While Colombo has always been the best place in Sri Lanka in terms of dining, the options haven't really been too inspiring. That has all changed, and new restaurants are opening on a monthly basis, offering a wider variety of cuisines. Increased competition has meant the standard has steadily improved, much to the delight of both locals and visitors.
The dining scene in Colombo is finally something to get excited about!
This Colombo restaurant guide below gives you a brief run down about eating out in Colombo, plus lists a number of the best restaurants in the city, with details and a short description. You will find it useful if you are planning on dining out - and with so many great options to choose from, you'd be crazy to have all your meals at your hotel! For information about the general cuisine of Sri Lanka, check out our Sri Lanka Restaurant Guide. And don't forget to read up on where best to shop whilst in Colombo, by taking a quick look at our Colombo Shopping Guide.
Colombo Restaurant & Food Guide
Although traditionally the most common foreign food to be found in Colombo was Chinese, this has rapidly been changing. With offerings ranging from Japanese, Thai, Korean and Indian to Swiss, German, French, Italian and Arabic fare, those in search of something a little different will not struggle for choice. As well, many of the restaurants offer some innovative fusion cooking, with western classics enhanced by using distinctive Sri Lankan flavours. One thing to definitely try are the various flavours of delicious ice cream, a number of them exotic and tasty tropical treats.
It is not just the choice and quality of food that have appeal. Prices are still very reasonable, for everything from a quick snack to a five-star meal. This means that eating out regularly and very well doesn't have to break the budget. Just make sure that, with all this choice available, you do try some traditional Sri Lankan cuisine - you're sure to enjoy and remember the experience long after you've left Colombo. The list given below highlights some of the best restaurants in the city. We would know, we've tried them!
Restaurants List
Raja Bojun
Located at the regal Ceylinco Seylan Towers, "Raja Bojun", a restaurant specialising in authentic Sri Lanka cuisine, offers an unforgettable gourmet journey. A luxuriously appointed restaurant fit for a king, "Raja Bojun" brings alive the traditional spice of Sri Lankan curries, with a myriad interesting accompaniments. Attractively laid out buffet meals and an unparalleled a la carte menu have proved very popular with diners. Open daily for Lunch and DInner.
Authentic Japanese cuisine, serves Sushi, Sashimi, Tempura, Shabu Shabu, also a Teppanyaki corner, Robatayaki counter and Oden counter. The Restaurant is Open for Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner
Japanese
Hilton Colombo 2 Sir Chittampalam A Gardiner Mw, Colombo 2, Sri Lanka
00 94 11 2544644
07:00
to to 23:00
Emperor's Wok
Chinese Restaurant serving authentic Sichuan cuisine, Peking duck, special BBQ pork dishes and Dim-Sum. Open daily for Lunch and Dinner.
Chinese
Hilton Colombo 2 Sir Chittampalam A Gardiner Mw, Colombo 2, Sri Lanka 02
00 94 11 2544644
12:00
to to 23:00
Spices
Features Western specialities and the best of spicy Indian and Sri Lankan Food.Open 24 Hours.
Indian,Sri Lankan
Hilton Colombo 2 Sir Chittampalam A Gardiner Mw, Colombo 2, Sri Lanka 02
00 94 11 2544644
07:00
to to 07:00
Il Ponte
Located by the Hilton poolside, serving Italian food, Home made pasta, pizzas baked in wood fired oven, grill meals served eith typical Italian herbs and flavours.
Italian
Hilton Colombo 2 Sir Chittampalam A Gardiner Mw, Colombo 2, Sri Lanka 02
00 94 11 2544644
12:00
to to 23:00
Curry Leaf
Situated at the Hilton Garden, Restaurant offering Traditional Sri Lankan Cuisine (Buffet) over looking The Lotus Pond with Traditional Live Music.
Sri Lankan
Hilton Colombo 2 Sir Chittampalam A Gardiner Mw, Colombo 2, Sri Lanka 02
00 94 11 2544644
18:00
to to 23:00
Spoons
Elegant yet trendy, Spoons is a signature restaurantLocated at the Hilton Colombo, where the action in the kitchen is in full view. The atmosphere is enhanced by the soothing sound of soul and chill-out music. The restaurant specialises in the best seafood and prime cuts of meat. A la carte and set menus are available for lunch and dinner. On Sundays, the theme is ''Hot food and cool jazz'' --- a feature everyone looks forward to.
Sea Food and Western food
Hilton Colombo 2 Sir Chittampalam A Gardiner Mw, Colombo 2, Sri Lanka 02
00 94 11 2544644
12:00
to to 23:00
The Gallery Cafe
Sri Lanka's leading restaurant, mainly because of the unique ambience. It is also used to be the workshop of Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka's most famous architect. The fusion menu is mouth-watering.
