A tall off-white building that sits pretty in Fort Kochi’s ever-busy Princess Street, Old Courtyard invites to discover the French colonial lifestyle influences of this historic town. It takes you straight into the lap of the French India with the smell of ancient wooden furniture and archaic satin curtains.
The age-old heritage mansion with a huge indoor courtyard does justice to its name. The ground-floor of the spacious two-story building has large rectangular dining tables lining the veranda. Walls painted with lime mortar are decorated with modern paintings and photographs. The restaurant sets the ambiance of an art gallery with a variety of antique curios on display. The two large mirrors, wall paintings and urns at the dessert lounge are reminiscent of the colonial era glory.
The balcony constitutes of the living space, which has well furnished private rooms with beds available on rent. The courtyard has an elevated garden around a tall tree, a beautiful fountain and park benches lining them.
Inspired by the French cuisine, the chefs of Old Courtyard have revised their authentic dishes to create a French and Indian fusion food menu. The cuisine offers an interpretation of French cuisine with a spicy Kerala touch. The savory and sweet dishes are an invitation to a new culinary experience in term of ingredients and recipe preparation.
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The restaurant is famous for its sandwich varieties. Mortadella sandwich is one of their signature preparations. With a generously cut chicken steak inside, Mortadella has a good amount of cheese and veggie stuffing inside. The two substantially sized triangular sandwiches are more than enough to gratify your hunger pangs. But if you are planning to take your partner on a date, order a smoked chicken breast sandwich as well. The steak inside this sandwich is soft and succulent. The scent of mild spices mixed with the flavor of charcoal smoke would be one of the finest smells you'd experience.
Well, next time when you pass by Princess Street with a little space in your tummy, do hit this old mansion and enjoy a cup of hot coffee in its colonial ambiance.
