A Dinner Date to Remember in Colombo

The Gallery Café, has been developed by local style arbiter, Shanth Fernando, from the old town office of Sri Lanka’s most renowned architect, Geoffrey Bawa. Since opening in 1998, it has become THE place to see and be seen by the local cognoscenti and justly deserves its worldwide reputation as a fascinating place to wine and dine. The menu has not gone through any drastic changes since the Café’s opening as it seems to satisfy everyone with its variety of dishes, matching all purses. The menu includes grills and seafood and it has won many hearts with its delicious desserts especially the Jaggery-infused ones introducing local sweet flavour into western favourites. As well as its patio restaurant; Gallery Café includes an art gallery featuring exhibitions by local artists and an offshoot of the owner’s famous Paradise Road lifestyle and design store.

Deep in the heart of the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, the London Grill seems never to have changed since it was opened about 40 years ago as Sri Lanka’s first five-star restaurant in what was then the Lanka Oberoi Hotel. The décor resembles a baronial hall, complete with massive metal plates as part of the table set up. The food is consistently good, keeping to its theme of a grill restaurant but with innovative starters (stuffed oysters?) and tempting desserts. The service is as smooth as it should be for this standard of dining. You might want to wear your best for this unique and special place, unusual to find in Sri Lanka.   

Created copying authentic Thai style, the Royal Thai restaurant situated at Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel specialises in serving dishes based on authentic Thai recipes prepared by Thai chefs. The food has been praised due to its high quality and consequently the restaurant is very popular, so reservations are advised. Yet although it can get busy, the restaurant exudes a serene ambience with its elegant interior, golden lighting and wooden finishes while gentle Thai music plays in the background.

The dimly lit Ministry of Crab, was transformed into a convivial venue. It had a stylish and chic ambience ideal for enjoying some flavoursome crab dishes with friends. Dharshan Munidasa’s Ministry of Crab neatly blends into the old world charm of the Dutch Hospital. Families and friends in large gatherings occupied seats at the verandah, but we opted to sit inside, where the action of the open kitchen can be witnessed. On the black tables were oversized glass jars, from which cascade magnificent crab claws (the “parrot flower”). Indeed this place is a temple to crab. Despite the delightful choice of crustaceans available, a major part of the big slate-board of a menu is taken up by crab dishes. They have many preparations and the crabs come in no less than ten sizes, from the half kilo crab to the monstrous Crabzilla which is two kilograms. We decided on Garlic Chili Crab, and were given a crustacean that had sweet, warm meat to be scooped out. We sponged cubes of kade bread on the oily gravy in which the crab was wading. The butter soy prawns they serve are succulent and meaty while their chili prawns are impinged with a soupcon of sweetness and thick, curdy gravy. The iced tea soda is like a fizzy drink, but with a core of tea that refreshes and fulfils you. The cold pressed orange juice they serve is orange, frothy and has the truest taste of orange. The Chocolate Biscuit Pudding, which comes with a dollop of cream, takes a trained tongue to be fully flavoured, b

This intimate six-table restaurant exudes a chilled charm, with rock gardens, bamboo walls and pretty interior design. Beyond the six tables, Nihonbashi also boasts eight beautiful dining rooms for more intimate events, and a one-of-a-kind Yakitori Garden where guests can eat under a bamboo canopy. Staff are friendly and eager to help guests pick their meals from an extensive menu of Japanese dishes - including crab meat, sushi, maki and a pancake called Okonomiyaki. Finish off your meal with an unusual desert like wasabi ice cream or kanten jelly. 

Famed for hosting the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, Tintagel is a boutique hotel. One can dine at the stylishly decorated dining room or at The Courtyard. The dining room with its dark walls, artistic paintings and the refined dining setting creates a refreshing atmosphere while The Courtyard proves to be the ultimate al fresco dining option. The menu consists of exquisite options, which is truly reflects the sophistication of the hotel.  Along with an equal spread of both vegetarian and non- vegetarian dishes one can avail of interesting entrees and soups. The dessert menu here has a diverse choice including the regular favourites and some exotic options such as the Rajakeeya and Via paradise. It also serves non-alcoholoc beverages. 

The Golden Dragon presents signature preparations by Chinese Chefs, serving a vast selection of Szechuan Cuisine. Exotic and exciting dishes like shark fin soup with crabmeat, Peking duck with pancakes, lobster with hot garlic sauce and Singapore chilli crab are among the restaurant’s tempting fare. The bar at Golden Dragon is well stocked with wine, beer and cocktails.  This spacious and sublimely decorated restaurant accommodates rich in Oriental motifs seats up to 110 people, and also offers a Private Dining Space for 12.

