La Scala del Palazzo – Afternoon Tea Macau
Words: Monica Tindall
Photos: Han Sen Hau
Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau holds a hidden treasure for afternoon tea enthusiasts: La Scala del Palazzo in Palazzo Versace Macau. This Italian restaurant offers an Italian twist on the classic tradition in an eye-catching setting.
La Scala del Palazzo – Afternon Tea Macau
From Palazzo Versace Macau’s lobby, we enter a world of flamboyant elegance with crisp white tablecloths, vibrant arrangements of pink and yellow orchids and baby blue accents in upholstery and wall panelling. The iconic Versace Medusa is subtle on blue and gold custom tableware, and giant decorative mirrors reach the length of the walls.
While breakfast and lunch are both served here, today, we’re sampling “La Scala Afternoon Tea Traditions” at La Scala del Palazzo. Italian flair is seen in the curated selection of sweet and savoury bites, extra cannoli and coffee trolley in tableside service. It’s a well-dressed crowd, and all have their phones out recording the moment. Despite the Instaworthy setting, the afternoon tea is merit-worthy on its own—the presentation is elegant but not overdone, and the food is of superb quality.
La Scala del Palazzo Afternoon Tea Menu & Prices
It’s mid-July when we visit, but the kitchen team is gracious enough to allow us a sneak peek of the August menu, La Scala Afternoon Tea Traditions, at the auspicious price of MOP 888 for two people. The set consists of an amuse-bouche, savoury, sweet and tableside cannoncini Napoletani alongside two non-alcoholic beverages (tea, coffee, kombucha) of your choice.
Amuse-bouche
The amuse-bouche sets expectations high with its swirling cloud of dry ice. A ridiculously rich and creamy foie gras mousse centres a heavy glass bowl. Cherry and Vin Santo jelly counterplay the decadence with a sweet tang, and tiny edible blooms add a final flourish. It’s best spread on the fingers of toast that side it.
Savoury
Once the whirl of nitrogen smoke has dissipated, a petite three-tiered tower is delivered. The savoury plate is a fun diversion from the norm. I recommend diving straight into the truffle arancini, which is best eaten warm. The tartlet in a paper-thin crust is an unusual combination featuring fresh peas with a honey gel layer and crown of caviar. Parma ham and melon is always a winning combo. The smoked salmon, mascarpone, and cucumber sandwich is full of familiar flavours, and the lobster and green bean sandwich gives garden freshness with an ocean finish.
Sweet
Not one but two tiers of petite pastries and cakes tell you that La Scala del Palazzo’s afternoon tea is for the serious sweet tooth. The Amalfi tart layers a spongy almond cake and tangy lemon cream in a biscuit casing. The Bigne with raspberries and Bronte pistachios (Bronte is a DOP region for pistachio growing, certifying the quality of these nuts) is pretty with its red coat and green cream squiggle. A nice bite of tartness from the berries balances the sugar. Torino Gianduia and caramel mousse goes OTT in presentation with a biscuit base, chocolate sphere filled with mousse and hazelnut paste, topped with more mousse, caramel, chocolate flakes and hazelnuts. Traditional tiramisu is just the right size in its petite glass bowl. And, lastly, Cremino al Cioccolato and Piedmonte Hazelnut is a delicious, chocolatey, nutty dense bite.
Tableside
To truly test our blood glucose levels, we finish with some eatertainment and the preparation of Cannoncini Napoletani tableside. Our skilled server pipes cream into the pastry shell, dips the ends in crushed pistachios and hazelnuts and finishes them off with shavings of lemon zest. Creamy, crunchy, zesty—we see why this is an Italian staple.
Afternoon Tea Drinks at La Scala del Palazzo Macau
Two drinks are included in La Scala del Palazzo’s Afternoon Tea. Guests can choose espresso-based coffees, kombucha or iced tea. Tea lovers will appreciate the comprehensive selection of La Via Del Te, with classics such as Earl Grey and Jasmine sharing the spotlight with special blends like the Emma, which combines black tea, ginger, lemon peel and cornflower petals.
Alternatively, you can splash out with a Golden Hazelnut Coffee. It’s not part of the afternoon tea menu but available ala carte. It’s a specially curated beverage starting in August. A double espresso shot is topped up with hot milk, whipped hazelnut cream, chocolate flakes, and finally crowned with an 18k gold flake. Full, sweet, and creamy, this might do some as afternoon tea all on its own.
Reasons to visit La Scala del Palazzo Macau: fabulous setting, a place to dress up, pretty afternoon tea set with an Italian twist and gracious service.
La Scala del Palazzo Macau
Shop G13, Ground floor
Palazzo Versace Macau (Hotel Entrance)
Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau, R. do Tiro, Macau
+ 853 8881 2610
Link to La Scala del Palazzo Macau on Google Maps
www.grandlisboapalace.com/en/restaurants-n-bars/la-scala-del-palazzo
Afternoon Tea Hours
Daily: 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The above menu will be available from August 2024.
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