Seeing that everyone seems to be going to Iceland nowadays and I was feeling a little nostalgic, it seemed only natural for my next travel guide to feature my favourite, much adored (though I believe the feeling isn't mutual) country. Not to mention that I'm well on my way to covering every bakery there is on this island... I even know the ones I'm missing. All I need is to somehow get over there!
Icelandic baking is similar to other Scandinavian countries and has, perhaps, the most in common with Danish baking, especially the flakier dough, with a few interesting and unique goodies thrown in for fun. The quintessentially Icelandic baked good is the kleina, a dense cake doughnut in the shape of a knot. Be sure not to pass up a chance to try whipped cream-laden waffles or pancakes. When it comes to cakes and waffles, it's not Icelandic if there isn't any whipped cream~!
This guide is organized by categories with, hopefully, more to be added in the future and features my top picks (recommended bakeries 3 stars and above only).
Address: 16 Frakkastígur, Reykjavík
A newer bakery in downtown Reykjavík, this place sells out of goodies fast -- and it's no surprise. Fresh, sometimes even hot, artisanal baked goods that are some of the -- if not the -- best I've had in the country.
Address: Bárustígur 11, Vestmannaeyjar
There could not be a more fitting name for this restaurant which makes their own cakes, four or five in number. This is the best cake I have ever tried in Iceland: a date cake with warm caramel sauce and homemade ice cream. *swoons*
Address: Aðalgötu 28, Siglufjörður
I suppose it helped that I got a "love ball" on the house here, but this northern bakery made them to perfection, not to mention the melt-in-your mouth danishes which are some of the best I've had in Iceland.
Address: Skúlagata 13, Borgarnes
A feast for your stomach as well as for your eyes, these delectable waffles are a bit like the waffle version of a wedding cake: rhubarb jam, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and chocolate shavings. Wow!
Address: Skólavörðustígur 3A, Reykjavík
This old-school cafe in downtown Reykjavik serves waffles of the Belgian kind: thick-pocketed and not too hot so to hold all that whipped cream that's provided on the side. I'd love rhubarb on this inside of strawberry jam, though.
Address: Austurvegi 22, Selfoss
Rounding up the top three (in no order at all) is this delightful bookstore cafe with the traditional "heart-shaped"waffles served with your usual bowl of whipped cream and homemade jam with rhubarb from the owner's garden.
Address: Fjarðargata 13-15, Hafnarfjörður
Located in the mall, this bakery may have a nice selection of their specialty: cakes, but the real gem are their poppy seed buns. A hybrid between cinnamon buns and poppy seed rolls, the caramel crumble on this was amazing!
Address: Háaleitisbraut 58-60, Reykjavik
Originally from Mosfellsbær, this is one of the fancier options in town with its beautiful spread of cake and baked goods, and then there was their poppy seed bun. Moist dough with poppy seeds and topped with icing and sugar. Yum.
Address: Gleráreyrum 2, Akureyri
Skip the bakery downtown and head to this busy one on the outskirts of town. Delicious baked goods, not to mention the fact they have delicious poppy seed rolls. A slice from a larger braid drizzled with dark chocolate. Oh yeah.
Address: Suðurver 18, Reykjavik
I can't believe it took me so long to go here, only to find that they had poppy seed buns! Without a doubt, this place makes the most "German" poppy seed buns. Rolled into a flatter spiral with icing and absolutely delectable crumble.
Address: Týsgata 8, Reykjavík
This cozy cafe is located a bit off of the main shopping streets, but it serves a couple varieties of homemade cake and -- obviously -- cookies. Very home-style, nothing too elaborate, but a worthwhile stop.
Address: Lækjargötu 4, Reykjavík
This bakery recently opened up and while it may not be the artisanal patisserie it claims to be, they still have a nice selection of classic Icelandic baked goods and the flaky treats are especially worth checking out.
Address: Strandgata 49, Hafnar
Hafnar
Reykjavík
A colourful cafe in the Old Harbour that serves selected homemade cakes (do make sure). I love apple cakes and these guys made an excellent version of it, with slivered almonds and spiced whipped cream on the side.
Address: Holtavegur 10, Reykjavík
The city's destination for rustic, more sophisticated baked goods, Jói Fel seems like Sandholt's rival. Still, the baked goods are very good and you can never go wrong with their selection of vinarbrauð.
Address: Laugavegur 36, Reykjavík
If you don't go anywhere else and simply walk down the main street (you're a bit boring), you'll still have the chance to try excellent baking at Sandholt. Sandholt has turned into the must-visit destination and rightly so.
Address: Hlemmur, Reykjavík
Yeah, it's an overpriced food truck and I wasn't a fan of trying it, but all that changed once I bit into these doughnuts, made to order and topped with your choice of topping. The caramel sauce on warm fried dough won me over...
Address: Laufbrekka 30, Kópavogur
The most offbeat, surprising choice comes in the form of an organic store that makes their own cakes. Raw cakes. No, I haven't lost my senses. I was skeptical as well, but one bite of this rich, frosted cake was enough.
BÓKAKAFFI HLÖÐUMAddress: Helgafelli 2, Fellabær
This East Iceland cafe makes delicious homemade cakes and baked goodies that put full-on bakeries to shame. I was definitely a fan of their rhubarb cake with shredded coconut on top -- yummy!
Address: Hafnarstræti 14, Ísafjörður
I can't remember the last time I walked into a bakery that had more freshly baked wares than this one in the capital of the Westfjords. Amazing selection and amazing cinnamon buns. (yes, and that's with three types available)
Address: Aðalstræti 89, Patreksfjörður
Pretty much the only store in this small town, these guys also operate a bakery, whose goods are sold in one corner of the cluttered store. Reasonable prices and tasty treats like this flaky, caramel-covered cinnamon bun.
Address: Bárustígur 7, Vestmannaeyjar
A chic bakery in the heart of the Westman Islands, this place has a fairly large selection of classic baked goods and a few surprises here and there, like this ooey gooey pecan cinnamon bun. In a class of its own.
Address: Garðarsbraut 15, Húsavík
This bakery in the north is one of the most affordable I've been to. Perhaps I won't choose to comment on the fact that they sell cronuts, but their traditional baked goods and flaky danishes are definitely worth a try.
+ more to come?
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