Long Feng is located beside the terrace overlooking the pool at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel. Guests have the option of dining on the terrace or in the air-conditioned restaurant with its contemporary Oriental décor.  Long Feng is renowned in Colombo for its Singaporean cuisine with emphasis on seafood although traditional Chinese dishes and Dim Sum are also available.

An obvious name for this glass-walled cube of a restaurant in the lobby of the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel. Meals are served as buffets, testing the ingenuity of the chefs to produce lots of different items for every meal; there is always a curry corner whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner. The food quantity and quality are impressive and whether you’re a vegetarian or not you will find something palatable. Being a buffet restaurant it is often crowded and the service is reasonably efficient, if charmless, because of the place’s popularity with determined diners serving themselves.

Harbour Court, looking out on a view of The Kingsbury's pool terrace, is a crisply clean restaurant with a wonderful selection of food. The 'global' buffet spread includes delicate appetisers, salads, a tandoori oven, freshly cooked pasta, a carvery and more. It includes Western, Indian, Japanese and South East Asian cuisine, cooked to perfection. Deserts include Sri Lankan specialities as well as Western delicacies like creme brulee. It's an all day restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. There's also the option to dine outdoors, while for a particular treat you can head down on Sundays for the caviar and oyster brunch.  

Asia flavours is all the rage in this restaurant where chefs prepare the dish of your choice right before you. Enjoy the action as they cook up fusion delights that combines the best of the East and the West. Perhaps one of the must try out things at Tao is the Epicurean Menu as you sit by either the pool or next to a pond. 

Relax in the richness of colonial architecture and the traditions of Sri Lanka at the Governor’s Restaurant located at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, the once-upon-a-time grand residence of a British Governor. The fine blend of continental and regional specialties are interspersed with fabulous theme nights that take the visitor through the alluring histories of colonial Ceylon, the wealth of the Silk Route and the aromatic tastes of India, the flavours of Italian specialties and sizzling barbeques. Sri Lanka’s very own celebrity Chef, Publis. is ready to recreate the culinary legacy of the land of the kings every Sunday, accentuated with his much-sought-after signature creations. As the sun begins to set in the horizon, guests can savour home-made cakes, sandwiches, scones and more over a cup of Sri Lanka’s finest flavours of tea at the Governor’s High Tea.

The Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Lounge set amidst a contemporary setting offers diners to sit back and enjoy a drink while the chefs expertly sizzle on the traditional open charcoal grill, a concept derived from the Japanese Izakaya. The lounge is stocked with a fine selection of Sake, and the sake connoisseurs will assist in choosing the right sake for you. Be spoilt for choice with the exciting flavours of sushi that they serve here.

The International buffet at Taprobane is open all day to deliver its best. With a friendly and vibrant atmosphere and delicious food, what more could you ask for? Try your favourite dish instead of the buffet; just make a request to the chefs. The stylish interior, spacious atmosphere and friendly chefs are always warmly welcoming. They have a vast array of more than 70 Eastern and Western dishes. If you want to have a quick lunch or a midnight snack, then Taprobane is the place.

With the view of the pool, and amidst the modern decorations, the Gardenia Coffee Shop is the Ideal base to enjoy a Sunday Brunch, Weekend hang out or an Official meet up during the weekdays. The easy and comfortable ambience will let you have a peaceful time with whomever you come with. This classy yet homely and comfortable space offers dishes from various cuisines in large portions for reasonable rates. It is decorated with cozy seating space and during daytime it is lit up with sunlight shinning through the glass doors. This beautiful Coffee Shop is a place one must visit.

Relax in the richness of colonial architecture and the traditions of Sri Lanka at the Governor’s Restaurant located at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, the once-upon-a-time grand residence of a British Governor. The fine blend of continental and regional specialties are interspersed with fabulous theme nights that take the visitor through the alluring histories of colonial Ceylon, the wealth of the Silk Route and the aromatic tastes of India, the flavours of Italian specialties and sizzling barbeques. Sri Lanka’s very own celebrity Chef, Publis. is ready to recreate the culinary legacy of the land of the kings every Sunday, accentuated with his much-sought-after signature creations. As the sun begins to set in the horizon, guests can savour home-made cakes, sandwiches, scones and more over a cup of Sri Lanka’s finest flavours of tea at the Governor’s High Tea.

