A Dinner Date to Remember in Colombo

The dimly lit Ministry of Crab, was transformed into a convivial venue. It had a stylish and chic ambience ideal for enjoying some flavoursome crab dishes with friends. Dharshan Munidasa’s Ministry of Crab neatly blends into the old world charm of the Dutch Hospital. Families and friends in large gatherings occupied seats at the verandah, but we opted to sit inside, where the action of the open kitchen can be witnessed. On the black tables were oversized glass jars, from which cascade magnificent crab claws (the “parrot flower”). Indeed this place is a temple to crab. Despite the delightful choice of crustaceans available, a major part of the big slate-board of a menu is taken up by crab dishes. They have many preparations and the crabs come in no less than ten sizes, from the half kilo crab to the monstrous Crabzilla which is two kilograms. We decided on Garlic Chili Crab, and were given a crustacean that had sweet, warm meat to be scooped out. We sponged cubes of kade bread on the oily gravy in which the crab was wading. The butter soy prawns they serve are succulent and meaty while their chili prawns are impinged with a soupcon of sweetness and thick, curdy gravy. The iced tea soda is like a fizzy drink, but with a core of tea that refreshes and fulfils you. The cold pressed orange juice they serve is orange, frothy and has the truest taste of orange. The Chocolate Biscuit Pudding, which comes with a dollop of cream, takes a trained tongue to be fully flavoured, b

Famed for hosting the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, Tintagel is a boutique hotel. One can dine at the stylishly decorated dining room or at The Courtyard. The dining room with its dark walls, artistic paintings and the refined dining setting creates a refreshing atmosphere while The Courtyard proves to be the ultimate al fresco dining option. The menu consists of exquisite options, which is truly reflects the sophistication of the hotel.  Along with an equal spread of both vegetarian and non- vegetarian dishes one can avail of interesting entrees and soups. The dessert menu here has a diverse choice including the regular favourites and some exotic options such as the Rajakeeya and Via paradise. It also serves non-alcoholoc beverages. 

An obvious name for this glass-walled cube of a restaurant in the lobby of the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel. Meals are served as buffets, testing the ingenuity of the chefs to produce lots of different items for every meal; there is always a curry corner whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner. The food quantity and quality are impressive and whether you’re a vegetarian or not you will find something palatable. Being a buffet restaurant it is often crowded and the service is reasonably efficient, if charmless, because of the place’s popularity with determined diners serving themselves.

Relax in the richness of colonial architecture and the traditions of Sri Lanka at the Governor’s Restaurant located at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, the once-upon-a-time grand residence of a British Governor. The fine blend of continental and regional specialties are interspersed with fabulous theme nights that take the visitor through the alluring histories of colonial Ceylon, the wealth of the Silk Route and the aromatic tastes of India, the flavours of Italian specialties and sizzling barbeques. Sri Lanka’s very own celebrity Chef, Publis. is ready to recreate the culinary legacy of the land of the kings every Sunday, accentuated with his much-sought-after signature creations. As the sun begins to set in the horizon, guests can savour home-made cakes, sandwiches, scones and more over a cup of Sri Lanka’s finest flavours of tea at the Governor’s High Tea.

The International buffet at Taprobane is open all day to deliver its best. With a friendly and vibrant atmosphere and delicious food, what more could you ask for? Try your favourite dish instead of the buffet; just make a request to the chefs. The stylish interior, spacious atmosphere and friendly chefs are always warmly welcoming. They have a vast array of more than 70 Eastern and Western dishes. If you want to have a quick lunch or a midnight snack, then Taprobane is the place.

Varieties of Asian cuisines are offered at Noodles. Capturing the flavours of Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, China and Vietnam, Noodles is ready to set the heat! This restaurant is ideal for a mini get together. The chef from Vietnam shows his skill in preparing a vast array of noodle varieties and producing over 70 different dishes. The interior is very classy and stylish, mixing in hues of black and straw shades. The glass windows give a good and calm view. 

With an aesthetic touch, Echo offers a vast array of Italian dishes. You have the choice of selecting from a range of homemade pastas, risottos, antipasti and seafood, accompanied by the best French wines. Don’t miss the aromatic Bellissimo coffee! The background hues of red add a friendly touch to the atmosphere. Blending in with it, you will find the steel lamps highlighting the Echo logo. Be it lunch or dinner, you’ll enjoy the ambience at Echo. A simple yet tranquil atmosphere, it’s a good choice for a business meeting or even a date.