12/22/2017
When visiting the unique and beautiful country of Iceland, cooler weather is almost a guarantee. So finding a place to warm up with a good cup of coffee and brunch was high on my list of priorities when planning my trip. I researched many cafe’s and restaurants in Reykjavik before my visit and the Sandholt Cafe stood out above the competition. Nestled within one of the cities busiest streets, it was the perfect place to refuel, and get a taste for Iceland’s food and drink scene.
From the outside, Sandholt looks quite unassuming. The modest white exterior is so simple you might miss it if you aren’t looking closely. Once inside, you are greeted by an assortment of all the pastries, desserts, and freshly baked breads. This front half of the bakery is reserved for takeaway, while the back is for seated guests.
As you may have picked up on by now, I love cafe’s and bakeries. My Cafe Spotlight posts are some of my favorites to photograph and write. To me, Sandholt is the perfect combination of cozy and eclectic. There were plush pillows in every booth, large wood tables for communal eating, and a small courtyard area for outdoor dining. We were seated at the communal table inside; the perfect location for people watching. I ordered the fried egg with mixed green salad and a side of toast for brunch. Be sure to top off your meal with a fresh scone and clotted cream. I highly recommend it!
The family owned bakery was built in 1920 and is constantly offering new and exciting novelties for its customers. Built on five generations of tradition, Master Baker Ásgeir Sandholt studies old recipes and seeks to find new aspects on old traditions in both bread and cake making. In addition to the bread and baked goods, the cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Each menu offers classic Icelandic food as well as many international classics. The bakery uses fresh local eggs and butter, and makes their own crème fraîche.
The decor gave me a nice taste of Icelandic interior design. A beautiful mix of pastels, natural stones and woods offset the crisp white walls. While our stay was short, I definitely felt the Scandinavian design influences here. Everything is bright and simple, never overstated. My favorite space was this cozy table by the front of the cafe. It’s the perfect place to curl up with a book or get some work done.
Should you ever find yourself visiting the beautiful country of Iceland, be sure to add this place to your list. Despite Iceland’s notoriously high prices, I found the pricing to be fair. Surrounded by shopping and just steps from the famous Hallgrímskirkja Church, Sandholt is in the heart of the action. This place is definitely one of my favorite stops of the trip.
xx Kelly