The Verandah at Galle Face Hotel offers spectacular views of the ocean and great food to dine in. The Verandah offers a carefully curated menu along with a fine selection of wines and other beverages. The ambience is great with the natural breeze and stunning views and guests can also enjoy a delectable high tea in the afternoon with freshly brewed tea, scones, baked goods and sweets. They also offer a sumptuous spread of buffet during breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The rooftop restaurant at The Galadari Hotel offers an exquisite dining experience at what can only be the most romantic setting in town. Stepping out of the lift, a large and elegant chandelier greets you as you step out. Spacious, with stunning panoramic views of the city and the sea, the restaurant is captivating. Soft lighting and candles complement the ambiance, along with soothing piano music, which sets the mood for a special dinner. What’s more, if you have a specific song in mind, the talented pianist will be happy to play it upon your request. The California Grill boasts a variety of steak and seafood dishes. If you are a fan of both seafood and steak, try the Norwegian salmon steak. Apart from alcoholic beverages, they have an array of enticing mocktails. The staff is extremely hospitable, and serves with a warm smile. They’ve also got an adventurous list of wines—not surprising as the restaurant is quite renowned among wine lovers. 

Deep in the heart of the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, the London Grill seems never to have changed since it was opened about 40 years ago as Sri Lanka’s first five-star restaurant in what was then the Lanka Oberoi Hotel. The décor resembles a baronial hall, complete with massive metal plates as part of the table set up. The food is consistently good, keeping to its theme of a grill restaurant but with innovative starters (stuffed oysters?) and tempting desserts. The service is as smooth as it should be for this standard of dining. You might want to wear your best for this unique and special place, unusual to find in Sri Lanka.   

With a beautiful ocean view, Eat, located at OZO, will become a favourite with those who love being beside the sea. Located on Marine Drive, this restaurant serves great food. The hues of purple interior give the restaurant a pleasant ambience for enjoying a meal. As you step inside OZO, the hotel, you will find the interior is chic, modern and vibrant, blending bright colours. It’s Eat restaurant is spacious and an ideal place to have a get together. 

The 1864 Restaurant, part of the Galle Face Hotel, is an iconic piece of architecture that has been created from an original part of the building that dates back to 1864. With its historical features still in tact, the décor of 1864 relies on the original bare brick walls, ornately carved murals and soft lighting, which results in an unusual backdrop to enjoy a gourmet-style dining.  The menu includes local, continental and seafood favourites as well as desserts, fruit juices, mocktails and interesting additions like sweet or salty lassi, an Indian traditional drink and Aperitifs to name just a few. Beers, spirits and wine are also available and there is a spiral staircase leading down to the Wine Cellar that can at times be used for private events, or by friends who just wish to share a bottle of wine amongst themselves.

The main restaurant at Cinnamon Red, Flavoured, is all set to give your taste buds a royal treat! The food served is scrumptious. This classy, elegant restaurant is very vibrant and colourful. The atmosphere and food is going to make you feel heavenly. Flavoured  provides international buffet, local cuisine, and a variety of grilled meats, pasta and other succulent food. The mosaic interior adds more colour to the restaurant. Mixing in hues of red and olive green interior, the whole place is filled with a pleasant ambience. An ideal setting to enjoy with family or friends.

Colombo Courtyard, located by one of the busiest thoroughfares of Colombo, houses the Scarlet Room. Not surprisingly this a room painted deep red. Paintings of black and white grace the contrasting walls, alongside muted colours of the fine and modish table settings – definitely a topic of discussion for modern interior décor enthusiasts. In keeping with the diverse décor of the restaurant, the menu is diversified too with items from European cuisines, along with Mediterranean dishes and Asian flavours. The Scarlet Room exudes a creative and positive ambience to support its innovative dining options.

Varieties of Asian cuisines are offered at Noodles. Capturing the flavours of Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, China and Vietnam, Noodles is ready to set the heat! This restaurant is ideal for a mini get together. The chef from Vietnam shows his skill in preparing a vast array of noodle varieties and producing over 70 different dishes. The interior is very classy and stylish, mixing in hues of black and straw shades. The glass windows give a good and calm view. 

The atmosphere at Graze Kitchen at the Hilton Colombo is inspired by nature with organic sculptural features and warm natural earthen colour tones. One of the centrepieces of the contemporary design is the intriguing birds nest inspired chandelier. The restaurant has four distinct dining spaces that offer a diverse ambience with subtle mood lighting. The show kitchen experience, featuring nine specialty chefs, is the hallmark of the Graze Kitchen. This is headed by Chef Chamlie Waidyaratne under the guidance of Hilton Colombo’s Executive Chef Kazi Hassan. Talented young Sri Lankan sous chefs work with specialty chefs to provide consistent cuisine to diners. Al fresco dining on the deck is perfect for a quieter experience away from the culinary action. There are also two private dining rooms designed with a different style and features to suit the specific occasions. The show kitchen treats diners to an entertainingculinaryexperience,asthey select their own ingredients and watch chefs prepare their dishes to order. Chef Ong Yong at the Chinese show kitchen focuses on a selection of a different menu with traditional dishes with an  innovative twist. At the India section, Chefs Chandan Das and Anil Raturi both bring to life the best of North Indian cuisine. Chefs Nopparat Teerapong and Nathathai Thongsumrit prepare traditional Thai favourites, while Vietnamese specialties are expertly made by Chef Khac Huan. At the Japanese section, Chef Hikaru Takahashi dishes out Sushi and

