The story
The name translates as "the crooked warehouse," and the building earns it. Set on the quayside at Sigmundargøta 19 in Tórshavn, Skeiva Pakkhús occupies a tall, well-preserved historic structure that once served as a coal store. The high ceilings, exposed stone walls and an elevated mezzanine dining deck running around a central atrium have been kept deliberately raw — rustic in feel, yet arranged with a perfectionist's eye for the original architecture. Through the restaurant's large panoramic windows, the harbour sits right in front of you, along with the sound between Tórshavn and the island of Nólsoy. The schooner Westward Ho, moored directly outside, lends its name to the house tasting menu.
What Skeiva Pakkhús does — and does with considerable confidence — is Italian cooking grounded in North Atlantic ingredients. The open kitchen is visible from the dining room, and the wood-fired oven producing classic rosemary potato pizza is part of the theatre. Crisp arancini arrive with a porcini mayonnaise carrying deep iodine and hazelnut notes. Salmon carpaccio uses cured Faroese salmon, layered with parmesan, mascarpone, rocket and lemon zest — each element distinct. Tagliolini in a tomato-mascarpone sauce is topped with lightly grilled langoustines and steamed blue mussels, the freshness of Faroese seafood lifting the dish into something that feels genuinely of this place. A well-rested beef tenderloin on braised beef ragout with polenta and dried tomatoes rounds out the kitchen's range. The salumeria board — salame piccante, salame romano, fennel sausage, parma ham — is sourced with care, and the aged parmesan, lightly crystallised, is cut to order.
White Guide recognised Skeiva Pakkhús at Fine level for 2026, noting that Tórshavn now has, in this restaurant, the kind of quality Italian address every European capital takes for granted. That recognition sits comfortably alongside what the place actually delivers: an honest, ingredient-led Italian kitchen that happens to look out over the North Atlantic.
Manager and sommelier Esther guides the experience with warmth and expertise. The wine list is well stocked, and the pairing menu — described as notably good value — draws from producers such as Balestri Valda in Veneto. At weekends, the bar area extends the evening well past dinner, with Italian aperitivi and live music running until 2 a.m. The space is also available for private events: weddings, birthdays, corporate days and other occasions suit the character of the building particularly well.
Recognition
Ambience
Location