Joanna James
Tipped to be Sri Lanka's top highlight for foodies, wining and dining your way through Colombo is a treat for the senses. Here are some of the city's finest restaurants and dining venues.
Housed within the confines of a four hundred year old former colonial hospital, the Ministry of Crab is one of the city's top seafood hubs by no mere coincidence. With the kitchen visible from every corner the minimalistic interiors of the restaurant only adds to its appeal with the menu including local and internationally revered delicacies made of crab meat and other seafood items. The Sri Lankan Crab Curry is the go to dish for most regular diners while the Clay Pot Prawn dish is also a hit with locals and expats. The brainchild of local cricketing heroes Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayewardene the fine dining seafood hub in the Dutch Hospital is perfect for celebrations as well.
Simply known as Pilawoos to the dining masses of Colombo, this historic restaurant serves what is arguably the best cheese kottu in the entire city. While the kottu menu at Hotel De Pilawoos is extensive to say the least, other local favourites and biriyani are all up for grabs at this local joint where commuters and couples alike stop by for an unforgettable meal. Located down Galle Road, close to Majestic City mall, the venue is one of the most conveniently located eateries in Colombo as well.
Those in search of a five star restaurant in which to enjoy scrumptious seafood delights and curries will find no finer alternative to The Lagoon. With the ambience of a high-end seafood market the extensive menu and seafood curries and raw sashimi makes The Lagoon a hot favourite among seafood enthusiasts in Colombo. With not one but two specialty chefs at the helm, the plethora of sauces and lobster dishes makes this fine dining experience a one to remember.
Travellers on the lookout for a Sri Lankan restaurant serving authentic local dishes as well as contemporary continental favourites in a relaxed setting should head down to Park Street's Rare at Residence. Ranked among the best restaurants in Colombo, the fine dining atmosphere and attention to detail in both the service as well as the culinary wonders on offers sets this intimate dining space apart from similar venues around Colombo.
Occupying pride of place on Sea Avenue, Fat Panda is one of the smaller restaurants in the city but arguably one of the top eateries for those with a love of Asian cuisine. With both upstairs and downstairs dining areas, the aesthetically appealing design and the delectable menu items made up of Asian staples makes the Fat Panda a casual dining hub one can count on to deliver in both quality and ambience.
Situated on Majestic Avenue, this Galle Road diner is fast becoming one of the top restaurants in the city thanks to its impressive menu which includes South Asian favourites. Founded by Mob Alias, the venue exudes the owner's Chinese roots in the flavour of its Momo batter infused dishes as well as the decor.
This internationally renowned restaurant is a must-visit highlight for all foodies touring Colombo due to the more than 30 mouth-watering dessert options the venue affords.
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