The Lowdown
When passion and authenticity collide, the result can be magical—and Malgorzata, the heart and soul behind Smak Italy, proves it. She might not have been born Italian, but after living in Sardinia for half her life and tying the knot with an Italian, she’s as close to Mediterranean royalty as it gets. Her restaurant brings Sardinian vibes to Poznań, dripping with tradition in a world of trendy, plastic Italian spots where the interior often outshines the menu. But does Smak Italy still reign supreme, or is it getting lost in the sauce?
The Charm
Walking into Smak Italy feels like stepping into an Italian grandmother’s dining room. The menu itself is a throwback—no glossy photos, just text that looks like it came from a vintage typewriter. No gimmicks, no fluff. The charm lies in the dishes themselves, each carefully crafted and rooted in tradition. Malgorzata herself is part of the magic, bustling in the kitchen and popping out to chat with diners. Her warmth and dedication are as much a part of the experience as the food.
The Pizza
We couldn’t resist starting with pizza. Enter the Pere e Camembert—a square-shaped beauty that sits elevated on two wooden blocks like a king on its throne. For 41 PLN, this pie doesn’t just deliver; it conquers. The mozzarella, creamy Camembert, delicate sweetness of pear, and salty Parma ham create a flavor combo that’s both bold and balanced. It’s sweet, salty, and utterly satisfying—like a warm Mediterranean breeze on a plate.
The Salad
Next, we threw in a salad because hey, balance. The Insalata di Gamberetti (40 PLN) jumped off the menu with its mix of juicy shrimp, tangy olives, and sweet mango. The shrimp? Generous portions, perfectly cooked, and bursting with flavor. This wasn’t just a salad; it was a masterpiece of contrasting textures and tastes—a refreshing counterpoint to the indulgent pizza.
The Tagliatelle
But the true star of the meal was the Czarne Tagliatelle—black tagliatelle pasta made with squid ink, served with Taleggio cheese and boletus mushrooms for 49 PLN. Taleggio, for the uninitiated, is a semi-soft Italian cheese with a creamy, tangy kick, and it pairs beautifully with the earthy, nutty flavor of boletus mushrooms. Every bite was rich, velvety, and indulgent. The portion? Generous enough to make even the hungriest pasta lover pause for a breather.
The Tiramisu
Finally, dessert. And not just any dessert—Tiramisu like you’ve never seen before. Served inside a cone, you eat it like ice cream. It’s quirky, it’s fun, and most importantly, it’s delicious. The creamy mascarpone, layered with coffee-soaked sponge and a hint of cocoa, was perfection. The novelty factor alone is worth the trip.
Timeless
In a world obsessed with Instagrammable backdrops and fleeting trends, this place is a reminder that there’s no school like the old school. And at Smak Italy, Malgorzata is the headmaster, serving up lessons in authenticity and flavor. If you’re after proper Italian food without the fluff, Smak Italy is where you need to be.