Enjoy a refreshing drink by the poolside or take a dip while the chefs prepare mouth-watering dishes for you. The chic venue serves weekend brunch as well as shisha for those who request the service.

Overlooking the Colombo Harbour and the bustling streets that wind through Colombo, the Harbour Room at the Grand Oriental offers a unique dining experience. 

Park Street Mews is a converted ware house complex with cobble stone paved, pedestrian-only access. Among the complex of  sophisticated restaurants, art galleries and a spa down the alleyway, the Park Street Mews Restaurant is a light-filled, warehouse space at the entrance of the cul-de-sac. It has become a popular place to relax on settees while enjoying a coffee or drink from the bar, or dining from a delightful combination of continental, tropical and classic dishes included on their menu. Park Street Mews also offers a variety of delicious desserts and a home made ice cream that proves irresistible.

Hues of black, orange and a pink interior, make Chutney look dazzling and vibrant. The Tamil alphabetic letters on the ceiling give Chutneys a unique look. Chutneys promises to deliver traditional South Indian cuisine and culture. What makes Chutneys unique is the vast array of Indian Dishes, coming from the four states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. To deliver something innovative, Chutneys has taken efforts to bring out the delicious Dosai Thali. They also serve both vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes. If you are looking for a place for to enjoy with your family, chow down at Chutneys! 

With an aesthetic touch, Echo offers a vast array of Italian dishes. You have the choice of selecting from a range of homemade pastas, risottos, antipasti and seafood, accompanied by the best French wines. Don’t miss the aromatic Bellissimo coffee! The background hues of red add a friendly touch to the atmosphere. Blending in with it, you will find the steel lamps highlighting the Echo logo. Be it lunch or dinner, you’ll enjoy the ambience at Echo. A simple yet tranquil atmosphere, it’s a good choice for a business meeting or even a date. 

In Colombo’s embassy area, The Bayleaf has been pleasing discerning guests’ palates for over a decade in this magnificent century old Colonial home. As well as the charm of the mansion with its, beautifully maintained garden the Bayleaf offers options to dine in any part of the house, on the terrace, the balcony or in private dining rooms upstairs. On the ground floor there is a retro-style bar that’s popular in the evenings. The Bayleaf has an extensive menu that might require time to study and most of the food has an Italian accent, and includes homemade pastas and thin crust Italian Pizza. The restaurant is part of popular man-about-town Harpo’s local chain.

Taj Samudra's Crab Factory is the latest addition that specialises in offering an exciting range of crab delicacies. Crab here is prepared according to Asian flavours, each dish offering a unique twist. To complement the delicious crab curries, choose hot butter naan, roast paan or strings. Each crab dish is cooked to perfection, to suite your palate. Try out their specialty Kerala Crab Curry and Tandoori Crab. Sri Lankan style Crab Curry with Murunga leaves and Black Pepper Coconut Crab are also to be tried. The restaurant also offers delightful flavours of prawns, cuttlefish and lobster. Crab Factory Signature Hot Pot can be shared. With a seating capacity for 40 diners, The Crab Factory has both indoor and outdoor seating. Relish the exotic flavours of crab at the Crab Factory.  

Within the grand colonial ambience of the Dutch Hospital Precinct is an assemblage of different culinary identities. Ikoi Tei is the Japanese imprint on the complex. Push the glass doors, which are anonymous, like of any other restaurant clustered around the courtyard, and you enter an atmosphere characteristic of Nippon. High on the walls are maps and prints of Nagasaki. From tall ceilings globular, dim yellow lights hang, each light-trapped in a black iron enclosure resembling an astrolabe, creating a smart, vintage elegance. There are plump cushions if you like to be snug, or you can sit with a view of the courtyard. Lounge music provides euphonious accompaniment. The hallmark and motif of the restaurant are the stylised sea waves so dear to Japanese art. They are on the walls as well as on the menu. Perhaps they nurture an appetite because the cuisine of this country is tied up so closely with the sea: from weeds to a huge array of fish. After a deep glass of pineapple juice and Madeira Red, a plate of prawn rolls materialised on our table. They had the elemental taste of Japan, with the rice, the seaweed, the prawns and the glittering orange roe. The Chicken Teriyaki itself had a deep marine flavour, a delicious salty sauce covering it. The Chicken Katsudon was crispy and savoury, with creamy eggs. They have a selection of unusual ice creams including the warm, delicious tempura ice cream. The vast menu at Ikoi Tei means you need almost never repeat an experience. It

