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Reykjavík › Reykjavík › Messinn
MessinnB+Worth Trying
Lækjargata 6, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
· Seafood restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (3464 reviews)
Reservations
Beloved downtown seafood spot serving sizzling fish pans and hearty portions; stellar fish with occasional slow or uneven service—book ahead and go for the char and plokkfiskur.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Messinn delivers exceptional seafood quality—the arctic char and plokkfiskur are genuinely special—and occupies a beloved spot in Reykjavík's dining scene with strong destination appeal for travelers. However, quality varies noticeably, with oversalting and weak lobster soup undermining reliability, while service becomes stretched during busy hours. The grade reflects a restaurant that excels at its core strength but lacks the consistency needed for higher recognition.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels cozy and bustling with pans arriving at the table still sizzling, the kind of place where people lean in and share. One diner summed it up: "The char and plokkfiskur were something special." Service warmth varies by night, but the vibe is warm and local right in the city center. The cooking leans classic Icelandic seafood with a modern gloss—rich, creamy sauces balanced by lemon and tomatoes rather than theatrics. Expect shareable fish pans, hearty portions, and straightforward flavors. The char with honey and almonds, wolffish, and plokkfiskur are the hits; the lobster soup and seafood pasta draw mixed reactions, so choose accordingly. For families, this is kid-friendly if you share. The fish burger, simple pasta tweaks, and mild fish pans work for younger eaters, and staff will sometimes modify dishes. There is no kids menu, but generous skillets make splitting easy.
At a Glance
- Stellar arctic char and plokkfiskur with generous shareable portions
- Central, walkable location with cozy atmosphere
- Service can be slow or uneven during busy hours
- Lobster soup and seafood pasta are polarizing
- Reserve for peak dinner times to avoid being turned away
What Sets It Apart
- sizzling_shareable_fish_pans
- classic_icelandic_plokkfiskur
- central_old_town_location
What People Love
- Sizzling pans that stay hot
- Arctic char with honey and almonds
- Creamy, comforting plokkfiskur
- Downtown convenience near the lake
- Friendly service on good nights
Points of Concern
- Service delays and missed orders occasionally reported, especially at peak times
- Inconsistent handling of splitting or portion requests for shared dishes
- Lobster soup can taste bitter for some palates
- Review patterns are mixed on service quality; plan for extra time during rush
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average CostISK 11,500-15,500 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Build a shared meal: 1 pan + 1-2 starters for two people
- Order rye bread with plokkfiskur for the classic combo
Perfect For
- Sharing hearty seafood after a day of sightseeing
- Casual date night with local flavors
- Group of friends splitting pans
- Travelers seeking Icelandic classics
Location Insights
Area: Central Reykjavík near government buildings and the lake; tourist-friendly with steady local foot traffic.
Safety: Generally very safe, well-lit streets, heavy pedestrian presence into evening.
Nearby: Steps from Tjörnin lake, museums, shops, and tour meeting points; easy pre- or post-walk area.
MiðborgMiðborg is Reykjavík's downtown core, featuring a lively atmosphere with numerous restaurants, cafes, shops, and cultural institutions. The dining scene is diverse, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining, often highlighting Icelandic cuisine and fresh seafood.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–22:00
Tuesday11:30–22:00
Wednesday11:30–22:00
Thursday11:30–22:00
Friday11:30–22:00
Saturday12:00–22:00
Sunday12:00–22:00
Available: Reservations
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