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Home to the financial district of the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo’s Fort area is speedily transforming into one of the city’s most frequented hotspots. Visit one of our 10 favorite restaurants in this area.

Ministry of Crab

Ministry of Crab

Ministry of Crab is counted among the 50 best restaurants in Asia. Located in a former Dutch Hospital, one of the oldest buildings in the city, this restaurant serves sumptuous lagoon crabs. It has seafood lovers from all over the world raving about their excellent preparation and flavor. Since former cricketing legends Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara teamed up in 2011 to bring the Ministry of Crab to life, this place has been a success. It provides arguably one of the most noteworthy eating experiences in the city. Due to the scarcity in Sri Lanka, the premium crabs are imported. They range from sizes of 500g to the ‘crabzilla’ weight of 2kg. Ministry of Crab has managed to capture the attention of culinary experts throughout the world.

The Gallery Café

The Gallery Café has gained a reputation for being one of the trendiest spots in the city. It has consistently served up outstanding dishes with perfectly balanced flavors. The open-air bar and restaurant attracts a wide array of visitors from diplomats and artists to tourists. Its elegant yet minimalist set-up, featuring a black-tiled pond and wooden pillars, creates a particularly enchanting ambiance. This is further enhanced by the adjoining gallery. The extensive menu features a variety of authentic Sri Lankan, international and fusion dishes, which are best enjoyed in the open courtyard dining area. Let your tastebuds be enchanted by the well-seasoned dishes and take in the surroundings while sipping on a cool drink.

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

The Gallery Café

Curry Leaf

Providing some of the best Indian and Sri Lankan dishes around, Curry Leaf is one of the oldest restaurants in the city and has visitors raving about its authenticity and its perfectly spiced dishes. Whether you are looking for hoppers, pittu or kottu rotti, this place has it all and more. Curry Leaf is most famous for its exceptional seafood buffet. Visitors can marvel at the culinary expertise of the outstanding chefs, who prepare the fresh fare right in front of them. The outdoor-like construction of the restaurant and the charming architecture give Curry Leaf a truly romantic feel. Within the tropical hut, you can soak in the authentic atmosphere and let your tastebuds be overwhelmed by the well-seasoned dishes. These meals feature only the best ingredients and balanced flavors. It’s a must-visit for any fan of Sri Lankan cuisine or those wishing to explore it.

2 Sir Chittampalam A Gardiner Mawatha, Fort, Colombo, Sri Lanka, +94 112492492

Harbour Court – The Kingsbury

The Kingsbury has speedily risen to fame and acquired a reputation as one of the most renowned hotels in the city. Its restaurant, Harbour Court, offers global cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Visitors line up in order to get a taste of the sumptuous dishes. They draw inspiration from Western, Indian, Japanese and South-East Asian recipes. Dishes are presented in a sophisticated, buffet-like manner by outstanding chefs, and an a la carte menu is also available . Harbour Court features both an elegant inside and outdoor area, both offering marvelous views over the Indian Ocean. With its slogan ‘food from the universe, for the universe,’ this place has truly managed to perfect several cuisines to create a blend of international dishes.

Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka, +94 11 2 421221

Harbour Court

The Mango Tree

Offering truly authentic North-Indian cuisine, The Mango Tree has steadily established itself as one of the best places to eat in Colombo’s Fort area. After moving to Sri Lanka in the early 1990s Viraj Panchal felt the clear lack of Indian and vegetarian options and promptly brought the charming restaurant to life. With combinations of curd and sweet tamarind, puffed rice, coriander and other brilliant spices, this place is a true culinary paradise. Additionally, it offers reasonably priced lunch packets if you are looking to grab some Indian food on the run. They have also opened other smaller outlets in the area.

No. 82, Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka, +34 11 7620620

Shanmugas

Whether you are a part-time or full-time vegetarian, we guarantee you won’t be able to stop your mouth from watering when taking in the dazzling scents of Shanmugas. Established in 1998, it is one of the oldest and most famous vegetarian Indian restaurants in Colombo. It combines excellent service with outstanding dishes. The menu is dominated by Northern and Southern Indian influences and a large part of the customers are regulars in correspondence with the restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere. Flavors tend to be on the spicy side, yet don’t let that scare you off: Shanmugas has something to offer for everyone and the charming staff is happy to accommodate any wishes.

53/3, Ramakrishna Road,, Wellawatte,, Colombo 00600, Sri Lanka, +94 11 2 361384

Shanmugas

Tsing Tao

Restaurant, Chinese, Seafood

Tsing Tao is one of the most noteworthy restaurants due to its ability to retain a skillful balance between authentic Chinese and Sri Lankan cuisine. Considered one of the most sumptuous Chinese seafood restaurants in the city, the restaurant prides itself in upholding the strictest criteria for its dishes in regards to appearance, fragrance and flavor. The fresh meats and seafood are of the highest quality and are combined with seasoning. Set up in typical Chinese fashion with little, cozy yet elegant booths, this place ticks all the boxes and has delighted numerous visitors.

Shaze

The striking cement building with its shiny logo and atmospheric lighting functions as a cafe and diner as well as a boutique. It serves a mixture of international and Asian dishes and it does so at great value, with generous portions and reasonable prices. This place is good whether you are looking for a quick bite or a lavish dinner. Having opened only recently, Shaze is steadily making a name for itself and is seeing an ever-increasing stream of visitors. With its extensive menu, this place has something to offer for everyone while not loosing anything of its quality taste and standards.

No. 65, Thibirigasyaya Road, Colombo 00500, Sri Lanka, +94 76 843 3122par

Shaze

Upali’s

If you are looking for truly authentic cuisine within a warm and laid-back environment, look no further. Make your way to Upali’s, one of the city’s best restaurant for Sri Lankan dishes. Offering an interesting eating experience, this place serves up perfectly spiced plates of outstanding quality. Additionally it features a charming coffee shop serving freshly brewed coffee and sweet treats. The elegant yet relaxed setting with the adjoining garden invites its visitors to lean back in their chairs and sink their teeth in the numerous dazzling dishes. Coming at incredibly reasonable prices, there’s no reason not to sing Upali’s praises.

No. 65 C W W Kannangara Mawatha, Colombo, Ski Lanka, +94 11 2 695812

Whight & Co

Situated in a converted art deco mansion facing the ocean, Whight & Co opened its doors in 2014 and has been a raving success every since. With a mixture of retro and business elements, the coffee house serves excellent pastries, outstanding coffees and a sumptuous mixture of international and Asian dishes. From fresh, crispy salads to sizzling chicken and seared prawns, Whight Co is steadily becoming a staple in Colombo’s busy Fort area. The coffee is locally grown and offers special flavors, which has led to rumors of it being the best in town. Whether you are looking to have lunch with friends or get some work done on your laptop, this is the place to visit. If that wasn’t enough, you can also take your pick from a solid selection of alcoholic beverages.

Bambalapitiya, Colombo, Sri Lanka, +94 11 4 383236

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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