La Primavera
Reykjavik's Italian — fresh pasta, classic dishes, and a warm Mediterranean atmosphere on Austurstraeti.
When you want a break from Nordic cuisine, La Primavera delivers genuine Italian cooking in the centre of Reykjavik. The pasta is made fresh in-house, the sauces are built properly, and the overall experience has the warmth you expect from a good Italian restaurant.
The Food
Fresh pasta is the headline — tagliatelle, pappardelle, ravioli — made daily and cooked with the care the format demands. The Bolognese is rich and slow-simmered. The seafood pasta makes excellent use of Icelandic langoustine and fish. The risotto, when it appears as a special, is worth ordering.
Beyond pasta, the menu covers the Italian classics with confidence. The kitchen does not try to reinvent Italian food — it simply executes it well, which is harder than it sounds and more satisfying than you might expect this far from Italy.
Practical Tips
Book for weekend dinner. Lunch is more relaxed and offers the same quality at slightly lower prices. The wine list features Italian producers and is fairly priced. Ask about the daily specials — they often represent the kitchen's best work.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does La Primavera serve?
- Classic Italian cuisine — fresh pasta, risotto, meat and fish dishes prepared in the Italian tradition. The pasta is made in-house.
- How much does dinner cost?
- Pasta dishes ISK 3,200-4,500, main courses ISK 4,500-7,000 (approximately €22-48).
- Do I need a reservation?
- Recommended for dinner on weekends.
- Where is La Primavera?
- At Austurstraeti 9, in the heart of central Reykjavik.
- Is the pasta fresh?
- Yes. La Primavera makes its pasta in-house, which makes a noticeable difference in texture and flavour.
- Is La Primavera good for a family dinner?
- Yes. The Italian menu has broad appeal, portions are generous, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.
Explore Iceland's Food Scene — Reykjavik
Join a guided food tour and discover the best local flavors Iceland has to offer.
Browse Food ToursMore in Reykjavik
See all →101 Reykjavik Street Food
Traditional Icelandic soups and stews served quickly and cheaply on the main street -- the lamb soup alone is worth the visit.
108 Matur
A small, no-frills lunch spot in the 108 district of Reykjavik, beloved by locals for its freshly made daily specials and remarkably low prices.
1919 Restaurant
The dining room at Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel on Posthusstraeti, set in a beautifully restored early 20th-century building in the heart of downtown Reykjavik.