautiful art, which made me feel like I was in a trendy café in New York City rather than in Iceland. The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, making my experience even more enjoyable.

Mokka is the oldest cafe and Reykjavik and impresses not with trendy music (they don’t play any) and hip clientele, but with consistently good coffee and a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. They’re open from 9am daily and serve an exceptionally good hot chocolate in addition to espresso and cappuccino drinks.

On the street opposite the Hallgrimskirkja church, there is Mokka, a cafe that has been open since 1958. The area of the cafe is small and the interior style is simple and modern. As early as the beginning of the opening, Mokka is the place where Icelandic cultural people communicate with each other.

My husband and I will go on record to say this cafe has the BEST Hot Chocolate we've ever had, in any country, ever!. I am gluten free and there were many food options to enjoy as well - the almond pastry and gf bread with butter, ham and cheese were fantastic. My husband really enjoys the waffles.

One of the oldest cafes in a town of old cafes, Mokka has been around since 1958. It’s totally unpretentious and always a bit cramped and crowded, but it’s full of local color. The coffee is decent, though you can find better, but when paired with their famous waffles with jam and…

Established in 1958, Mokka Kaffi is one of the oldest cafes in Reykjavik. Known for its rich history and traditional Icelandic pastries, this cafe offers a nostalgic experience. The coffee is expertly brewed, and the atmosphere is filled with the aroma of freshly baked goods.

Opened in 1958, this institution introduced espresso to Iceland and retains its mid-century charm. The walls display rotating art exhibitions, continuing a tradition that has made Mokka an important cultural hub for decades. Their hot chocolate and waffles are legendary.

A true Reykjavik institution, Mokka Kaffi has been serving up delicious coffee and homemade cakes since 1958. Step back in time as you sip your coffee amidst the retro decor and soak in the nostalgic ambiance of this beloved café. View this post on Instagram

This is a favorite hangout for many artists, writers and simply lovers of good coffee since its opening in 1958. The style hasn’t changed at all, and guests can admire the Mid-Century Modern interior. I recommend the Icelandic Waffles to go with the coffee

Go to Mokka café on Skólavörðustígur for breakfast—the waffles with homemade jam and fresh cream are delightful. Then visit Reykjavík’s best record shops: Head to 12 Tónar, a few doors up from Mokka, and Lucky Records near Hlemmur bus station.

For a retro coffee-house atmosphere, head to Mokka — Reykjavík's oldest coffee bar. It has not changed since its opening in 1957. Warm leather benches, lots of wood and soft fabric paneling make it one of the coziest places in Reykjavík.

Mokka Kaffi was founded in 1958 by husband-and-wife team Guðný Guðjónsdóttir and Guðmundur Baldvinsson. Little has changed since then. The sophisticated decor is the same, and so is the family who owns this treasure of a cafe.

Mokka Kaffi is a cherished institution in Reykjavík, renowned as one of the city's oldest coffeehouses. Established in 1958, it has maintained its original charm and continues to be a beloved spot for both locals and visitors.

Open since the 1950s, Mokka Kaffi is Reykjavik’s oldest café and a bastion of Icelandic coffee culture. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it a great spot to relax after a busy day of exploring.

Mokka Kaffi is one of Reykjavík´s oldest cafés established in 1958. Its charming atmosphere and retro decor will definitely pull you in. It has a local customer base and ongoing exhibitions.

This is the oldest espresso café in Iceland, opened in 1958!. When you step into Mokka it’s like you step back in time. The owners have preserved the decor to it’s original art deco style.

Mokka Kaffi: Established in 1958, Mokka Kaffi is the oldest coffee shop in Reykjavik. Step back in time and savor their rich espresso or indulge in their famous hot chocolate.

Located in the heart of Reykjavik on the famous Rainbow Street, Mokka Kaffi is a cozy cafe that serves delectable coffee alongside baked goods, sandwiches, and more.

Café with local art exebitions, try the samwich with aspargus, ham and cheese or the waffles..mmm.. Skólavörðustígur 3A, 101 Reykjavík, Ísland

I popped into Mokka Kaffi and my first thought was that it was smaller than I assumed. Didn’t matter to me, though.