Loftid
Reykjavíkurborg, Reykjavík
Bar in Reykjavík, Iceland
Book with PearlWhy go
Loftid sits at Austurstræti 9 in central Reykjavik; an easy, walkable option for a date night drink or an evening that stretches longer. The atmosphere runs warmer and more intimate than the louder harbour-strip bars, booking is easy, it holds up on repeat visits. A reliable choice in a small city where consistency matters.
About Loftid
Should You Book Loftid?
If you're weighing up where to spend an evening in central Reykjavik, Loftid sits on Austurstræti 9 in the heart of the city; which puts it in direct competition with the cluster of bars along the old harbour strip. The honest answer is that its address alone makes it worth considering for a date night: you're steps from everything, the walk home is easy, you're not committing to a cab across town. Compare that to Bodega, which skews louder and more group-oriented, or Bryggjuhúsið, which leans heavily into the tourist-facing harbour-view crowd. Loftid's position in the city centre gives it a more local, relaxed energy suited to two people who want to actually talk.
Reykjavik's bar scene in the current season trends toward indoor warmth; late evenings are cold, the light shifts fast, the leading spots lean into an intimate, low-lit atmosphere rather than trying to fight the weather. Loftid fits that profile. The ambient feel here is closer to a neighbourhood bar with enough polish for a proper night out: not a cocktail temple demanding reverence, not a dive where you shout over the music. For a second visit, move past whatever you ordered first and ask the bar staff what they're currently pouring, Reykjavik bartenders at this price tier tend to have strong opinions, that conversation is part of the experience.
If you've been once and found it solid, the case for returning is the consistency of the setting rather than a constantly rotating menu. Reykjavik is a small city; good bars here earn repeat custom through reliability. For comparison, BakaBaka is the call if you want more of a cocktail-forward focus, Kramber pulls a younger, louder crowd. Loftid sits between those two poles, approachable enough for an early evening drink that stretches into dinner, composed enough to not feel like a mistake on a date. Booking is easy; this is not a venue where you'll find yourself locked out without a reservation, but calling ahead or checking online for current hours before you go is worth the 30 seconds, particularly in the off-season when Reykjavik venues adjust their schedules.
Reservations: Easy, walk-ins generally available, but confirm hours before travelling. Dress: Smart casual; Reykjavik's bar culture is informal but not sloppy. Budget: Expect Reykjavik city-centre bar pricing, drinks run higher than most European capitals; budget accordingly. Leading for: Date nights, early evening drinks that extend, low-key catch-ups. Getting there: Austurstræti 9 is a central Reykjavik address, walkable from most downtown accommodation. See our full Reykjavik bars guide for wider context, our full Reykjavik restaurants guide if you're planning a full evening.
Planning details
- Location
- Austurstræti 9, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- Phone
- +354 551 9366
The take
The Take
The Vibe
Loftid sits squarely in the layered, design-conscious heart of downtown Reykjavik, where Austurstræti’s density and history set much of the tone before anyone orders a drink. Housed in an older central building, the room embraces its architectural constraints—low ceilings, irregular geometry and controlled light—turning them into a layered, intimate space. Material contrasts and varied seating levels create pockets of privacy and sociality, so the bar reads as both thoughtfully composed and warmly lived-in. The result is a quietly stylish spot that feels rooted in the city's civic fabric while delivering a composed, modern drinking experience.
Best For
This is an evening-focused address that suits date nights, after-work drinks and small celebrations. Because Loftid is framed as part of Reykjavik’s central dining-and-drinking corridor—where design-led bars and serious drink programs coexist—it appeals to visitors who want a considered, design-forward setting for an evening out. The room’s scale and spatial layering favor relaxed conversation and attentive service over large-format gatherings, so it’s best for people pairing smart cocktails and close company against the atmospheric backdrop of Austurstræti.
Ordering Tips
Loftid’s description emphasizes a serious drink program and a room that shapes the experience, so let the bar set the tone: ask the bartender for a recommendation and be open to crafted, program-driven choices rather than standard pours. Because the space works with varied seating levels and controlled light, arrive with enough time to settle into a preferred nook—this helps you appreciate how the interior geometry and lighting influence the mood before drinks arrive. Keep requests conversational and trust staff guidance for the most purposeful selections.
