Italia

Italia has been a fixture on Laugavegur since 1991, which in Reykjavik restaurant years makes it practically ancient. While the city's dining scene has transformed beyond recognition in the intervening decades, this Italian-owned restaurant continues to do what it has always done: serve honest Italian food to a loyal clientele that values consistency over novelty.

The Food

The menu reads like a straightforward Italian trattoria, and that is precisely the point. Pizzas come with thin, properly charred crusts and traditional toppings. Pasta dishes are prepared by people who grew up eating this food, and it shows -- the sauces have depth, the pasta is cooked correctly, and the portions are generous without being excessive.

Beyond the pizza and pasta, the menu extends to fish and meat dishes, antipasti, and desserts that lean heavily on the Italian classics. The tiramisu is good. The fish specials, when available, often incorporate Icelandic catches prepared with Italian technique, which is a combination that works better than it has any right to.

Why It Works

There is a particular comfort in a restaurant that knows what it is. Italia is not trying to be a cutting-edge fusion concept or a Michelin-worthy fine-dining experience. It is an Italian restaurant, run by Italians, serving Italian food in a city where the nearest actual Italy is roughly 3,000 kilometres away. That clarity of purpose translates into consistent quality.

The ingredients are sourced well. The olive oil is genuine. The cheeses are imported from the right places. And the kitchen, staffed by people who learned to cook in Italian kitchens, treats even simple dishes with the respect they deserve.

The Setting

The interior is warm and slightly old-fashioned in a pleasant way. Red-checked tablecloths may or may not make an appearance, depending on the season and the management's mood, but the general atmosphere is one of comfortable familiarity. On a cold Reykjavik evening, settling into a booth with a carafe of wine and a plate of properly made pasta is a thoroughly pleasant experience.

Practical Notes

The Laugavegur location could not be more central. Book for dinner on weekends if you want to be sure of a table. Prices are moderate by Reykjavik standards, and the lunch menu often includes good-value set options. This is not a revolutionary meal, but it is a reliably good one, and sometimes that is exactly what you need.