Pizza Inferno.
Tromsø’s hottest Italian flame Opposites attract, and where else to put this idea into action if not up in the Arctic? Other than its nature attractions and a busy calendar of cultural attractions, Tromsø is known for its vibrant culinary scene, and Casa Inferno’s wood-fired magic goes to show that icy climes and an Italian flame are a match made in foodie heaven.
mother’s townhouse in Bologna, with the whole family around for Sunday lunch: loud voices, plenty of gesticulating and apparent chaos all abound.
By Jo Iivonen | Photos: Casa Inferno
In other words, this is a world away from the stoic, ever-calm Nordic realm outside – which is perhaps just what the doctor ordered after a day of ice fishing, solemn tundra trekking or experiencing the latest in Nordic Noir.
Off the beaten path, yet just a stone’s throw away from Tromsø’s centre, Casa Inferno is quite possibly the world’s northernmost Italian eatery. But a quick glance through the windows proves that this is not your typical pizzeria selling cheesy Italiana on chequered tablecloths. The steampunk inspired décor is perhaps as odd a match as the whole idea of stumbling across a restaurant manned by an all-Italian crew at 69 degrees north. 36 | Issue 132 | January 2020
Yet Casa Inferno’s vibrant, seductively all-Italian flair ticks all boxes to melt the heart of anyone who’s ever fallen for the charms of la dolce vita. And, let’s be honest, who hasn’t? But there’s something more – such as the element of surprise, that of coming across the perfect Italian joint up on a wind-swept street in northern Norway. Step inside and you’re surrounded by the sort of scene you might expect at a god-
Family affair The odds of finding perfectly ripened Pecorino Toscano up in the Arctic might seemingly come close to a snowball’s chance in hell, but Tromsø’s culinary standards are high and Casa Inferno stands out as the most authentic Italian