Seafood
Matarkjallarinn
Experience exceptional Icelandic cuisine at this highly-rated Reykjavik restaurant. Enjoy a memorable meal with excellent service and a unique atmosphere. Book your table today.
4.8$$$Seafood · European
View RestaurantMessinn
Dine at Reykjavik's highly-rated Messinn (4.6 stars) for exquisite fresh seafood. Discover unique flavors and a welcoming atmosphere. Book your table today!
Seafood · European•$$•4.6(3,322)•Reykjavik
About Messinn
Nestled in the heart of Reykjavik, this charming eatery offers a delightful seafood experience, earning a strong 4.6 out of 5 stars from its patrons. Diners consistently praise the exceptional freshness and unique preparation of the fish and shrimp dishes. Many highlight the filet of cod and the traditional Plokkfiskur as standouts, noting distinct and delicious flavors that appeal to a wide range of palates. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, complemented by friendly and attentive staff who contribute to what many describe as a truly memorable culinary adventure. It's a wonderful spot to savor the best of Icelandic seafood.
📊
Restaurant Analysis
Restaurant Characteristics
Formula-Based Analysis
This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.
💰Price Range
Moderate
Price Range (Moderate)
Moderate pricing ($$) - Mid-range restaurants with good value
🕐Meal Time
dinner
Meal Time (dinner)
This restaurant primarily serves dinner. Based on opening hours.
👥Group Size
Groups Welcome
Group Size (Groups Welcome)
Welcomes large groups and families. Great for group dining.
🎭Atmosphere
Casual
Atmosphere (Casual)
Relaxed and laid-back atmosphere
🍽️Dining Style
Flexible
Dining Style (Flexible)
Flexible options. Reservations available but not required.
✨Features & Amenities
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Coffee
+2 more
Features & Amenities
This restaurant offers: Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Coffee, Groups Welcome, Reservations
Set your dining preferences to see how well this restaurant matches your taste.
Own or manage this restaurant?
Get 5-12× more clicks with prominent CTAs, a sticky button, and a TOP badge. Starting at just $4.99/month.
Hero CTASticky ButtonTOP Badge
Why Travelers Love Messinn
Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.
4.6 / 5.0(3,322 reviews)
Absolutely amazing! The fish and shrimps were incredibly fresh, with a tender and bouncy texture. Every dish had its own unique flavor, and all of them were delicious. The filet of cod was especially good. I believe anyone who enjoys Southeast Asian flavors will love it! Messin was one of the best food experiences I’ve ever had. They have exquisite fish options and wonderful, friendly staff. I ate the Plokkfiskur and Arctic Char, and they really were something special. The Plokkfiskur was some of the best fish I’ve ever had. The texture was brilliantly flakey, with crispy skin. There was a creaminess to the fish due to a velvety cream cheese sauce. The lemon and tomatoes provided great balance. A behemoth of delicious flavours. The arctic char was charred, smokey, sweet and fresh. The honey and almonds were a great combination and elevated the core flavours of the dish. If you are in Iceland in general, you must try Messinn. They are truly onto something spectacular. You won’t regret it, otherwise you’ll be ‘messinn-out’. Tried the Arctic Char pan-fish, the portion was generous and it tasted amazing. Highly recommend! The staff were friendly, and the setting was lovely. Reservations are usually needed. My husband, who isn’t a fan of fish, ordered a coffee and enjoyed it too.
Find the Restaurant
Where to Find Them
Opening Hours
Open Now
Monday11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday12:00 – 10:00 PM
Sunday12:00 – 10:00 PM
Recent Reviews
Yunyi W.
November 5, 2025
Absolutely amazing! The fish and shrimps were incredibly fresh, with a tender and bouncy texture. Every dish had its own unique flavor, and all of them were delicious. The filet of cod was especially good. I believe anyone who enjoys Southeast Asian flavors will love it!
Jackie H.
October 21, 2025
Messin was one of the best food experiences I’ve ever had. They have exquisite fish options and wonderful, friendly staff. I ate the Plokkfiskur and Arctic Char, and they really were something special. The Plokkfiskur was some of the best fish I’ve ever had. The texture was brilliantly flakey, with crispy skin. There was a creaminess to the fish due to a velvety cream cheese sauce. The lemon and tomatoes provided great balance. A behemoth of delicious flavours. The arctic char was charred, smokey, sweet and fresh. The honey and almonds were a great combination and elevated the core flavours of the dish. If you are in Iceland in general, you must try Messinn. They are truly onto something spectacular. You won’t regret it, otherwise you’ll be ‘messinn-out’.
Paulomi R.
June 20, 2025
Tried the Arctic Char pan-fish, the portion was generous and it tasted amazing. Highly recommend! The staff were friendly, and the setting was lovely. Reservations are usually needed. My husband, who isn’t a fan of fish, ordered a coffee and enjoyed it too.
Scott C.
August 15, 2025
Absolutely loved up to the hype. Everything we ordered was well executed and packed with flavor. We got the soup, their lobster appetizer and split their famous Artic Char skillet. The skillets are 100% big enough to split between two people and we left full and happy. It gets busy and we watched them have to turn tables away because they were fully booked for the night, so if you want to go make sure to make a reservation.
Paige J.
November 7, 2025
We tried the artic char baked in honey with butter, lemon, tomatoes, and almonds as well as the cod potato mash and both were amazing. We liked the char the best. Along with the main dishes we got a side of the rye bread which was more like a cake but it was delicious. The char has been the best dish we've tasted in Reykjavik so far. I highly recommend trying this restaurant!
What to Expect
Features and amenities that make Messinn special
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Coffee
Groups Welcome
Reservations
Practical Information
Everything you need to know before you visit
Payment Options
Credit Cards
Debit Cards
NFC/Contactless
Parking
Paid Street Parking
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
Other Popular Restaurants in Reykjavik
Build your own culinary trail—save these spots for future nights out in Reykjavik.
