Cleland & Souchet Café

Wine, food and a touch of luxury shopping meet at this chic Portomaso café. It forms part of Cleland & Souchet’s iconic flagship lifestyle store in the heart of Portomaso, so a leisurely coffee can drift into browsing Baccarat crystal, Lalique and Hermès homeware or gift hampers. Founded by wine importers Richard Cleland and Jean Galea Souchet, the business brings a polished yet unfussy approach to its café, which shifts from a chic café by day to wine bar/ bistro by night. Settle on the outdoor deck terrace and watch Portomaso go by, or retreat to the cosy interior. Regular wine tastings add to the appeal.

The menu is Mediterranean with Italian and Lebanese leanings. Mornings bring classic Eggs Benedict, poached Eggs Royal and the Berry & Granola Bowl. Later, start with Piedmontese beef, marinated for 96 hours in red wine, truffle oil and hazelnuts, Tuna tartare with caviar, or Lebanese meze such as Muhammara and Labneh. Mains include salmon and pistachio with truffle potato cream, sea bream and almond, and the 12-hour slow-cooked roast beef, while the charcuterie platter suits a shared bottle. Finish with homemade tiramisu or broken cannoli. Wine is the real star: over 200 labels, many poured by the glass, alongside signature cocktails and freshly ground coffee.