Spes Kitchen

The test of a good vegan restaurant is whether non-vegans leave satisfied. By that measure, Spes Kitchen is one of the best stalls in Grandi Matholl. This small, fully vegan operation inside Reykjavik's harbour-side food hall has built a reputation on bold flavours, generous portions, and the kind of enthusiastic service that makes you feel like the team genuinely cares whether you enjoy your lunch.

The Food

The menu is short but considered. Vegan tacos — the signature dish — are packed with flavour and texture in a way that makes you forget to notice what is absent. The chili is rich and warming, the vegan burger is substantial and well-seasoned, and the soups change regularly but are consistently good. The tofu scramble offers a lighter option for those who want something less substantial.

Gluten-free diners are well catered for, with several items naturally or easily adapted to be gluten-free. The jambalaya and chili are reliable options.

The portion sizes are honest, the prices are among the friendliest in the food hall, and the flavours have a boldness that many vegan restaurants struggle to achieve. Spes Kitchen does not apologise for being vegan or try to imitate meat — it simply makes food that tastes good and happens to contain no animal products.

The Setting

Grandi Matholl is a converted warehouse in the harbour district housing a dozen or so food stalls around a large communal seating area. The atmosphere is casual and social — order from Spes Kitchen, grab a seat, and share a table with people eating sushi, fish and chips, or whatever else the neighbouring stalls are offering. It is an ideal setup for groups with mixed preferences.

Practical Tips

Check availability. Spes Kitchen has had periods of closure. Before making it the centrepiece of your lunch plans, check their social media pages or call to confirm they are open.

Best for. Vegans who are tired of being offered a salad, non-vegans curious about plant-based food, budget-conscious diners, and anyone visiting Grandi Matholl who wants a filling meal at a fair price.

Combine with. The Grandi harbour area is home to the Whales of Iceland exhibition, the Maritime Museum, and the Omnom Chocolate Factory. Spes Kitchen makes an excellent lunch stop in the middle of a harbour-district afternoon.

Timing. The food hall gets busiest at lunchtime (12:00-14:00). Arriving slightly off-peak means shorter queues and more seating options.

Spes Kitchen proves that vegan food in Iceland does not have to mean compromise. In a food hall full of strong options, it holds its own through sheer quality — and its near-perfect rating from nearly 300 reviewers suggests that the people who find it tend to agree.