Fine Dining experiences in Colombo

Deep in the heart of the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, the London Grill seems never to have changed since it was opened about 40 years ago as Sri Lanka’s first five-star restaurant in what was then the Lanka Oberoi Hotel. The décor resembles a baronial hall, complete with massive metal plates as part of the table set up. The food is consistently good, keeping to its theme of a grill restaurant but with innovative starters (stuffed oysters?) and tempting desserts. The service is as smooth as it should be for this standard of dining. You might want to wear your best for this unique and special place, unusual to find in Sri Lanka.   

The rooftop restaurant at The Galadari Hotel offers an exquisite dining experience at what can only be the most romantic setting in town. Stepping out of the lift, a large and elegant chandelier greets you as you step out. Spacious, with stunning panoramic views of the city and the sea, the restaurant is captivating. Soft lighting and candles complement the ambiance, along with soothing piano music, which sets the mood for a special dinner. What’s more, if you have a specific song in mind, the talented pianist will be happy to play it upon your request. The California Grill boasts a variety of steak and seafood dishes. If you are a fan of both seafood and steak, try the Norwegian salmon steak. Apart from alcoholic beverages, they have an array of enticing mocktails. The staff is extremely hospitable, and serves with a warm smile. They’ve also got an adventurous list of wines—not surprising as the restaurant is quite renowned among wine lovers. 

The 1864 Restaurant, part of the Galle Face Hotel, is an iconic piece of architecture that has been created from an original part of the building that dates back to 1864. With its historical features still in tact, the décor of 1864 relies on the original bare brick walls, ornately carved murals and soft lighting, which results in an unusual backdrop to enjoy a gourmet-style dining.  The menu includes local, continental and seafood favourites as well as desserts, fruit juices, mocktails and interesting additions like sweet or salty lassi, an Indian traditional drink and Aperitifs to name just a few. Beers, spirits and wine are also available and there is a spiral staircase leading down to the Wine Cellar that can at times be used for private events, or by friends who just wish to share a bottle of wine amongst themselves.

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.