You've seen the photos. That milky, impossible blue water. The steam rising against a backdrop of jagged, black volcanic rock. It’s the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, and honestly, it’s basically the most famous geothermal spa on the planet. But if you’re planning a trip, you’re probably wondering where you actually eat when you aren’t soaking your hair in silica mud. That’s where the Blue Cafe Blue Lagoon comes in. It’s the spot most people breeze through on their way to the lockers, yet it’s the most practical part of the whole complex.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed.
The Blue Lagoon isn't just a pool; it’s a massive operation. You’ve got the Retreat Spa for the big spenders, Lava Restaurant for the "I’m wearing a robe while eating art" crowd, and then you have the Blue Cafe. It’s the casual heartbeat of the facility. If you’re hungry but don't want a three-course meal while dripping wet, this is your home base.
The Reality of Eating at the Blue Cafe Blue Lagoon
Let’s be real for a second. Iceland is expensive. Like, "why did this sandwich cost twenty dollars" expensive. The Blue Cafe Blue Lagoon doesn't magically escape those Icelandic price tags, but it’s definitely the most budget-friendly (if we can call it that) option on-site.
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The vibe is very Nordic. Minimalist. Clean lines. Huge glass windows that let you stare at the lava fields while you sip an espresso. It’s situated right in the main arrival hall. Most people use it as a staging ground. You see travelers checking their emails, solo backpackers fueling up on skyr, and families trying to organize their towels and waterproof phone cases.
The food? It’s surprisingly fresh.
In many tourist traps, the grab-and-go food feels like it’s been sitting under a heat lamp since the Viking Age. Not here. They lean heavily into the "fresh and local" thing. You’ll find pre-packaged sushi (it’s Iceland, the fish is actually good), sandwiches on dense rye bread, and plenty of pastries. If you haven't tried a kleina—that’s a twisted Icelandic doughnut—this is a decent place to grab one before you head into the water.
What’s actually on the menu?
It changes based on the season, but there are some staples you can count on. They almost always have a selection of:
- Skyr bowls: If you haven’t had real Icelandic skyr, it’s like Greek yogurt but technically a cheese and much thicker. Usually topped with berries or granola.
- Sandwiches: Think smoked salmon on sourdough or classic ham and cheese.
- Salads: Usually chicken or chickpea-based.
- Beverages: Expensive bottled water (don't buy it, the tap water is better), sodas, and a very solid coffee bar.
The coffee is actually a highlight. Icelanders take their caffeine seriously. The baristas at the Blue Cafe Blue Lagoon know how to pull a shot. If you’re fighting jet lag after a red-eye flight from the States, a double espresso here is basically a medical necessity.
Timing Your Visit to Avoid the Chaos
The Blue Lagoon operates on a pre-booked slot system. This means waves of people arrive every hour. If you show up at the top of the hour, the cafe is a zoo.
Wait twenty minutes.
Seriously. Let the crowd shuffle through the check-in line and disappear into the changing rooms. Once the initial surge passes, the cafe settles down. It becomes a much nicer place to sit. You can actually get a seat by the window.
One thing people get wrong is thinking they can only go to the cafe after their soak. You can actually hang out there before you even check in. If you’re early for your time slot, don’t just stand in the cold. Go to the cafe, grab a tea, and watch the steam rise over the distant mountains. It’s a vibe.
Is it Better than Lava Restaurant?
It depends on what you’re after. Honestly.
Lava Restaurant is built into a 800-year-old lava cliff. It’s stunning. They serve lamb and arctic char and it’s a whole "experience." But you have to book it. You have to change out of your swimsuit (usually). You have to spend a significant amount of money.
The Blue Cafe Blue Lagoon is for the person who wants to spend their time in the water, not sitting at a table. It’s for the traveler who just wants a quick bite so they don't get lightheaded in the 100°F water.
There’s also the "in-water" bar, but that’s different. The swim-up bar inside the lagoon serves drinks—smoothies, beer, wine—but not meals. If you’re hungry-hungry, you have to dry off and head to the cafe.
The Logistics You Actually Care About
Payment is easy.
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When you check in at the Blue Lagoon, you get a plastic wristband. This is your locker key and your credit card. You tap it at the Blue Cafe Blue Lagoon to buy your food, and then you pay the total bill when you leave. It’s dangerously convenient. You don't realize how much you’ve spent on smoked salmon until you’re at the exit.
Keep an eye on your spending. A coffee and a sandwich can easily run you $25-30 USD.
The seating area is relatively large, but it fills up fast during the peak summer months (June-August). If you’re visiting in the winter, it’s much cozier. Watching a snowstorm hit the lava fields while you’re inside with a hot chocolate is one of those "only in Iceland" moments.
Common Misconceptions About the Cafe
A lot of people think the cafe is inside the "wet" area. It isn't.
You cannot walk into the Blue Cafe in your bikini or swim trunks. It’s in the public-facing lobby area. You need to be dressed. If you’re already in the water and get a sudden craving for a croissant, you have to go back to the locker room, get dressed, and head out to the lobby.
Another mistake? Buying bottled water.
I’ll say it again: Iceland has some of the cleanest tap water in the world. There are water fountains near the locker rooms and inside the cafe area. Bring a reusable bottle or just use the fountains. Save your money for the expensive beer.
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The "Hidden" Outdoor Area
Most people stay inside the cafe because it’s warm. But there is a path right outside the cafe doors that leads around the exterior of the lagoon.
You can’t swim here—this is the "natural" part of the lagoon that isn't temperature-controlled for bathing—but the color is even more vibrant. It’s a great spot for photos without a hundred other tourists in the background. Grab your coffee to-go and take a five-minute walk out there. The air is crisp, the water is blue, and it feels a lot less like a theme park.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
To get the most out of your time at the Blue Cafe Blue Lagoon, follow this loose plan.
First, don't arrive starving. If you’re coming from Reykjavik, it’s a 45-minute drive. Eat something small before you leave.
Second, if you’re on a budget, use the cafe for a light snack rather than a full meal. The portions are decent, but they aren't "American-sized" huge. It’s meant to sustain you, not stuff you.
Third, try the blue algae smoothie. It’s a bit of a gimmick because of the "Blue" Lagoon theme, but it’s actually packed with nutrients that help if you’re feeling the effects of the sulfurous air or the heat of the water.
Finally, check the opening hours. The cafe usually opens when the lagoon opens and closes about 30 minutes before the last guest has to leave the water. If you have a late-night booking to catch the Northern Lights, don't count on a full sandwich selection being available at 10:00 PM. They do run out of the popular items toward the end of the day.
What to Do Next
If you’re heading to the Blue Lagoon soon, make sure you’ve downloaded your QR code for entry. Data can be spotty in the lava fields.
Once you arrive, skip the immediate line for the cafe if it’s long. Go check in, put your stuff in the locker, and then decide if you want to eat before or after your soak. Most veterans of the lagoon suggest eating after. The heat of the water can make you feel a bit sluggish if you’ve just downed a heavy meal.
Focus on hydration. Drink twice as much water as you think you need. The geothermal water is incredible for your skin, but the heat will dehydrate you faster than a hike in the desert. Grab a large water or a sports drink at the cafe on your way out to replenish those electrolytes.
The Blue Lagoon is a bucket-list item for a reason. It’s weird, it’s beautiful, and it’s a bit commercial. But if you know how to navigate the Blue Cafe Blue Lagoon and the layout of the land, you can avoid the biggest stresses and actually enjoy the experience. Just remember to put the conditioner in your hair before you get in the water. Trust me on that one. Your hair will thank you later.