Urban Pasta
A casual pasta spot in Reykjavik offering quick, affordable Italian-style pasta dishes -- a budget-friendly option in an expensive city.
Urban Pasta exists to solve a common problem for visitors to Reykjavik: how to eat a filling, satisfying meal without taking out a small loan. In a city where a modest dinner can easily run to ISK 5,000-8,000 per person, a quick-service pasta restaurant offering decent portions at lower prices fills a genuine gap in the market.
The Food
The concept is straightforward: choose your pasta, choose your sauce, add any extras, and receive a freshly prepared dish within minutes. The pasta is cooked to order and the sauces range from classic marinara and pesto to creamier options. It is not going to win any Italian authenticity awards, but it is honest, filling food that satisfies the basic requirement of being both tasty and affordable.
The portions are generous, which matters when you are calculating the cost per calorie in Iceland. Most dishes leave you comfortably full, which is more than can be said for some of the city's more expensive restaurants where artful plating sometimes compensates for modest quantities.
The Experience
This is fast-casual dining, so adjust expectations accordingly. You order at the counter, find a seat, and your food arrives promptly. The interior is simple and functional. You are not here for the ambience or the service -- you are here because you want pasta, you want it quickly, and you do not want to spend a fortune.
Who Is This For?
Budget-conscious travellers will find Urban Pasta most useful. Families with children who need feeding without drama, backpackers watching their spending, and anyone who simply wants a break from the relentless upward pressure on Reykjavik restaurant prices. It is also a practical takeaway option if you want to eat back at your accommodation.
Practical Tips
Located within walking distance of the city centre. No reservations needed or accepted -- walk in and order. It is a useful lunchtime option when you want to refuel quickly between sightseeing. Do not expect a fine dining experience and you will not be disappointed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Urban Pasta serve?
- Fresh pasta dishes with various sauces and toppings, served quickly in a casual, counter-service format. Think fast-casual Italian rather than fine dining.
- Where is Urban Pasta located?
- At Hlesgata 2 in Reykjavik, within walking distance of the city centre.
- Is Urban Pasta cheap by Reykjavik standards?
- Relatively, yes. Pasta dishes are more affordable than many restaurants in the city, making it a useful option when you want a filling meal without spending ISK 5,000 or more.
- Is the pasta freshly made?
- The pasta is prepared fresh and cooked to order, though this is a fast-casual operation rather than an artisan pasta kitchen.
- Is Urban Pasta good for a quick meal?
- Yes, this is its strength. Quick service, reasonable prices, and a central location make it a practical choice when you are hungry and want something filling without a long wait.
- How does it compare to other Italian restaurants in Reykjavik?
- Urban Pasta is more casual and affordable than places like Caruso or Rossopomodoro. It fills a different niche -- quick, filling, and wallet-friendly rather than a sit-down dining experience.
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