Imagine the authentic feel of Italy in the centre of Africa! Portico Cucina Italiana Lounge Bar and Restaurant is just that - one of the finest Italian restaurants in Lusaka. And the Italian flavour is authentic as Portico is Italian-owned and managed by Alessandra Troielli and Carlo Colomdini. Portico is hidden away in the showgrounds - Lusaka’s prime venue for large scale exhibitions, trade shows and fairs.

With its fine finished décor in warm reds, greys and pinks, Portico is very chic, with well planned spaces, delightful furnishings and dramatic finishes. It's a hot spot for eating, drinking and socialising where clientele can enjoy time with friends in a relaxed but sophisticated environment. In fact when ex-US President Bill Clinton visited Lusaka in 2007, it was Portico Restaurant where he came for the evening.

Eating is a serious matter in Italy! Cooking and food are among the finest expressions of Italian culture, vividly portraying the country's history and traditions. The chefs at Portico explain that, like other arts, cooking is based on measures and proportions, on the balance and fusion of different elements. Authentic Italian recipes are very often based on just a few very simple and humble ingredients, which are used to create exquisite dishes.

What makes Italian cuisine so tasty is that, over the centuries, the peope of Italy have discovered exactly how to achieve the perfect mix of flavours. Naturally the food that is cooked here is from genuine Italian ingredients made by Portico's very own professional Italian chefs. The restaurant boasts the best Italian pizza in the city! Snacks like focaccine, and delicious authentic Italian coffees, are also on offer here.

In this venue you are encouraged to feel at home with family and friends, or to gather for a special occasion, in the style of an Italian Trattoria - traditionally synonymous with good food, good wine and good company. The restaurant is open for lunches from 12 till 3 in the afternoon on weekdays and it stays open till late over weekends. However, pizza is served here all day, any time you like! Guests are welcomed at any time but reservations are recommended. That way guests can enjoy the undivided attention of the waiters, waitresses and barmen.
Italy is known to be one of the oldest wine producing regions in the world and Portico Restaurant makes sure that you are served the best wines with your meals. In fact the drinks here are imported directly from Italy. Wine for Italians means culture, love, friendship, taste, smell and colour. For the passionate team at Portico, opening a bottle of wine is a very different experience from opening a bottle of beer or whisky! The authentic Italian wines on offer here include white wines like Chardonnay; red wines like Syrah; sparkling wines like Moscato D’asti Docg; champagne like Moet Chardonnay; rosé wines like Rosato. Frankly the list is endless! Italian spirits such as Grappa are also on offer, together with drinks like Limoncello and Amari, as well as quality cigars of course. This is also cocktail heaven and the staff are specially trained to mix them authentically.

At Portico you can combine the best of both worlds - book a table in the magnificent and restful restaurant and enjoy great food, wine and company; then step outside in the refreshing Zambian sun (choose to sit in shaded areas or top your tan out in the open) or the warm Zambian evening and enjoy the view overlooking the polo fields - a taste of Italy in the middle of Africa!

Portico is well known for the special events it organises. It's a favourite night spot at weekends. The gardens are suitable for small exclusive events such as corporate cocktails, parties and small intimate weddings (not more than 30 guests).

Portico also has a beautiful outdoor bar called the Porticout that faces the attractive polo field. There is a seated decked area which spills out into an open outdoor space.


An array of seating both indoors and outdoors includes dining chairs, bar stools, cushioned rattan chairs and comfy armchairs and sofas – a wide selection to suit the various needs of the clientele.

Portico can be anything from formal to family-orientated to groovy. The clever spatial design allows for a mixture of ambiences at any one time - you choose which one suits you! Alternatively you can book the entire venue for big events and the staff here will create the right atmosphere for your particular special occasion.

The overall atmosphere in the day time is relaxed and friendly. In the evenings, with frequent live music, the place is lit up and buzzing. On cooler evenings mobile coal fires are dotted around the outside spaces adding further charm to this gem of a venue. It is here in the outside space that Portico hosts different local bands every Saturday night. Special events are exactly what Portico is known for as it is a favourite night spot at weekends. Popular local artists regularly play a range of music styles, attracting great interest from people and visitors alike. Entrance is absolutely free! If you’re a fan of good live jazz music, then Wednesday evening is the night for you. As their way of giving back to the community, Portico also hosts a special fund-raising party every month.
The garden at Portico is suitable for small exclusive events like corporate cocktails, parties and small intimate weddings of around 30 guests. Since the décor here is perfectly suited to glamorous and classy events, Portico is often booked for corporate events, weddings and special birthday bashes. Book early to avoid disappointment! The venue makes for a pleasant event setting that includes fine dining, quality drinks, personalised entertainment and great company.
At Portico you can combine the best of both worlds by booking a table in the magnificent and restful restaurant and enjoy great food, wine and company. Then you can step outside in the refreshing Zambian sun (choose to sit in shaded areas or top your tan out in the open) or the warm Zambian evening and enjoy the view overlooking the polo fields - a taste of Italy in the middle of Africa!