I love historic venues. Opened in 1803, Ristorante Grand Café Al Porto is a beloved café in the heart of Lugano that represents a great tribute to the city's history.
The amazing art nouveau stained-glass ceiling really says it all.
Lunch is a casual affair at Ristorante Grand Café Al Porto with a choice between a small a la carte and a multi-course set menu. It's wise to leave a little space in your stomach because their desserts especially the chocolate cakes are some of the best ones in town.
Before our food arrived, the staff recommended us to go and check out the first floor where all the history lies and we were glad we did!
The crown jewel of the grand café awaits on the first floor - the Florentine Cenacolo, originally the dining hall of a medieval convent. The wooden ceiling which dates back to the 16th century, is still in very nice conditions along with the traditional wooden panel walls and furniture. We were told the place is available for special events, banquets and receptions.
Carnaroli risotto with black squid ink and pan-fried tiger prawns (CHF 24) - After the wonderful history lesson, it's time to get fed. The squid-ink risotto certainly wasn't a bad way to start. Not bad although I probably won't mind another piece of pan-fried tiger prawn on top.
Roasted chicken supreme with corn variation (CHF 37) - Slightly more successful was the roasted chicken supreme served with variations of sweet corn and tomato confit.
I purposely left some room for dessert since the grand café has a lot to offer in their sweets department.
They have got a nice variety of desserts but no tomato cake (one of their signature desserts)!
Chocolate mousse cake - No one would complain about chocolate desserts from Switzerland. A very simple cake but very delicious thanks to the silky smooth chocolate mousse on top (would've been perfect if the proportion of chocolate mousse and sponge cake is reversed!).
American cheesecake - The café's modern take on the American cheesecake. This was much lighter and more airy than a typical American cheesecake. And nice touch with the strawberry crumbs to cut through the richness of the cheese there.
Ristorante Grand Café Al Porto opens Monday to Saturday from 8AM to 6:30PM. From 7PM onward, it's all by appointment only.
Food Rating: 5.5/10
Price: $$$
Address: Via Pessina 3, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
Tel: +41 91 910-5130
Website: www.grand-cafe-lugano.ch
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