Il Patio: A Casino Restaurant with a Controversial History

Il Patio is a restaurant that occupies a prime spot inside the Mayfair Casino, one of the most upscale gambling venues in Kampala. The restaurant has a sleek and sophisticated decor that would suit a scene from a James Bond movie. And if you are feeling lucky, you can try to win back your bill at the roulette tables after your meal.

A Rivalry with Mediterraneo

However, Il Patio is not without controversy. It is often compared to Mediterraneo, another Italian restaurant in Kampala that has a loyal following. The two restaurants share a common history, as the current chef of Mediterraneo used to work at Il Patio and left to start his own venture. He took with him the pizza recipe, leaving Il Patio with its original menu but without its signature dish.

A Classic Italian Menu

The menu at Il Patio features all the Italian staples, such as pizzas, pastas, salads, and grilled meats. The prices are in the mid to high range, with pizzas costing between 17,000 and 25,000 UGX and pastas between 19,000 and 28,000 UGX. The mains are more expensive, ranging from 23,000 to 57,000 UGX for the grilled prawns. The quality of the food is generally good, with well-cooked and tasty dishes. I have tried the penne alla norma (22,000 UGX), a pasta dish with eggplant and ricotta cheese, and the papparpadelle al funghi porcini (24,000 UGX), a pasta dish with porcini mushrooms. Both were satisfying and flavorful.

A Decent Wine List

The wine list at Il Patio is not very extensive, but it offers a decent selection of Italian wines. A glass of wine costs around 9,000 UGX and a carafe costs 52,000 UGX. A bottle starts at 100,000 UGX, so it is more economical to go for the carafe option if you are dining with a group.

A Matter of Preference

Il Patio is a good restaurant by Kampala standards, and I know many people who consider it one of their favorites. But if you ask me, I prefer Mediterraneo. I find it more lively and atmospheric than Il Patio, which can be quite empty and dull at times. I also like the Moroccan-inspired decor of Mediterraneo more than the hotel chic of Il Patio. But if you are looking for a classy and quiet place to impress your date or celebrate a special occasion, then Il Patio might be the right choice for you.