One of the delights of Sri Lanka has always been its cuisine and this island nation’s cuisine has been inspired by many cultures across the world. The capital city, Colombo is especially known for its thriving restaurant scene wherein the quirky colonial eateries, fine dining restaurants, and budget cafés offer something to suit everyone’s taste. Hence, restaurants in Colombo are diverse and serve some of the best food you will taste during your stay in Sri Lanka.
7 Best Restaurants In Colombo
Make sure you visit the best restaurants in the city for an unforgettable gastronomic experience. However, take a look at the best restaurants in Colombo to visit while you are in this beautiful city.
1. Paradise Road Gallery Caf-
Situated in fashionable Kollupitiya behind the former office of architect Geoffrey Bawa, Paradise Road Gallery Caf- is set in a walled garden, giving you a lovely place to dine or enjoy a few cocktails. The caf-s delicious cakes are displayed on a desk originally owned by Bawa. The caf- also houses a store where you can browse for contemporary homewares as well as a gallery with rotating exhibitions by local artists. Paradise Road Gallery Caf- is one of the most romantic restaurants in Colombo and perfect for an evening out with that special someone.
Location: 2 Alfred House Road, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
Must-try: Baked crab; Tamarind Chilli Margarita
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2. Rare at Residence
If you want to dine in a chic, modern restaurant in Colombo, make sure that you go to Rare. This one of the best places to eat in Colombo eatery caters to the sophisticated shoppers and corporate heavyweights of Park Street. Rare has a menu of mostly organic produce from the high-country gardens of Uga and a wine cellar with an impressive 150 labels. The restaurant gives traditional ingredients a modern take, serving up some of the most delicious and unique dishes you will ever taste.
Location: 20 Park Street, Colombo 2 02000, Sri Lanka
Must-try: Local yellowfin with foie gras
3. The Lagoon
When you want to go to one of the best seafood restaurants in Colombo for dinner, you should head to The Lagoon. It is a great place to enjoy pleasing chaos and lively banter, much like a seafood market, but with the ambience of a 5-star restaurant. The kitchen is run by two speciality chefs who have 150 different ways to cook lip-smacking hot fish curries, raw sashimi, and lobster Thermidor. The chefs also blend 30 different sauces into five styles of speciality dishes. You will definitely have an experience unlike any other when you dine at The Lagoon.
Location: Cinnamon Grand, 77 A2, Galle Road, Kollupitiya, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
Must-try: Sri Lankan Chicken Coconut Curry, Sea Bass Curry
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4. Hotel De Pilawoos
Popularly known as Pilawoos, Hotel De Pilawoos is Colombos family restaurant with an amazing array of wonderful dishes on its menu. It is known for serving the city's finest kottu cheese a sliced up roti with cheese and a variety of fillings. This is one of the special dishes of Sri Lanka made from Godhamba roti, eggs or meat, and exotic spices. If you are on a family vacation in this island country, do not miss going to Pilawoos for a family feast.
Location: 417 Galle Road, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Must-try: Cheese Kottu
5. Shang Palace
If you are looking for the best Chinese restaurants in Colombo, check out Shang Palace. The restaurant offers a vast selection of amazing authentic Chinese dishes and will satisfy your craving for sure. You do not get just superb food at Shang Palace, but impressive hospitality and service as well, making your experience a delightful one. This eatery is a far cry from the run-of-the-mill fast food-type Chinese food commonly found in Colombo. If you are looking for the top restaurants in Colombo that serve authentic Chinese food, you should definitely go to Shang Palace.
Location: 02 1 Galle Face, Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo 00200, Sri Lanka
Must-try: Crab Fried Rice; Dim Sum
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6. Fat Panda
There are many cheap restaurants in Colombo, and Fat Panda is one of them. While it might be an affordable eatery, it does not compromise on the quality of the food it serves. It specializes in Asian fusion cuisine, giving you something new and exciting to bite into. Fat Panda has a warm and welcoming ambience and you feel comfortable immediately. Service is excellent as well with a staff that ensures that you have a pleasant dining experience. Opened in 2017, Fat Panda is one of the many new restaurants in Colombo attracting patrons for their fantastic food and unmatched service and hospitality.
Location: 31a, Sea Avenue, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Must-try: Prawn Spring Roll with Sweet Chilli Sauce; Chinese Steamed Prawn Dumplings
7. Nara Thai
This is one of the most popular Thai restaurants in Colombo and a definite must-visit while you are in the city. Nara Thai serves age-old recipes with the freshest, high-quality ingredients to give you a truly authentic Thai dining experience. From appetizers to salads to mains, every dish that comes out of Nara Thais kitchen will leave you wanting more and you definitely will not forget the delicious food you tasted here. So, once you are done exploring the tourist attractions in Colombo, stop by Nara Thai to satiate your taste buds.
Location: No. 3, Deal Place A, Kollupitiya, Colombo 10300, Sri Lanka
Must-try: Tod Man Pla (Thai fish cakes); Gai Tord Samunprai (crispy fried chicken with Thai herbs; Kang Jeut Kai Nam (clear soup with Thai crab omelette)
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8. Nihonbashi
Image Source One of the top restaurants in Colombo, Nihonbashi is established by Japanese-Sri Lankan chef-restaurateur, Dharshan Munidasa. The restaurant specialises in Japanese delicacies. All the chefs at the restaurant are highly skilled and they offer to strive to give each day an authentic taste with rich flavours and the right amount of ingredients. Furthermore, the decor has been kept minimalistic with a Japanese garden, bubbling fountains, and other elements that are sure to lend one a cosy vibe.
Location: 11 Galle Face Terrace, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
Must-try: Chicken Chahan, Onigiri Mori
While there are many good restaurants in Colombo, the city’s restaurant scene is diverse and unique that offers something to everyone. Whether you are looking for the top vegetarian restaurants in Colombo or somewhere you can satisfy your meat craving, one is sure to find an ideal place. Hence, to experience the vibrant culinary culture of this island nation, visit these best-known restaurants in Colombo and journey down the gastronomical lane on your next trip to Sri Lanka.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurants In Colombo
Which are the best restaurants in Colombo?
The top-rated restaurants in Colombo are Nihonbashi, Nara Thai, Fat Panda, Shang Palace, Hotel De Pilawoos, The Lagoon, Rare at Residence, Paradise Road Gallery Caf-, and more. All these restaurants offer wide range of delicalces inspired by various tastes from all across the globe.
Is it safe to visit Colombo during the current Covid situation?
Yes, you can plan a trip to Colombo, however make sure to follow all the government protocols. Maintain social distance, keep wearing a mask at all times whenever out, and sanitize your hands at certain intervals. If you abide by all these common rules, you can enjoy your trip sans any worry.
What is the best time to visit Colombo?
Colombo can be visited throughout the year, however the best time to be in the capital of Sri Lanka is in between the months of January and March. With a pleasant weather, it makes for an ideal time to indulge in the exploration of coastal areas and outdoor activities.
Which Sri Lankan dishes one must try?
Some traditional Sri Lankan delicacies that you should definitely try include, Rice and curry, Kiribath (Milk Rice), Watalappan, Idiyappa (String Hoppers), Hoppers, Isso Vadai, Samosa, and more.
Which are the most popular rooftop restaurant/bar in Colombo?
To enjoy rooftop drinking and drinking experience, you can pick from the best options such as Botanik Rooftop Bistro & Bar, CÉ LA VI Colombo, Ward7 at Jetwing Colombo Seven, ON14 Rooftop Bar & Lounge, Cloud Café, and Vu Resto-Bar.
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