Fusion Cuisine
2, Alfred House, Off Alfred House Gardens, Colombo 03
0094 112 582162
0094 112 556564
gallerycafe@paradiseroadsl.com
10:00
to to 10:00
Chinese Dragon Cafe
Serves Authantic Chinese food
Chinese
Milagiriya Avenue, Colombo 04
12:00
to to 23:00
TAO
Succulent and mouth-watering Fusion cuisine with just a tad of Asian flavour, calm and sublime setting with Zen-like tranquillity, outstandingly delicious and diverse menu - TAO offers the best of alfresco dining in the heart of Colombo.
Fusion Cuisine
The Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Ground Level, Main Wing.
This seafood restaurant provides you with the opportunity to pick your own choice of produce fresh from the catch of the day. Be it Thai, Chinese, Indian, Continental or local flavours The Lagoon lets you decide how you want to eat your seafood - spiced, fried, boiled, steamed or even grilled.
Open For Lunch from 12:00 to 02:30pm
An excellent new north Indian restaurant in the centre of town. Very popular and advisable to book in advance. The menu is extensive with many unusual and innovative dishes. The dining has a modern feel and there is also a chic bar for pre-dinner drinks.
Open for lunch from 12:00 to 02:00 hrs
North Indian Restaurant
82, Dharmalpala Road, Colombo 07
0094 115 37970
0094 115 350573
07:00
to to 10:00
Shanti Vihar
Shanti Vihar is a no-frills restaurant. It has as bustling and chaotic atmosthere and is extremely popular. The prices are extremely reasonable.
Open for lunch from
South Indian and exclusively vegetarian food
3, Havelock Road, Colombo 05
0094 112 580224
08:00
to to 10:00
Nihonbashi
Experience authentic Japanese cuisine in the stylish setting of Nihonbashi, located at the Hilton Residence shopping arcade. The restaurant specialises in delectable sushi, sashimi and tempura using the freshest ingredients.
Open for lunch from 12:00 to 02:30pm
Japenese Restaurant
Hilton Towers, Union Place Colombo 02
0094 112 300642
06:00
to to 10:00
88 Chinese Sea Food Restaurant
Serves Authentic Chinese food and Sea Food.
Chinese
88/1 Havelock Road, Colombo 05
2593017
11:00
to to 23:00
Sweet Chilli
The Sweet Chilli restaurant is Situated close to the Famous Cloths Store "House of Fashions" they serve Halal Food and has a array of mouth watering deserts too.
Chinese,Sri Lankan and Indian
8, Duplication Road, Colombo 05
11:00
to to 23:00
Number 18
Sri Lanka's leading fashion designer and hotelier, Taru has turned the Central Bank Governor's official residence from the 1960s into a chic restaurant with minimalist decor serving unbelievable meals by Australian Chef Russell Gronow
Fusion Restaurant - Europian meals
Cambridge Place, Colombo 07
19:00
to to 23:00
La Rambla
Offering relaxed dining in a pleasant outdoor setting next to a swimming pool. The restaurant tagline is "Sicily, without Al Capones relatives", but some of the dishes are unsurprisingly not entirely authentic. However, the food is generally tasty and reasonably priced. The wine list offers excellent value. Situated on the outskirts of the city's centre.
Medditaranian
18 Tickle Road, Colombo 08
19:00
to to 23:00
Sakura
Sakura offers good Japanese food at very reasonable prices. Guests sit cross-legged on low tables. The service is speedy and friendly. The menu helps Japanese beginners order with simple photos of each dish. Expect to pay around Rs. 1000 per head.
Japanese
15 Reinland Place, Colombo 03
19:00
to to 23:00
168 Sea Food Palace
Seafood Palace is the most authentic independent Chinese restaurant in the city, filled night after night with the local Chinese expatriate population. The decor is simple and tasteless, but there is a bustling atmosphere and many happy customers. The menu is extensive and but the food is very good and the prices very reasonable.
Chinese
8 Sea View Avenue, Colombo 03
11:00
to to 23:00
Chesa Swiss
The Only Restaurant in Colombo which offers Swiss food. One of Colombo’s very best restaurants and highly recommended. Many Swiss specialities are available: fondue, rosti, spatzli, raclette etc. Excellent cheese board. Wine list is exclusively Swiss.
Swiss Food
3 Deal Place, Colombo 03
19:00
to to 23:00
Deli Market
The Deli Marjet is Situated at the World Trade Center, In Colombo. The lovely atmosphere which is a good retaurants for Families to dine. Close to all the City hotels.
Chinese,Indian,Sri Lankan,Pizza,Sandwitchers, Past
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