When ex-US President Bill Clinton visited Lusaka in 2007, it was Portico Restaurant where he came for the evening. Italian food 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 Il 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 people of Italy have discovered exactly how to achieve the perfect mix of flavours. At Il Portico Restaurant 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. It is open for lunches from 12:00 till 15:00 on weekdays and it stays open till late over weekends. However, pizza is served all day, any time you like! Guests are welcomed at any time but reservations are best. That way guests can enjoy the undivided attention of the waiters, waitresses and barmen. Private functions 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, Il Portico Restaurant 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.
Italian wine Italy is known to be one of the oldest wine producing regions in the world. Wine for Italians means culture, love, friendship, taste, smell and colour. Il Portico Restaurant makes sure that you are served the best wines with your meals. The wine served at here is imported directly from Italy. These authentic Italian wines include white wines, red wines and sparkling wines. For the passionate team at Portico, opening a bottle of wine is a very different experience from opening a bottle of beer or whisky! 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.
An array of seating both indoors and outdoors includes dining chairs, bar stools, cushioned rattan chairs, comfy armchairs and sofas – a wide selection to suit the various needs of clientèle. The clever spatial design allows for a mixture of ambience at any one time – you choose which one suits you! With views onto the polo field you will sometimes catch a game. On cooler evenings mobile coal fires are dotted around the outside spaces adding further charm to this gem of a venue. If you book the entire venue for a big event, the staff will create the right atmosphere for your particular special occasion.