24 | LUXlife Magazine ituated by the Gamla Höfnin, or the Old Harbour, in downtown Reykjavik, Kaffivagninn is a seafood restaurant serving delectable dishes with a side of history. As the oldest restaurant in Reykjavik, the establishment boasts an enduring legacy of 90 years in the industry. Kaffivagninn was first established in 1935 by Bjarni Kristjánsson. The restaurant’s name translates directly to “The Coffee Truck”, a moniker that stems from its humble beginnings. Bjarni began his career driving a small coffee truck down to the harbour, serving fresh coffee and meals to the heroes of the sea. A house to hold Kaffivagninn was built not long after that, and the restaurant still calls the building home to this day. Management of the family-owned restaurant was recently taken over by Chef Axel Óskarsson and Katrín Ósk Aldan, who have led a thoughtful revitalisation of the space. The pair have made great efforts to honour the legacy that Bjarni has forged with Kaffivagninn, renovating the restaurant in its old style and serving signature fresh seafood dishes each day to locals and tourists alike. Open daily from 8am to 9:30pm, Kaffivagninn offers guests a mouthwatering selection of dishes and menus that alternate through the day. Breakfast is served until 11am, inviting early-risers to begin their morning the right way beside the harbour. Its lunch menu features a range of light dishes, from creamy seafood soups and king prawn salads to traditional Icelandic meals such as plokkfiskur and pönnusteiktar gellur. As for Kaffivagninn’s dinner menu, guests are presented with a wide range of options, including classic Icelandic dishes, fresh seafood, and comforting homestyle meals. The catch of the day is always fresh, served in the pan with a side of bread and whipped butter. Alongside a variety of starters and appetisers, the restaurant also offers freshly brewed coffee and homemade desserts, including Grandma’s Rhubarb Pie, served with cinnamon crumble and vanilla ice cream. Under Axel and Katrín’s direction, Kaffivagninn truly honours Bjarni Kristjánsson with each dish it serves. The pair have poured their passions for honouring the heritage, serving local food to guests, and maintaining this legacy into the restaurant, and it shows. Today, Kaffivagninn ranks among the five most popular restaurants in Reykjavik on Tripadvisor, and has been recognised in the Restaurant and Bar Awards as Reykjavik’s Best Seafood Restaurant 2026. One guest shared: “Icelandic gem! The hospitality was absolutely wonderful, and the food was out of this world. My partner and I both had the Chef’s Special; it was warming, filling, a fair price, and, most importantly, delicious. If we had more time, we would return in a heartbeat. Definitely make time to stop by this beautiful harbourside restaurant!” Best Seafood Restaurant 2026 – Reykjavik Downtown Reykjavik, also known as Miðborg, is often referred to as the heart of the coastal capital city. The district is deeply embedded with local history, proudly upheld by the longstanding businesses that honour their legacies with each day of operations. Kaffivagninn is a local restaurant doing just that, having served fresh food and warm hospitality to its community for almost a century. We explored the seafood restaurant’s story further below, as it is named in the Restaurant and Bar Awards 2026. While another reported: “Kaffivagninn is a charming, newly renovated café that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and character. From the delicious food and excellent coffee to the heartfelt hospitality of the staff, everything here invites you to slow down. The harbour view is the quiet star of the show, turning an ordinary coffee break into something memorable. An ideal spot for lazy brunches, thoughtful afternoons, and unhurried conversations.” Contact: Axel Óskarsson Company: Kaffivagninn Web Address: www.kaffivagninn.is S
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