Pork is a beloved meat that has been enjoyed for centuries, and there are countless delicious ways to prepare it. One restaurant that has made pork the star of the show is the newly opened Pancetta, a cosy eatery located in the heart of Colombo 7, down Wijerama Mawatha. Pancetta serves up a variety of mouth-watering pork dishes that will satisfy any pork lover.
The restaurant has a “bring your own bottle/booze” (BYOB) policy and even screens sports matches whenever they happen; so this new spot is undoubtedly the place to be. Pancetta is co-owned by Nadil Dilsara Dela Wijayawardena and Nadun Chiranjaya Dela Wijayawardena, who upon seeing a lack of pork-centric restaurants in the country, decided to fill this niche in the market with Pancetta.
The Morning Brunch decided to drop by the restaurant to see what they have to offer and the uniqueness they bring to the city.
One of the most popular dishes on the menu is the bacon gambero or bacon-wrapped shrimp, which is a delicious and decadent dish that is sure to impress. This dish featured succulent shrimp, wrapped in crispy, salty bacon, and created a perfect balance of flavours and textures. The dish is made of large, fresh shrimp that are peeled and deveined, then marinated in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and an in-house spice mix for added flavour. The dish, paired with a decadent in-house garlic mayonnaise, is a great option for either a snack or a full meal by itself.
Another must-try dish at Pancetta is the bacon-wrapped petto di pollo, which is bacon-wrapped chicken breast that is delicious, hearty, and sure to satisfy. It features tender chicken breast that is wrapped in crispy, salty bacon, creating a perfect balance of flavours and textures. This dish is plated gorgeously, adorned with micro greens and honey glaze, and the succulent chicken is the star of the show.
If you’re in the mood for something a little different, the restaurant also offers a variety of pork-based and non-pork-based appetisers, including bacon pizza, quesadillas, tortillas, and more. They are perfect for sharing and a great way to try a variety of different pork dishes.
Pancetta, despite being a pork-centric restaurant, offers a diverse menu that caters to all types of meat lovers. While pork is the star of the show, the restaurant also offers a variety of non-pork meat dishes that are sure to please.
One of the most popular non-pork dishes on the menu is the Thai basil fried rice. This dish features tender prawns that are stir-fried with rice, vegetables, and a variety of herbs and spices, including fragrant basil.
The dish starts with steamed jasmine rice, which is then stir-fried with sautéed onions, carrots, and peppers. The prawns, pink and succulent, are mixed in, along with a generous amount of chopped basil, giving the dish a fresh and fragrant aroma. If we must be frank, we weren’t huge fans of the flavour – it lacked a balanced seasoning and was heavy on the spice, but paired with an alcoholic beverage, the dish should work well.
For vegetarians and vegans, they offer several options including pesto pasta, guacamole and tortillas, and a variety of salads. The restaurant is also happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions or allergies.
To wash it all down, Pancetta offers a wide selection of mojitos and shakes, many of which are specially chosen to pair well with pork dishes. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and can help you choose the perfect drink to complement your meal.
With its cosy atmosphere, delicious pork dishes, and great selection of drinks, Pancetta is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves pork. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meal or just a quick bite, this restaurant has something for everyone.