Yumi is a modern exposition of a sushi bar at Taj Samudra Hotel. As you step inside, the change in environment is overwhelming, with the sudden appearance of sleek polished tables and plush orange chairs around the opulent hallways and high ceiling, giving out the vibe of a very happening and upbeat city. Yumi is host to a flair bartender and DJ music in the evenings. The menu varies from hot and cold appetisers, to miso soup, sashimi, nigiri, temaki, teppanyaki, gohan (rice), entrees, desserts and Japanese teas.

Picture a buzzing fish market, with fresh fare that you can select from. Then picture a work station with various chefs preparing the dish of your choice from the selected fare. If you can put all that together then you can understand the allure of the Lagoon at Cinnamon Grand. It is nothing but the freshest seafood that the restaurant offers it’s customers with the some 40 plus varieties of crabs, lobsters and fish on display. After weighing the selection you can select from the 30 different varieties of sauces and have the chefs prepare the dish in Thai, Sri Lankan, Chinese, Indian or Continental Style. 

The ambience at The Seafood Cove, Mount Lavinia Hotel, is extremely peaceful. With candlelit tables set beside the beach, guests feel happy in a breezy and scenic rustic island atmosphere. The Seafood Cove takes pride in serving freshly caught seafood from the Indian Ocean just steps away. The seafood is fresh, displayed on ice until cooked the way customers wish – whether grilled, sautéed, devilled, poached or fried. A live band playing soft music enhances the magic and charisma of the night while the waves gently wash the shore. 

Kaema Sutra on the fourth floor at Shangri-La Hotel Colombo specialises in adding a contemporary touch to delicious Sri Lankan cuisine. The ambience is stunning, with traditional motifs and colourful masks complementing the modern interior. Bamboo poles fill the length of the ceiling while the bar is surrounded by large busts of elephants, both features adding an element of geometric elegance to the restaurant. Perhaps the most wonderful feature of the restaurant is the open-air terrace overlooking the immense Indian Ocean. Thus, sunsets at Kaema Sutra are a never-to-be missed experience, especially with one of their creative cocktails in hand and tapas to add some crunch. Kaema Sutra is one of the best social hotspots in Colombo with DJ music from 5pm onwards and live entertainment such as saxophone performances by Saxo Pete every Thursday to Monday from 8pm to 9.30pm. The much-loved and sophisticated street food, with a twist of authentic Sri Lankan culinary flavours are the highlight of the menu. The phenomenal size hoppers with soft centres and crispy edges are a popular must-try. The two-egg hopper and sweet Pani Appa with a sprinkle of strawberries and cream are highly recommended. Don’t forget to try the all-new Black Hopper made with squid ink. Kottu lovers can treat their taste buds to the delectable varieties such as Crab, Barramundi or Australian Mutton kottu. Their signature lamprais, both mixed-meat as well as chicken, is made to order

Take in the view of the Indian Ocean along with the sound of live-cooking at the Ocean Seafood Restaurant – the fine dining seafood restaurant at Kingsbury. A spectacle indeed, as chefs use their culinary skills to prepare dishes of oysters, lobsters, crab and salmon with a combo of rice, noodles, vegetables and salads, with fresh spices and herbs. The interior of the restaurant with its luminosity of light is an epitome of elegance and character. It opens to the ocean that transforms the mood into a delightful liveliness with the pleasant tumult of the sea. 

The Sea Fish Restaurant is one of the oldest seafood restaurants in the country. Established in 1969, the extensive menu consists of several local favourites in seafood, in addition to pastas, sandwiches, soups, snacks, noodles, rice, hoppers and ‘roast paan’ and a set menu of desserts which include ice cream, fresh fruit salad, chocolate biscuit pudding, jaggery pudding and bread pudding. The Ceylon Sea Fish Signature Premium Mixed Boat, the Negombo Prawn Curry served with roast paan, and the Chilli Crab are favourite dishes served at the restaurant. The restaurant features an outdoor dining area, which is best enjoyed at dusk. There are also three private dining areas, two of which can accommodate six people each, and the third has capacity for twelve.