Gastronomical Routes through Art in Iceland: A Blend of Culinary and Visual Delights
Locals in Iceland are used to foreigners pointing out that they know Icelandic artists and that they have heard how beautiful Icelandic nature is. It surely is, but the constantly changing weather in Iceland is a well-known phenomenon as well.
In recent years, more and more cafés and restaurants have been popping up in art museums across Iceland. These establishments tastefully combine gastronomical and artistic experiences, creating a full sensory journey or just a delightful peek into a museum.
Could there be a better way to enjoy a good meal or a cup of coffee than in an inspiring and visually pleasing atmosphere?
We’ve collected some spots for you to visit or to spend a whole day in with a cup of hot chocolate or even a proper meal after a long walk discovering art in Reykjavik and its surroundings. It is not necessary to purchase tickets for exhibitions to sit down and enjoy the restaurants.
In this edition, we are focusing on visual art museums. Give us a like and shoutout if you would like to discover other museums.
Reykjavík Art Museum – Kjarvalsstaðir
+354 411 6420
Kjarvalsstaðir is first on the list for a reason. It opened in 1973 and the building was the first in Iceland to be designed as an art museum. It was named in honor of the outstanding Icelandic painter Jóhannes S. Kjarval (1885-1972), who spent many of his summers in the east where he painted elves and other beings hidden in nature. His works are on permanent display in one of the exhibition halls. The museum is located in the park of Klambratún, which can be seen from the bistro.
Klambrar Bistro
+354 411 6425
klambrarbistro.is
The bistro is strongly inspired by the artistic creations of Jóhannes S. Kjarval and the nature at Klambratún park, which used to be Klambrar farm.
The farmer at Klambar used, among other things, the stables to slaughter for the neighbors, and soon the demand for meat had become so great that he opened a butcher shop and later a smokehouse. It was a lively area and the bistro surely portrays it as well through the food.
In the summer, it is possible to sit inside or outside in the garden and enjoy the sun with a lunch bag, while in the winter it is good to sit in the warmth and watch the Klambratún park.
Opening hours of both spaces:
Monday – Sunday
10:00 – 17:00
Location:
Flókagata 24,
105 Reykjavík
Ásmundarsalur
+354 555 0041
asmundasalur.is
The gallery slightly hiding on the left back side of Hallgrímskirkja was founded in 1961 in a 1930s building designed by sculptors Ásmundur Sveinsson and Gunnfríður Jónsdóttir. It started as ASÍ Art Museum when the book publisher Ragnar Jónsson donated 120 artworks to the Icelandic Confederation of Labour (ASÍ) with the hope of bringing art to the working class. The gallery isn’t that big but it manages to house exhibitions, art studios, concerts, and a cafe.
Opening hours:
Monday – Thursday 8:00 – 17:00
Friday 8:00 – 20:00
Saturday – Sunday 9:00 – 17:00
Reykjavík Roasters
+354 555 0041
reykjavikroasters.is
A small chain café in an even smaller yet cozier space. Creative arts and coffee consumption have long gone hand in hand, and this place is a perfect spot to start your day if you’re an early bird or have arrived from the airport quite early. If you’re just hoping to relax in the lounge, it’s possible to browse through art books and magazines while enjoying a cup of quality coffee.
Opening hours of the café:
Monday – Friday 8:00 – 17:00
Saturday – Sunday 9:00 – 17:00
Location:
Freyjugata 41
101 Reykjavík
Hafnarborg
+354 585-5790
hafnarborg@hafnarfjordur.is
hafnarborg.is
The Hafnarfjörður Centre of Culture and Fine Arts is situated in an outstanding building in the heart of Hafnarfjörður, which can be easily reached by bus line 1 from Reykjavik. The center has two exhibition galleries on two floors with temporary exhibitions focusing on contemporary art and design. Artist talks and concerts are an important part of the program in the center.
Free entry.