Vegetarian & Vegan
Mama Reykjavik
Experience exceptional vegan cuisine in Reykjavik. This highly-rated spot (4.8/5) offers a welcoming atmosphere, generous portions, and live music. Discover your new favorite.
4.8$$Vegetarian & Vegan
View RestaurantSeafood
Old Iceland
Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Old Iceland in Reykjavik. Highly rated at 4.8 stars, this restaurant offers delicious dishes like lamb and fish. Book your table.
4.8$$$Seafood · European
View RestaurantEuropean
Reykjavík Kitchen
Savor exceptional Icelandic cuisine in Reykjavik. This highly-rated restaurant (4.8/5) offers a memorable dining experience with delicious food and expertly crafted cocktails.
4.8$$$European · Vegetarian & Vegan
View RestaurantSeafood
Sjávargrillið
Experience exceptional seafood dining in Reykjavik at Sjávargrillið. Highly rated 4.7/5. Discover exquisite dishes and a welcoming atmosphere. Book your table.
4.7$$$Seafood · European
View RestaurantSeafood
Íslenski Barinn - The Icelandic Bar
Experience authentic Icelandic flavors at this highly-rated Reykjavik gem (4.7/5). Sample local delicacies and enjoy a warm atmosphere. Reserve your table!
4.7$$Seafood · European
View RestaurantEuropean
Icelandic Street Food
Discover Reykjavik's gem with a 4.7-star rating! Enjoy hearty, refillable soups and free waffles at this budget-friendly spot. A must-visit!
4.7$$European
View RestaurantAmerican
Le KocK
Experience top-rated burgers in Reykjavik at Le KocK. Enjoy delicious food and a relaxed vibe. Discover why this spot has a 4.7-star rating.
4.7$$American
View RestaurantSeafood
Höfnin Restaurant
Experience exceptional dining by Reykjavik's harbor. This celebrated restaurant boasts a 4.7-star rating and fresh, delicious cuisine. Book your table!
4.7$$$Seafood · European
View RestaurantSteakhouse & Grill
KRÖST
Experience exceptional dining in Reykjavik with a 4.7-star rating. Savor delicious seafood and more in a vibrant setting. Discover your new favorite spot.
4.7$$Steakhouse & Grill · European
View RestaurantSteakhouse & Grill
Grillmarkaðurinn
Experience Reykjavik's finest dining at Grillmarkaðurinn. With a 4.6-star rating, savor exquisite grilled dishes in a beautiful setting. Book your table for an unforgettable meal.
4.6$$$Steakhouse & Grill · Vegetarian & Vegan
View RestaurantEuropean
Svarta Kaffið
Experience Reykjavik's beloved bread bowl soup at Svarta Kaffið. Enjoy a cozy atmosphere and delicious, hearty soups. Rated 4.6 stars. Discover this unique culinary gem.
4.6$$European
View RestaurantEuropean
Fjallkonan
Discover a highly-rated Reykjavik restaurant (4.6/5). Experience delicious Icelandic cuisine, vibrant atmosphere, and outdoor seating. Book your table today.
4.6$$European · Seafood
View RestaurantSeafood
Salka Valka eldhús/kitchen
Savor delicious Icelandic cuisine at Salka Valka in Reykjavik. With a 4.6-star rating, this cozy spot offers a memorable dining experience.
4.6$$Seafood · European
View RestaurantFusion
Apotek Restaurant
Dine at a top Reykjavik restaurant with a 4.6-star rating. Experience creative Nordic cuisine in an elegant setting. Reservations recommended.
4.6$$$Fusion · Mediterranean
View RestaurantSeafood
TIDES Restaurant
Experience exceptional dining in Reykjavik at TIDES Restaurant, a 4.5-star gem offering delicious food and a great atmosphere. Discover your next favorite meal.
4.5$$Seafood · European
View RestaurantEuropean
Café Loki
Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine with stunning views at this 4.5-star Reykjavik gem. Enjoy traditional dishes and a warm atmosphere. Reserve your table today!
4.5$$European
View RestaurantPlan Your Reykjavik Trip
From transportation to stays, we help you build a complete itinerary around this must-visit restaurant in Reykjavik.
Transportation Tips
Good public transportation with buses. Walking is perfect for exploring the compact city center, and organized tours provide access to surrounding natural attractions.
Car Rental Deals in Reykjavik
Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.
Where to Stay
Find the perfect accommodation for your Reykjavik adventure. From luxury beachfront resorts to boutique hideaways, we highlight the best basecamps for food lovers.
Best Hotel Deals in Reykjavik
Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Trivago USA.
Related Travel Guides for Reykjavik
Explore comprehensive guides to plan your perfect trip, including food tours, cultural experiences, and more.
Reykjavik Adventure Tours
Experience Iceland's wild side with glacier hiking, ice caves, volcano exploration, and Arctic thrills!
Read Guide
Reykjavik Blue Lagoon Tours
Relax in Iceland's iconic geothermal spa with milky-blue waters, silica mud masks, and volcanic beauty!
Read Guide
Reykjavik Food & Culture Tours
Taste authentic Icelandic cuisine and discover Viking heritage, local culture, and Nordic traditions!
Read Guide
Reykjavik Geothermal Tours
Explore Iceland's bubbling hot springs, steaming vents, and volcanic geothermal wonders!
Read Guide
Reykjavik Golden Circle Tours
Explore Iceland's most famous route - geysers, waterfalls, and tectonic plates in one spectacular day!
Read Guide
Reykjavik Northern Lights Tours
Witness the magical Aurora Borealis dancing across Iceland's Arctic sky - nature's greatest light show!
Read Guide