The fish pan is a Reykjavik restaurant signature: the catch of the day, usually cod, char or trout, pan-fried in butter and served sizzling in a cast-iron skillet with potatoes and vegetables.

While not an ancient dish, the fiskipanna became a Reykjavik institution through the seafood restaurant Messinn, which built its reputation on serving the day's catch in a hot cast-iron pan. It plays to Iceland's great strength, fish landed hours earlier, cooked simply in butter so the freshness carries. The format spread across the city's seafood rooms and is now one of the most ordered dishes for visitors wanting Icelandic fish without a tasting-menu commitment.

3 editor picks for Fiskipanna (Icelandic fish pan) in Reykjavik, ranked by editorial score. All Reykjavik signature dishes · Fiskipanna (Icelandic fish pan) across every city.

Fish Company ★ 4.6

$$$Seafood101 Grandi

Fish Company, Fiskfelagid in Icelandic, cooks Reykjavik's most awarded seafood in the 1884 Zimsen house, a five-course menu of local fish landed that day.

OrderThe five-course gourmet menu, which changes with the day's catch.

TipVoted the Grapevine's best seafood for over a decade. The downstairs room under the bridge is the one to book.

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Messinn ★ 4.5

$$$Seafood101

Messinn on Laekjargata built its name on the fish pan, fresh catch fried in butter and served sizzling in a cast-iron skillet to half of Reykjavik.

OrderA fish pan, the cast-iron skillet of butter-fried catch with potatoes.

TipLunch is the value sitting and the room is small, so arrive early or expect a wait at dinner.

DirectionsView

Kopar ★ 4.3

$$$Seafood101 Grandi

Kopar sits over the water at the Old Harbour on Geirsgata, a Reykjavik seafood room that leans on local langoustine and cod with vegan plates too.

OrderThe langoustine, or the signature cod with whatever is in season.

TipAsk for a window table over the harbour. Lunch is the cheaper way into the same kitchen.

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Learn to cook it, or eat it with a guide

Fiskipanna (Icelandic fish pan) makes more sense with someone from Reykjavik explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.

Taste Fiskipanna (Icelandic fish pan) with a local in Reykjavik

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