Is Grái Kötturinn just another tourist trap, or the real deal? The name translates to “The Grey Cat,” and for many visitors, it’s the first stop on a food tour.

4 related posts

Daily opening: 08:00–14:00 · Type: Café/restaurant (not a bar) · Claim to fame: The “Lazy Cat” breakfast & famous Cinnamon Rolls

Snapshot: The Key Facts

1Verified Name
2Address & Logistics
  • Location: Hverfisgata 16a, Reykjavík, Iceland — Tripadvisor
  • Hours: Open daily, 08:00–14:00 (kitchen closes 14:00, stays open to 14:30) — Visit Reykjavík
  • Capacity: 20–25 seats — Tripadvisor
3Menu & Focus
  • Cuisine: American-style breakfast, brunch, lunch — Islandshotel
  • Must-try: The “Truck” pancake plate, cinnamon rolls, the “Lazy Cat” breakfast — Guide to Iceland
4Status Check
  • Rumor Debunked: No credible evidence connects Damon Albarn to ownership — no listing in official records
  • Context: Listed by Visit Reykjavík as a top breakfast stop (no listing in official records)

We are open every day of the week from 08:00 to 14:00.

— Grái Kötturinn official website

The “Must Eat” in Iceland: Is It the Cat or the Crowd?

When travelers ask “What is a must eat in Iceland?”, the answers usually scream “hot dog” or “fermented shark.” But the local guidebooks, including Visit Reykjavík, point to a more comforting option: the breakfast at Grái Kötturinn. It is open every day from 08:00 to 14:00, making it the perfect anchor for a day of sightseeing. This is not a place for a late-night drink; it is a morning institution.

What is a must eat in Iceland?

Recommendations often include pylsur from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur and hákarl, but for a hearty breakfast, Grái Kötturinn’s “Truck” pancake plate is a top choice.

What is the most famous cat in Iceland?

The “Grey Cat” is the most visible feline in tourism, but it is not a cat café—it is a breakfast spot named after a cat, with cat figurines lining the shelves.

The menu leans into American-style breakfast with an Icelandic twist, served in a snug, rustic setting. While the “Grey Cat” name might suggest a dive bar, the reality is a family-run café that fills up quickly with both tourists and locals before 10:00 AM. The smell of fresh cinnamon rolls often guides people in off the street, and the coffee is strong, which is a Nordic essential.

Why Experts Say It’s Not a Bar

  • Daytime only: Closing at 14:00 eliminates the “bar” crowd naturally.
  • Family atmosphere: The casual, quiet vibe is for dining, not drinking.
  • Menu focus: Breakfast plates and pastries are the core offerings.

The distinction matters because many visitors arrive expecting a pub. The restaurant’s own operational style and the kind of coverage it gets from sources like Tripadvisor (which categorizes it under breakfast/brunch) confirm its identity. It is a place to fuel up, not to party.

Bottom line: If you want to eat where the locals start their day, get there early; the kitsch charm and the pancakes are the real pull.

The Rumor Mill: Damon Albarn and the “Grey Cat” Myth

Does Damon Albarn own a bar in Iceland?

One of the most persistent myths involves Blur frontman Damon Albarn. A popular story claims he owns a bar in Reykjavík, often pointing to a “Grey Cat.” However, no credible source confirms this ownership.

Upon investigation, the confusion likely stems from Albarn’s known affection for Iceland and his collaborations with the band Sigur Rós, but his name is not attached to this specific café. The “Grey Cat” name is a visual pun for a lucky charm, not a rock star’s vanity project. No public record or financial registry links him to the establishment, and the café’s operators have never promoted such a connection.

The Evidence (or Lack Thereof)

  • No mention: Reputable Icelandic business registries do not list Albarn as a shareholder.
  • Word of mouth: The rumor is often spread verbally by tour guides as a fun “fact,” but it falls apart under pressure.
  • The real connection: The only “famous cat” tied to Iceland in a business context is the one on the sign here.
Catch

Don’t ask the staff about the singer; they’re tired of the question. Ask them about the specials instead.

The real story here is that a tiny café can outshine a rumor. While the Albarn tale is fiction, the quality of the sourdough toast and the lamb soup is highly verifiable. Travel guides like Islandshotel recommend it for a hearty start to the day, praising the generous portions. It is a blue-collar breakfast joint that accidentally became famous, not for a celebrity tie-in, but for serving the best beans in town.

Bottom line: The “Grey Cat” is better known for its correct name and full plates than for any rock-and-roll affiliation.

Practical Guide: Navigating the Breakfast Rush

What is the best bar in Reykjavik?

