Authentic Icelandic seafood restaurant serving fish in traditional pans with sides. Focuses on fresh, local catches prepared simply to highlight quality. Cozy atmosphere with reasonable prices for generous portions.
Messinn is an Icelandic seafood restaurant on Lækjargata in downtown Reykjavík known for serving fish directly in the pan it was cooked in, accompanied by simple sides such as potatoes and vegetables. The approach favors fresh, local catches prepared with minimal fuss, letting the quality of the fish itself take priority over elaborate technique. The dining room has a cozy, casual character with warm lighting and close seating, and pricing sits in the mid-range for Reykjavík seafood, offering generous portions relative to cost. The menu covers a handful of pan-fried fish options alongside fish and chips and a larger seafood platter for sharing. Reservations are recommended rather than strictly required, though the restaurant fills up during peak lunch and dinner hours given its popularity with both locals and visitors.
| Price | $$$ |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Reservations | Recommended |
| Address | Lækjargata 6b, 101 Reykjavík |
Signature dishes
- Pan-fried fish of the day — $32
- Fish and chips — $24
- Seafood platter — $42
Weather through the year in Iceland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Iceland.
Location
Lækjargata 6b, 101 Reykjavík
64.1473, -21.9374 View on map
Highlights
- Fish served directly in the cooking pan with simple sides
- Fresh, local catches with minimal preparation
- Cozy, casual atmosphere with generous portions
- Mid-range pricing for Reykjavík seafood
Tips for visiting
- Reserve ahead for peak lunch and dinner hours
- The pan-fried fish of the day is the dish most visitors order
- Good option for a satisfying seafood meal without fine-dining prices
Accessibility
The restaurant has step-free access from Lækjargata with seating suitable for wheelchair users.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Messinn known for?
It is known for serving fish directly in the pan it was cooked in, alongside simple sides.
Is Messinn expensive?
It sits in the mid-range for Reykjavík seafood, offering generous portions relative to cost.
Should reservations be made?
Reservations are recommended, especially during busy lunch and dinner periods.