Pastabacken Travel Guide

Pastabacken stands as one of Luleå's oldest eateries, anchoring Magasinsgatan 5 since the 1980s. Acquired by father-and-son team Paez in 2007, this family enterprise infuses every dish with passion drawn from Italian and Argentinian roots. Under Chef Kristoffer's watchful eye, the kitchen crafts meals emphasizing fresh ingredients and time-honored techniques, creating a bridge between Mediterranean warmth and Nordic simplicity.The venue's enduring presence reflects its commitment to quality in a city known for its blend of industrial heritage and Lapland's natural bounty.

Descending into Pastabacken's basement dining area reveals an intimate, Italy-inspired setting with warm lighting and wooden accents. Upstairs offers a smaller seating nook for quicker meals, while the lower level accommodates larger groups in a snug, traditional environment. The space evokes a homey trattoria, perfect for lingering over plates amid the hum of conversation and clinking glasses.This multi-level layout enhances the charm, providing varied nooks for intimate dinners or casual family gatherings.

The menu shines with pasta dishes like lasagne al forno—layers of pasta, meat sauce, and melted cheese—and carbonara featuring bacon, egg yolk, and cracked pepper. Al dente preparation ensures authentic texture. Pizzas arrive thin and crisp, topped simply with options like margherita, Hawaii with ham and pineapple, or gourmet choices such as Parma with air-dried ham, rocket, tomato, and parmesan. Prices hover around 125-155 SEK, delivering value in generous portions.These staples draw from Italian tradition, adapted with fresh local produce.

Beyond pasta and pizza, the grill showcases Argentinian flair in dishes like lomo argentino—tender oxfilé with chimichurri and salad—or parilla don Artemio, combining black Angus entrecôte, chorizo, and zesty sauces. Entrecôte roquefort pairs steak with creamy cheese sauce, grilled tomato, and capers, served with fries or potato gratin. Heavier options like biff med kappa round out a menu balancing comfort and boldness, priced 375-465 SEK.These grilled specialties highlight the Paez family's heritage, adding smoky depth to the Italian core.

Lunch service runs weekdays from 11am-2pm, extending to dinner with later hours on weekends—Fridays and Saturdays until 10pm, Sundays from 1pm-8pm. Takeout and delivery accommodate busy days, while highchairs and a family-friendly vibe welcome all ages. Starters like garlic bread (40 SEK) or Greek salad (125 SEK) set the tone, with pizzasallad add-ons for 15 SEK.Vegetarian and vegan adaptations are available on request, ensuring broad appeal in this reliable neighborhood spot.

Pastabacken embodies Luleå's culinary crossroads, where Italian precision meets Argentinian heartiness amid Swedish Lapland's fresh air. The menu's evolution—from classic pizzas to innovative fusions—mirrors the restaurant's adaptability while honoring its origins. Sipping house wines or cocktails here captures the essence of unpretentious dining that has sustained generations.