Colombo
COLOMBO - BEST RESTAURANTS
Introduction
Colombo - the largest city and capital of Sri Lanka - is located on the westside of the Sri Lankan "island", about an 1 hour flight from the honeymoon paradise MALDIVES and about 31 kilometres off the Southern coast of India; Sri Lankas rich culture shows influences of the Dutch, the Portugese and the English.
From 1983-2009 an on- and off-civil war between the Tamil Tigers (a separist militan organization) and the government took place in Colombo and other parts of Sri Lanka. But now the city is peaceful and definitely worth a visit.
Colombo resembles a bit Mumbai: traffic chaos, noisy and very lively in the streets - just much more smaller as the city has a population of “only” 650.000 people.
Sri Lanka is famous for the production and export of tea, coffee, coconuts, rubber and cinnamon.
Famous landmark of the city is the colonial hotel THE GALLE FACE HOTEL and the VIHARAMAHADEVI PARK .
Exploring the countryside is an absolue must. The best way to do this is to take a driver and start the journey towards KANDY (3 hour drive from Colombo). The cool hill country is an oasis of tea groves, waterfalls and golf. For a spiritual getaway set in a village with no mobile phones try ULPOTHA. Relax with yoga, ayurveda, organic food and big buddha.
Another possibility for a countryside trip is the YALA NATIONAL PARK which is populated with elephants, deers, crocs, monkeys.
Cool Restaurants
Have you found yourself googling the internet and got stuck in hundreds of restaurant recommendations?
You don`t need more - for a business trip, a romantic weekender or a holiday trip - just the best of each style - an INSIDER GUIDE REDUCED TO THE MAX!
With WORLD TOP 7 you can now eat like a local.
BEACH WADIYA
Seafood by the beach
Address: Station Ave, Wellawatta, Col 6, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Area: Colombo 6
Web: no website
Phone: +94 11 258 8568
Prices: Mains: starting at US$ 8.-
Dine on the sand and under the stars; basic shack between the train tracks and the sea, step over the railway tracks to the beach front and dine on plastic chairs and red table clothes; bar inside; "BEACH WADIYA" was totally destroyed by the tsunami in December 2006, old owner Olwyn Weerasekara welcomed many famous people - among them Richard Branson and Princess Anne; check out his collection of about a dozen of guest books
CRICKET CLUB CAFÉ, THE
International in colonial house
Address: 34 Queens Road, Col 3, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Area: Colombo 2
Web: http://www.thecricketclubcafeceylon.com
Phone: +94 11 250 1384
Prices: Mains: starting at US$ 9.-
Opposite "THE GALLERY CAFÉ", real English food with slight Mexican influence; place to hang out for live sports on telly and a pint of local Lion Lager; pub in the back room; nice little terrace for tea time in the afternoon
CURRY LEAF GARDEN RESTAURANT
One of the many eateries at the buzzing "Hilton Hotel" but definitely the best option; located in wooden Sri Lankan style houses in the hotel garden; select from a variation of curries or sea food; Sri Lankan buffet style; special guest chefs like Felicia Sorensen - the queen of curries; try the "kadala karaya", "roti cart" or "saara vita"; dinner only
GALLERY CAFÉ, THE
"THE GALLERY CAFÉ" is situated in the center of the city of Colombo yet it remains a beautiful quiet haven; enter the building down a paved driveway with temple trees and large urns along each side; a view across a long pond filled with striking purple nil manel, Sri Lanka's national flower, continues through the latticed doors towards a giant cement urn, which sits at the boundary wall of the cafe; international food is served in the semi-alfresco courtyard; see and to be seen; an Art Gallery is situated at the entrance to the Café; exhibitions display works of mostly local artists, changing every three weeks; on the side of this courtyard is "The Gallery Shop" and "The Paradise Road Studio House" - perfect for gifts like the Sri Lankan Dilmah tea "t"; for an even more upscale international dinner go to "TINTAGEL" (65 Rosmead Pl, Col 7, +94 11 460 2122) at "Tintagel Hotel" (former residency of the Sri Lankan prime minister); it is located in Colombo's diplomatic district; intimate dinner in a lovely courtyard
LAGOON, THE
Stylish, located in the Cinnamon Grand hotel; fish on display, open kitchen, good wine selection; looking for a great afternoon teatime spot than try the oldest hotel in town "THE GALLE FACE HOTEL"; enjoying a tea on the veranda lets you travel back in time...
MANGO TREE, THE
Cosmo smarty "MANGO TREE" takes North Indian food to a next level; authentic Indian cuisine with a cosmopolitan flair, huge selection of Indian breads like roti, naan, etc.; chic bar/lounge at the centre; frequented by many local celebrities like Sangakkara - the former captain of the Sri Lankan Cricket team; please note that Sri Lankan eat early and most of the places close at 11pm
RAJA BOJUN
Sri lankan buffet lunch
Address: Ceylinco Seylan Towers, 90 Galle Road, Col 3, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Area: Colombo 3
Web: http://www.rajabojun.lk/
Phone: +94 11 471 6171
Prices: Buffet: US$ 8.-
Very popular and constantly good; sea view inclusive railway tracks; come for the "lunumiris mae of onions and dried chilies", highly explosive! Real authentic and casual Sri Lankan lunch; entrance through office building passing by typing bank employees; open 11:30am - 2:00pm like most of the lunch places
* This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm opening hours, dress code and pets policy directly with the restaurant before planning your trip.