Venue details
Ambiance
Dimly lit with vintage-inspired wall hangings, mismatched dangling light bulbs, leather armchairs, and wood paneling creating an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere.
Tags
Vibe
Best For
Experience
Format
View
At the Bar
- Bar Category
- Cocktail Bar
- Late Night
- Open Until 4am
- Music
- Jazz
- Live Music
- Yes
Signature Pours
- Icelandic Sour
- My Sweet Fire
- Spicy Black Death
Planning details
Location
Austurstræti 9, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland · Directions
Also consider
Also Consider
- Bodega; Notable alternative
- Bryggjuhúsið; Notable alternative
- Port 9; Notable alternative
- Vínstúkan Tíu Sopar; Notable alternative
- BakaBaka; Notable alternative
Bar context
How Loftid Compares
For a two-person evening in central Reykjavik, Loftid is the path of least resistance: central address, approachable atmosphere, no booking difficulty. Bodega is the alternative most locals will mention, but it pulls a larger, more boisterous crowd and works better for groups than for a quiet date. Bryggjuhúsið has the harbour setting going for it, but the tourist-facing positioning makes it a weaker call if you want something that feels more like Reykjavik actually drinks rather than what Reykjavik performs for visitors.
If cocktail depth is the priority, BakaBaka is the stronger choice; it punches harder on the drinks programme and suits anyone who wants the bar to be the main event. Port 9 is worth knowing if you want a wine-led evening rather than cocktails, Vínstúkan Tíu Sopar is the call for a proper wine bar format with more serious bottle selection. Neither competes directly with Loftid's casual, all-purpose positioning.
The honest comparison: Loftid is not the most ambitious bar in Reykjavik, but it doesn't need to be. It covers the brief; a good evening in a good location without drama. If you're planning a full night out, pair it with a browse through our Reykjavik experiences guide or check our Reykjavik hotels guide to lock in where you're staying before you start planning the evening around it.
Explore Reykjavík
Around this place
Discover more on Pearl
Unlock the full Loftid guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
Compare Loftid
| Venue | Booking Difficulty | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| Loftid | Easy | No published awards |
| Bodega | Unknown | No published awards |
| Bryggjuhúsið | Unknown | No published awards |
| Port 9 | Unknown | No published awards |
| Vínstúkan Tíu Sopar | Unknown | No published awards |
| BakaBaka | Unknown | No published awards |
A quick look at how Loftid measures up.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the signature drink at Loftid?
Loftid is located in the heart of Reykjavik's bar strip on Austurstræti, which typically means a cocktail-led drinks programme aimed at the city-centre crowd. Specific signature drinks are not documented in available detail, so your safest move is to ask staff on arrival; Icelandic bars at this address tend to do well with local spirits and craft beer. If a dedicated cocktail menu is your priority, call ahead to confirm the current offer.
Is the food good at Loftid?
Cuisine type is not specified in the current venue record, which makes a precise food verdict difficult. What is clear is that Loftid sits on Austurstræti 9 in central Reykjavik, a high-footfall stretch where venues face real competition; mediocre food rarely survives long. If food quality is your deciding factor, cross-reference with Bodega or Vínstúkan Tíu Sopar, both of which have more documented food credentials in the same city.
Is Loftid good for a date?
A central Reykjavik address on Austurstræti gives Loftid good date-night logistics; walkable from most of 101 Reykjavik and close to follow-on options. Without confirmed cuisine type or atmosphere data, it's hard to call it a destination date venue, but it works well as part of a wider evening. If you want a venue where the dinner itself is the occasion, Vínstúkan Tíu Sopar is a stronger bet for atmosphere and wine focus.
What's the crowd like at Loftid?
Austurstræti is one of Reykjavik's busiest central streets, drawing a mix of locals and visitors across the week. Expect a city-centre crowd that skews younger on weekends. Loftid's specific crowd character is not detailed in the venue record, but the address alone suggests a lively rather than intimate atmosphere, particularly later in the evening.