Opening hours of the center:
Wednesday – Monday
12:00 – 17:00
KRYDD Restaurant
+354 558-2222
krydd@kryddveitingahus.is
kryddveitingahus.is
KRYDD restaurant emphasizes a chic and varied menu, beer on tap, and cocktails.
On weekdays, the restaurant offers a healthy lunch buffet with nutritious vegan dishes and fish of the day. Weekends are a time to relax with an American Brunch which you can get on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 to 14:30.
Opening hours of the restaurant:
Monday – Tuesday: 11:30 – 17:00
Wednesday: 11:30 – 22:00
Thursday: 11:30 – 00:00
Friday – Saturday: 11:30 – 01:00
Sunday: 11:30 – 22:00
Location:
Strandgata 34
220 Hafnarfjörður
The Culture Houses of Kópavogur
+354 441 7600
gerdarsafn.is
Gerðarsafn Art Museum and the Natural History Museum of Kópavogur along with Kópavogur Public Library and the concert hall Salurinn form the Culture Houses of Kópavogur.
Gerðarsafn was built and named in honor of a female artist, sculptor Gerður Helgadóttir (1928-1975) and is one of a kind in Iceland. It is on two floors and exhibitions vary from modern to contemporary art. In the spring, Iceland Art Academy master students exhibit their graduation works and in autumn, Cycle – Art and Music festival brings together international artists.
The Culture Houses can be easily reached in only 10-15 minutes by bus from Reykjavik center and the bus stop is right in front of them.
Pure Deli
+354 553 3133
puredeli@puredeli.is
puredeli.is
A cozy neighborhood-oriented restaurant serving healthy and nutritious food. Some of the dishes are sourdough pizzas, salads, soups, and wraps. A perfect spot for health-oriented travelers as well as vegans, celiacs, and children.
One can choose from a variety of smoothies and on weekends get brunch.
Opening hours of art museum and restaurant:
Monday – Sunday
10:00 – 17:00
Location:
Hamraborg 4-6
200 Kópavogur
Extra Location: LÁ Art Museum
+354 483 1727
listasafn@listasafnarnesinga.is
listasafnarnesinga.is
On the way south to the Golden Circle, just 40km away from Reykjavik, in the small geothermal town of Hveragerði, a gem can be found.
Since 1963, the museum has been an important venue, yet it is not well known among foreign visitors. If you feel like approaching a local artist for a chit-chat, this is the place to stop by and discover. The space is very chill. Even children have their own little corner.
The café is just a small space in the lounge where you can get some snacks and cake with a cup of tea. In this case, it is all about the atmosphere rather than food. Since it rarely gets crowded, one can relax there for hours while flipping through art books.
Free entrance
Opening hours:
Open: 12:00 – 18:00
Summer: Every day, May 1st – September 30th
Winter: Thu – Sun Oct 1 – Apr 30
Closed mid-December until mid-January
Location:
Austurmörk 21
810 Hveragerði
National Gallery of Iceland
+354 515 9600
listasafn@listasafn.is
listasafn.is
The National Gallery of Iceland is dedicated to showcasing both Icelandic and international art, with a particular emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum’s permanent collection includes works by renowned Icelandic artists such as Þórarinn B. Þorláksson, Jón Stefánsson, and Jóhannes S. Kjarval. Temporary exhibitions feature a diverse array of contemporary art.
Opening hours:
Tuesday – Sunday
10:00 – 17:00
Closed on Mondays
Location:
Fríkirkjuvegur 7
101 Reykjavík
National Gallery Café
The National Gallery Café offers a serene environment to enjoy a coffee and a light meal. With its modern design and comfortable seating, it’s an ideal spot to relax after exploring the museum’s extensive art collection.
Opening hours:
Same as museum hours
Visiting these art museums and their cafés offers a delightful way to combine the pleasures of visual art and gastronomy. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a food lover, or both, these spots provide a unique and enriching experience in Reykjavik and its surroundings.
