Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are recommended, especially during summer tourist season and weekends. Many restaurants accept online bookings.

What are the typical prices?

Dining in Iceland is generally expensive by international standards. Expect main courses to cost 3,000-6,000 ISK at most restaurants.

Do they have vegetarian options?

Most Icelandic restaurants offer vegetarian and often vegan options. Iceland's food scene has become increasingly diverse in recent years.

Iceland/capital-region

Messinn Restaurant

Messinn is one of Reykjavík's most popular seafood restaurants, known for its signature cast-iron skillets of Icelandic fish and lobster served with butter and …

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At a Glance

Visit time

1-2 hours

Best season

May–September

Access

Located in towns and along main roads.

GPS

64.1477, -21.9399

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About

About Messinn Restaurant

Messinn is one of Reykjavík's most popular seafood restaurants, known for its signature cast-iron skillets of Icelandic fish and lobster served with butter and bread. A reliable choice for fresh, no-fuss Icelandic seafood in a relaxed downtown setting.

Fresh Icelandic fish in sizzling skillets — authentic fishing boat atmosphere, generous portions, local favorite.

Background

History & Background

This site in Reykjavík is part of Iceland's evolving culinary scene. Traditional Icelandic cuisine was shaped by isolation and harsh conditions — preservation methods like smoking, fermenting, and drying were essential for survival through long winters. Dishes like hákarl (fermented shark), harðfiskur (dried fish), and hangikjöt (smoked lamb) reflect this heritage. The modern Icelandic restaurant scene has flourished since the late 20th century, blending traditional ingredients with international techniques. Today, Icelandic chefs celebrate local ingredients — Arctic char, lamb, skyr, and wild herbs — creating a distinctive New Nordic cuisine that honors the past while embracing innovation.

Messinn has locations in downtown Reykjavík and Grandi harbor district. Menu highlights: - Pan-fried fish (cod, haddock, salmon, Arctic char) - Fish stew - Seafood platters - Served in cast-iron skillets - Comes with potatoes, vegetables, salad Price: Mains ~4,000-5,500 ISK Atmosphere: Casual fishing boat theme Open: Lunch & dinner daily Reservations: Recommended evenings Locations: - Lækjargata 6b (downtown) - Grandagarður 8 (Grandi harbor)

Folklore

Story & Folklore

Messinn ('The Mess') recreates Icelandic fishing boat mess hall atmosphere — seafood served in sizzling cast-iron skillets, wooden tables, fishing decor. The fish of the day is caught by Icelandic boats, prepared simply with butter, vegetables, and potatoes. Generous portions, fair prices (~4,000-5,000 ISK mains), and authentic atmosphere make it popular with locals and tourists. Multiple locations (downtown and Grandi harbor). Reservations recommended evenings. It's unpretentious, delicious, and genuinely Icelandic.

Local Legend

The Guardian Spirit of Reykjavík

Icelandic tradition holds that each of the four quarters of Iceland is protected by a landvættur — a guardian spirit. Reykjavík falls under the protection of the great bird (sometimes described as a griffin or eagle) that guards the southwest. According to the 13th-century Heimskringla, when the Danish king Harald Bluetooth sent a wizard to spy on Iceland in the shape of a whale, the guardian bird of the southwest drove him away with a great rush of wings. The four landvættir appear on Iceland's coat of arms to this day — the dragon, eagle, bull, and giant — representing the supernatural protection that Icelanders believe watches over their island.

Experiences

Tours Near Messinn Restaurant

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Culture

Stories & Legends

Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area

icelandic saga

Engey

Engey is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Njáls saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.

icelandic saga

Reykjavík

Reykjavík is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Harðar saga og Hólmverja", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.