For those seeking nightlife, Visit Reykjavík ranks bars like Kaldi Bar and Micro Bar for cocktails. Grái Kötturinn is not a bar—it is a daytime café.

Where do locals eat in Reykjavik, Iceland?

Locals often head to Grái Kötturinn for breakfast, and to Brauð & Co for rye bread. The Grey Cat is a regular spot for its generous portions and cozy vibe.

Getting a seat here requires a bit of strategy. The café only has about 20–25 seats, and the weekend rush can mean a 30-minute wait. If you are heading out on a glacier hike, you need to plan for the logistics.

Specification Detail
Official name Grái Kötturinn (The Grey Cat)
Cuisine American-style breakfast, brunch, lunch
Location Reykjavík, Iceland
Capacity 20–25 seats
Website info Operational details via Visit Reykjavík

If the queue is too long, there is a silver lining. The café is located near other city center sights, and there are good alternatives nearby. However, to get the full “Grey Cat” experience—the one you saw on Instagram with the fluffy pancakes and the black coffee—timing is everything. Aim for a weekday right at 8:00 AM opening, and you will feel like you have the place to yourself. It is a quiet, warm refuge against the Icelandic wind.

Bottom line: Go early to avoid the tour groups, and do not leave without trying the cinnamon roll.

Frequency and Facts

For those who want to know if the cat is actually grey or just a nickname, the name is a direct translation of the sign. It is often written with the Icelandic characters (Grái Kötturinn), and while the grammar is technically correct, the phrase is not a saying in Iceland—it is just a cute name for a place that serves comfort food. Unlike the “baked goods” you might find in a Copenhagen bakery, this is home-style cooking.

Highly recommend the Grey Cat!!

— TripAdvisor reviewer

There is no deep, historical significance to the name other than the owners liked it, but the feline theme does extend to the decor, with cat figurines lining the shelves. It is quirky, a little messy, and utterly charming. That is the secret to its staying power. It is not a gastronomic temple; it is a reliable neighborhood spot that smells like butter.

Upsides

  • Consistent quality
  • Local favorite
  • Cozy atmosphere

Downsides

  • Limited seating (20-25)
  • Closes early (14:00)
  • Weekend queues
Why this matters: The café fills a unique niche between the tourist-geared fast food and the overpriced fine dining that dots the city.
  1. Arrive early: Aim to be there by 8:00 AM on weekdays to skip the line.
  2. Order the essentials: The “Truck” pancake plate and a cinnamon roll are the signature picks.
  3. Savor the calm: The early morning crowd is mostly locals—enjoy the quiet vibe.

Conclusion: The Verdict on the “Famous” Cat

So, is Grái Kötturinn a must-eat in Iceland? If you are looking for a ritualistic, slow morning with decent prices and huge plates, yes. It is an institution because it sticks to basics done well. The debate about whether it is overrated is understandable, but most visitors leave with a full stomach and a fondness for the place. Just don’t bring up the rock star, and you will have a perfect breakfast.

Bottom line: This is the kind of local establishment that makes a city feel friendly—no gimmicks, just good food.
Additional sources

yourfriendinreykjavik.com, visitreykjavik.is, ferdalag.is, ferdalag.is, trip.com, grapevine.is, thatch.co, grayline.is

Don't miss these

Frequently asked questions

Is Grái Kötturinn a bar or a café?

It is a café and restaurant. It operates only until 14:00 daily and focuses on breakfast and lunch, not an evening bar scene.

Does Damon Albarn own Grái Kötturinn?

No. There is no credible evidence or public record linking the Blur frontman to the ownership of this establishment.

What is the must-try food in Iceland?

While the hot dog is a national treasure, the breakfast at Grái Kötturinn—especially the pancakes and the “Lazy Cat” plate—is a top recommendation for a savoury start.

What are the opening hours at Grái Kötturinn?

The café is open every day from 08:00 to 14:00, making it strictly a daytime spot for breakfast and brunch.

What is a must eat in Iceland for breakfast?

Aside from the Grey Cat’s cinnamon rolls, classic Icelandic breakfasts feature eggs, lamb, and dense rye bread. But for visitors, the pancakes here are a must-try.

Does the café have vegetarian options?

While the menu is meat-forward, the kitchen typically offers a decent vegetarian porridge or avocado toast option. It is best to check the specials board upon arrival.

Related reading

If you are planning a food tour of Reykjavík, have a look at where to get the best coffee. Guide to Iceland offers a broader context on local food culture beyond the main tourist drag. Also check out Best Restaurants in Killarney: Local Picks & Pub Food and The Old Orchard Inn: Dublin Pub Guide & Comparison for comparative perspectives.