Where To Eat In Colombo? The Best Restaurants In The City

Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, is a beautiful city that juggles traditional dishes and modern cuisine. With a selection of high-end restaurants, boutique cafes, street eats and takeaways to choose from, finding a good place to eat in Colombo can be tricky.

Luckily for us, we’ve done all the legwork to provide you with the best restaurants in Colombo. From seafood and organic eateries to authentic Lankan cuisine and international-style joints – you won’t be left hungry in this city.

1. Backalta

Backalta is an elegant eatery located on the roof top terrace of the newly refurbished A-Z Hotels in Colombo. This spacious restaurant offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes with innovative flavors, complemented by remarkable cocktails and wines.

The décor is airy and modern and the service is attentive and friendly. The sophisticated setting is ideal for a romantic dinner date, special occasion or leisurely sundowner drinks after a hard day’s work.

2. Junoon

If you’re looking for a luxurious and romantic dinner experience, Junoon is a great option in Colombo. With an innovative and internationally-inspired menu, live music and eye-catching décor, this eatery certainly has plenty to offer.

Highlights include their mouth-watering selection of kebabs, tender tandoor meats and fragrant biryanis. Plus, the restaurant offers delivery for those keen to experience Junoon’s fare at home.

3. Alex & Pie

This popular pizza parlor has quickly become a go-to spot in Colombo for delicious, creative pizzas made with housemade dough. Located in Colpetty, Alex & Pie offers diners crispy and rustic pizzas piled with fresh market produce in an airy environment that encourages socialising.

If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss out on the delectable desserts menu – including cannolis, lava cakes and homemade ice cream. You won’t leave hungry.

4. Serendib

One of the rare locally run restaurants in Colombo, Serendib is worth tracking down if you’re keen to experience authentic Lanka flavours. Found in the heart of Bambalapitiya, this unpretentious eatery is always bustling with locals tucking into delicious Sri Lankan dishes that pair perfectly with a tall glass of King Coconut juice.

5. Ministry of Crab

set up by celebrity chefs Dharshan Munidasa and Aathif Saracafe, Ministry of Crab is a seafood haven. Drop by in the evening for dinner and savour Sri Lanka’s famous local crustaceans cooked according to your preference with a delicious selection of sauces. Whatever your preferred cooking style, you can’t go wrong with a plate of fresh crab prepared by experts.

6. Café Lazeez

For sweet tooths in Colombo, Café Lazeez is the answer to all your prayers! This popular patisserie offers good quality bakes at a reasonable price. Stop by to sample their delectable pies, cakes, pastries and milkshakes – all made in-house!

As you can see, Colombo has plenty of restaurants to choose from for every kind of occasion. From traditional Lankan dishes to international-style eateries – you won’t be left wanting for options in the city. For more restaurants recommendations, check out this guide from Kool Stays.

An Insider’s Guide to Colombo: Coming Together of History, Culture, and Flavours

Colombo, the sprawling metropolis of Sri Lanka, is a melting pot of local culture, colonial influence, and modernism. It is a city of contrasts, with glittering skyscrapers and charming colonial buildings coexisting side-by-side. Colombo’s dining scene is also a reflection of this diversity, with an array of restaurants serving traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, fusion dishes, and international food. In this guide, we will explore some of the best places to eat in Colombo and give you an insight into the city’s history, culture, and off-the-beaten-path gems.

Local Attractions

Colombo offers a myriad of attractions for tourists. Fort, Pettah, and Slave Island are the commercial and financial hubs of Colombo, where you can find high-end shopping malls, street markets, and old temples. Visit the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, one of the most iconic Buddhist temples in Colombo. The National Museum of Colombo and the Museum of Colombo Dutch Period are also worthy places to explore for history buffs.

Dining Scene in Colombo

Colombo’s dining scene has evolved significantly in recent years. The city has a mix of trendy cafes, street food stalls, seafood shacks, fine dining restaurants, and bars. The Ministry of Crab is one of the most famous restaurants in Colombo, owned by Sri Lankan cricket legends Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. This restaurant is known for its delicious crab dishes. Nihonbashi is another noteworthy institution where you can savor authentic Japanese cuisine. The Black Cat Cafe, Barefoot Garden Cafe, and Cafe Kumbuk are a few of the trendy cafes to check out.

If you want to try out some authentic Sri Lankan food, head to Upali’s by Nawaloka, one of the best places to sample traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry. Similarly, Green Cabin, an institution in Colombo, is known for its kottu rotti – a popular street food dish made with sliced bread, vegetables, and spices.

Cultural Experiences

Colombo is a city steeped in culture, and the Sri Lankan people are warm and friendly. The city is home to several iconic, cultural experiences that visitors should not miss. Attend a traditional Kandyan dance performance to witness the beat and rhythm of Sri Lanka’s folk dance. Visiting a tea plantation in Colombo’s outskirts is also a must-do as Sri Lanka is renowned for its tea production.

For an educational experience, visit the Ape Gama Cultural Village, an open-air ethnological museum that showcases Sri Lanka’s rural life. The Colombo National Museum and the Museum of Colombo Dutch Period provide insight into the city’s history. A walk around the bustling markets of Pettah is also an excellent way to experience Colombo’s local life.

Local History

Colombo has a rich and varied history. The city was once ruled by Portuguese, Dutch, and British empires, and these colonial influences can still be seen in the city’s architecture, cuisine, and culture. The Colombo Dutch Museum is housed in a 17th-century Dutch-Colonial building and provides an insight into the colonial past. The Independence Memorial Hall, built-in 1948, is a monument that commemorates Sri Lanka’s independence from British colonial rule. Walking tours of the city are also available, and a guide can provide insight into the city’s rich heritage.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

While visiting popular tourist attractions is an essential part of any trip, exploring off-the-beaten-path gems can add an element of surprise to your trip. If you are visiting Colombo with kids, the Diyatha Uyana is a fascinating place to visit. It has a playground, aquarium, and several food stalls. A walk around the Viharamahadevi Park, a popular hangout spot for locals, provides respite from the chaos of the city. For a unique and relaxing experience, visit the traditional ayurvedic spa, Siddhalepa Ayurveda Spa.

Concluding Thoughts

Colombo is a city of diversity, where history, culture, and flavours converge. Exploring the vibrant dining scene and visiting the city’s top attractions is a must-do for any visitor. At the same time, experiencing the local culture and exploring off-the-beaten-path suggestions add a unique dimension to the trip. With a friendly and warm local community, Colombo is a city that will leave a long-lasting impression on visitors.