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Located in the western part of the Sri Lankan capital, Kolluptiyah is one of Colombo’s most lively neighborhoods, home to a multi-ethnic community. These are the top 10 restaurants in the dynamic area.

Gallery Café

The Gallery Café

The Gallery Café is a hugely popular spot among locals and tourists. The multi-functional venue is not only home to a marvelous restaurant but it also serves as an excellent bar. It even features an adjoining art gallery. Once the office of architect legend Geoffrey Bawwa, it is unsurprising that the Gallery Café is one of the most scenic spots in town. Is has an open-air dining area, a charming courtyard, atmospheric decor and a black-tiled pond filled with catfish. The selective menu consists of a variety of Sri Lankan, international and fusion dishes, all of which are excellently prepared. Come to the Gallery Café for a couple of drinks or a scrumptious dinner and take in the beautiful setting.

2 Alfred House Rd, Colombo, Sri Lanka, +94 11 2 582162

The Cricket Club Cafe

With a population that has an enthusiastic love for cricket, Colombo is unsurprisingly the home of the Cricket Club Cafe. This is a themed restaurant dedicated to the sport. The venue is filled with all sorts of objects related to cricket, from bats, balls and gloves that once belonged to famous players, to posters and newspaper articles. The Cricket Club Cafe provides different spaces for different occasions, with a veranda for casual drinks, a dinning room, and a space for private occasions. The extensive menu features a range of delicious dishes which have been named after cricketers. These include pies, pavlova, pasta, seafood, burgers and other tasty fare. Additionally, they feature some specials which change on a daily basis.

34, Queen’s Rd, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka, +94 11 2 501384

Chutney’s

It’s no news that South Indian cuisine is highly addictive – once you have tasted some of Chutney’s marvelous dishes you’ll keep coming back for more. Part of the Cinnamon Grand Hotel complex, the popular restaurant offers authentic Indian fare in an elegant yet laid-back setting. Chutney’s counts among the city’s upscale restaurants, which is why they have a casual elegant dress code. However, the prices are affordable and the creamy curries and spicy chicken will not disappoint. The excellent staff will happily recommend dishes and assist with questions. Plus, they speedily bring out the authentic, well-seasoned plates.

77, Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka, +94 112497372

Chutney’s

The Sizzle

The Sizzle brings novel cuisine to Sri Lanka’s capital. Meals made from fresh ingredients are served piping hot on a cast iron platter. The restaurant describes a sizzler as a combination of a main dish and various sauces and other sides, resulting in a substantial meal. From tender meats to seafood and vegetarian options, The Sizzle caters to a variety of tastes. Its rich desserts are to die for. With its blend of eastern influences, balanced spices and creative recipes, it comes as no surprise that this place is one of the most popular spots in Colombo.

Walukarama Rd, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka, +94 71 688 8777

Nuga Gama

If you are looking to sample some scrumptious Sri Lankan cuisine in an authentic setting, head over to Nuga Gama. This is a restaurant which offers a traditional village setting spread out around a 200-year-old Banyan tree. A communal setting has been combined with staff dressed in traditional clothing, a rustic dining area and a little farm with chickens and cows. This makes for what can only be described as one of the most interesting eating experiences in the city. The open kitchen allows visitors to gain an insight into the preparation of their dishes. Next to their curries, you can take your pick from a range of well-seasoned meat and seafood dishes. Nuga Gama transports customers back in time so that they can experience the country’s traditions.

77, Galle Road, Colombo 3, Colombo, Sri Lanka, +94 773997052

Nuga Gama

Tsing Tao

Tsing Tao opened its doors in 2013 and has become a raving success under the careful supervision of masterchef Huasheng Mo. The restaurant is one of the most distinguished Chinese restaurants in Colombo and allows its guests to enjoy its dishes in an elegant setting. All ingredients are carefully selected and some are imported all the way from China, ensuring the most authentic flavors. Serving everything from seafood to meat dishes and vegetarian options, Tsing Tao has achieved a wonderful balance between Chinese and Sri Lankan influences. The restaurant features various tastefully decorated booths with soft lighting and black accents. Both the cuisine and the ambiance are on point, and they’re further enhanced by the professional service.

Philip Gunewardena Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka, +94 11 2 698989

Navratna

Navratna is situated inside the sophisticated Taj Samudra Hotel and is considered one of Colombo’s finest – as well as being one of the oldest – North Indian restaurants. The menu has recently been revised and now includes a more extensive list of seafood and meat dishes, such as the lamb mince Kebabs. The restaurant’s setting features elegant decorative elements and Indian paintings on the wall, creating an exotic atmosphere. Throughout the years Navratna has consistently dished out authentic and well-spiced dishes. It has proven that it can stand the test of time. Both vegetarians and meat lovers will find a variety of dishes to suit their taste here.

25, Galle Face Center Rd, Colombo, Sri Lanka, +94 11 2 446622

The Lagoon

The Lagoon is another of the Cinnamon Grand’s outstanding venues specializing in fresh seafood. In the restaurant’s own words, this place has been set up much like the ‘hubbub of a seafood market’, providing a bustling atmosphere. The Lagoon has 150 different ways of preparing seafood and around 30 sauces to complement their dishes. Needless to say, all ingredients are freshly sourced from local markets. Visitors can take their pick from the catch of the day and have it prepared to their liking. The beautiful setup of the restaurant, the professional staff and the fun ambiance contribute to an exquisite eating experience.

77 Galle Road, Colombo 3, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Colombo 00100, Sri Lanka, +94 112497371

The Lagoon

The Mango Tree

The Mango Tree is one of the city’s most charming and laid-back Indian restaurants, where visitors can sample outstanding dishes for an absolute bargain. The restaurant has combined classic and contemporary elements to create the atmospheric setting of an upscale restaurant without compromising on comfort. The extensive menu includes all the Indian favorites, and the kitchen smells will have your mouth watering before you even order. The great blend of spices and high-quality ingredients ensure a more than satisfying eating experience. It makes the Mango Tree particularly popular among foreigners.

No. 82, Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka, +94 117620620

Barefoot Garden Café

Shrouded in lush greenery and featuring an open-air dining area, the Barefoot Garden Café counts among the most romantic eating spots in the city. It offers a tranquil refuge from the noise of Colombo. The menu features all sorts of national and international dishes such as curries, pasta, sandwiches and desserts. Additionally, the complex is home to an intriguing art gallery where visitors can marvel at the works of various talented artists. Other noteworthy features are its legendary Colombo Pub Quiz on Wednesdays or its Sunday jazz nights. Whether you are looking for sumptuous food or a glass of wine, Barefoot Garden Café is a great destination.

704 Galle Rd, Kollupitiya, Colombo, Sri Lanka, +94 11 2 589305

Barefoot Garden Café

About the author

Lena was born in rural Germany and showed a passion for philosophy and linguistics from an early age. Her journeys would lead her from being a trainee in a Greek diving centre to an English teacher in Thailand, to finally becoming a student of politics and languages at Royal Holloway. In recent years Lena has focused on developing her personal and academic skills through her very own Ted Talk and internships in journalism and TV presenting. Lena's multiple talents and curious personality have led her to seek out ever new challenges and travels, not setting herself any limits.

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