Messinn Granda

When a restaurant opens a second location, it usually means one of two things: the first one was so good that demand forced expansion, or someone got ambitious. In Messinn's case, it was emphatically the former. The original on Laekjargata built a devoted following for its sizzling fish pans and no-nonsense approach to Icelandic seafood. Messinn Granda brings exactly the same formula to the harbour, and it works just as well.

The Fish Pans

The concept is beautifully simple. Fresh fish -- cod, arctic char, salmon, or the traditional plokkfiskur -- is cooked in a cast-iron pan and brought to your table still sizzling. Bread, butter, and simple accompaniments come alongside. You eat directly from the pan. There is no architectural plating, no unnecessary garnish, no distraction from the quality of the fish itself.

The cod is flaky and pristine. The arctic char has a delicacy that rewards attention. The plokkfiskur -- Iceland's traditional mashed fish stew -- is rich and comforting. Every pan arrives hot enough to keep the food warm through the entire meal, which is a practical detail that makes a genuine difference.

The Buffet

At lunch, Messinn Granda also offers a seafood buffet with a rotating selection of fresh fish, salads, bread, and accompaniments. It is good value and well-suited to visitors who want to sample multiple dishes without committing to a single pan. The evening service adds more options to the a la carte menu, including starters and a wider selection of pans.

The Setting

The Grandi location benefits from the harbour neighbourhood's growing personality. The area around Grandagarður has developed into one of Reykjavik's most interesting food destinations, and Messinn fits naturally alongside the food hall, bakeries, and cafes nearby. The interior is warm and unpretentious -- wooden tables, simple decor, and the constant sizzle from the kitchen.

Practical Tips

Book ahead for dinner. Lunch is slightly easier to walk into, but do not count on it during high season. The gap between lunch and dinner service (14:00-18:00) catches some visitors out, so plan accordingly. If the Grandi location is full, the original at Laekjargata 6b serves the same menu with the same quality.