Gran Caffe Lavena Venice Grand Canal Mall | Restaurant Review

For the past two years, my family and I would opt for a staycation in different hotels during Holy Week. We stayed until Easter Sunday at these hotels- Makati Shangri-La in 2014 and Sofitel Philippine Plaza last 2015.

This year, we decided to stay home but that does not mean we didn't go out and explore the city. After all, this was the only time of the year when the streets of Metro Manila was practically deserted.

Rialto Bridge | Venice Grand Canal Mall | McKinley Hill

 Maundy Thursday

Thursday morning, we had breakfast at Pancake House. Lunch was spent with some friends at one of the few restaurants that's open on Maundy Thursday- Kimpura, Greenhills. After my daughter woke up from her afternoon nap, we had a family dinner at Alex III along Tomas Morato in Quezon City.

Good Friday

After breakfast at Jollibee on a Friday morning, we went to Ace Water Spa in Pasig where we were able to enjoy the amenities for the next three hours. I can't say the same for the people who went there in the afternoon. I saw a lot of guests in line when we left the place.

It was late in the afternoon when I decided to do the Visita Iglesia (The Seven Churches Visitation). Unfortunately, it was already too late because most of the churches my mom, sister and I visited were already closed. We got to visit 4 out of 7 churches. Moral lesson---> plan our route early next year.

Gran Caffe Lavena | Black Saturday

Saturday was spent in Taguig City. We had brunch at Recovery Food, BGC Stopover Pavilion. Then we went to the newest mall to open in Taguig- Venice Grand Canal Mall, The Venice Piazza, McKinley Hill.

Strawberry Yougurt Mousse Php 320

While viewing the gondoliers plying The Venice Grand Canal, DH spotted Gran Caffe Lavena. It is a Venezian inspired cafe with Chef Davide at the helm.

Carrot Cake Php 280

We ordered two cakes- Strawberry Yougurt Mousse and Carrot Cake. With the former, I was expecting to taste the tanginess of strawberry and a little sourness of yogurt but there was none. Even my daughter was not impressed with its taste. She loved the Carrot Cake though. You can really see bits of carrots inside. My daughter ate everything including the icing on top!

Iced Mocha Php 230

Americano Php 180

While our orders were being placed on our table, Steven Seagal arrived with his entourage. Yes, he was here last week! Sad, I was not able to snap his photo though but you can view some of his pics at the official Facebook fan page of Gran Caffe Lavena.

The 17th Century Venezian inspired cafe is intimidating to look at outside with its Murano glass collection on display and plush dining area. But I assure you that once you enter the cafe, the staff and its owner are very warm and accommodating. 

Gran Caffe Lavena is located at Rialto Bridge, Venice Grand Canal Mall at the Venice Piazza McKinley Hill, Taguig. For inquiries, call 0995 455 7389