south iceland
Svarta Kaffið (The Black Café)
About Svarta Kaffið (The Black Café)
Svarta Kaffið is located on Austurvegur, the main street in Selfoss, making it an easy stop for travelers on the South Coast or Golden Circle routes. The café has a cozy, rustic interior with dark wood, local art, and comfortable seating. The menu is simple and focuses on quality: homemade soups (usually vegetable, lamb, or seafood), served in fresh bread bowls that you can eat once you've finished the soup. Coffee, cakes, and sandwiches are also available. The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable by Icelandic standards. The café has free Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere, making it popular with both locals meeting for lunch and tourists taking a break from driving. It's open year-round.
📖 Story
Svarta Kaffið opened in Selfoss in the mid-2000s and quickly became known for its simple, comforting menu and laid-back vibe. The signature dish — hearty vegetable or lamb soup served in a hollowed-out loaf of fresh bread — became an instant hit with locals and tourists alike. The café's name ('The Black Café') refers to its dark interior and coffee-house aesthetic. Today it remains one of Selfoss's most popular lunch spots.
✈️ Why Visit
Try Iceland's famous 'soup in a bread bowl' in a cozy, authentic café setting.
💡 Did You Know?
The bread bowl is made fresh daily and is completely edible — most diners eat the entire thing!
Key Facts
Famous for soup in a bread bowl
Located on Selfoss's main street
Cozy, rustic interior
Vegetarian and lamb soups available
Open year-round
📍 GPS Location
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