The top 10 restaurants in Colombo—picked from over two years of research

Since landing in Sri Lanka little over two years ago, I’ve spent at least a year of that time living in Colombo, where I delight in hunting out delightful restaurants spanning all budgets. Each and every day, I walk along the city’s wide streets, strolling through sprawling parks and taking detours through residential neighbourhoods to see what new openings, old stalwarts and fresh menus I can find, because Colombo’s restaurant scene seemingly changes overnight.

Much like the best places to eat and drink in Madiha, on Sri Lanka’s stunning south coast, I love to find locally owned spots serving freshly made dishes with lots of local ingredients. There are classic spots with sublime views, garden sanctuaries like Gini, one of the best restaurants in Colombo for couples, low-key, affordable places serving up some of the country’s most delicious rice and curry, and hotel restaurants where it’s possible to indulge in fine dining. In a nutshell, Colombo really does have it all.

Oysters at GINI

After much research, deliberation and many, many visits, these are the top 10 restaurants in Colombo right now.

The top 10 restaurants in Colombo right now 

1. GINI

I have a special soft spot for GINI, I think in part because it opened around a similar time that I landed in Sri Lanka, but the whole execution is flawless. I’ve eaten at the garden restaurant on multiple occasions and have to say it’s always faultless, with impeccable service, inventive dishes and cocktails that slip down far too easily. The restaurant is a love letter to Sri Lanka’s natural bounty, brought to life by three brothers, Shanil, Nelaka and Nadishka Dayawansa and their pal, Surith Adihetty, who helms the kitchen. After holding numerous supper clubs for friends and family, the quartet made the restaurant a more permanent addition, bridging a gap in Colombo’s dining scene for a non-stuffy, quality place to eat and drink. The result is a low-lit, romantic kind of place where small plates and main dishes centre around fire cooking. Oysters that rival the best in London, grilled lagoon prawns with Jaffna curry sauce, burnt cabbage and cured mackerel are just a few of my favourites, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything listed on the menu.

Cured mackerel at GINI

Cocktails are just as fabulous with some zingy arrack options, a smoky mezcal and coconut treacle blend, as well as some local takes on classic cocktails. 

Opening hours: 6.30pm to 10.30pm Wednesday to Sunday (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
Address: 8 Havelock Place, Colombo

2. Monsoon

At the bottom of Park Street Mews in central Colombo is a revamped warehouse that’s been transformed into a gorgeous restaurant serving some of the best Asian fusion food in the city. With plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors, as well as bar stools, Monsoon always provides great meals, good vibes, and there’s often live music on weekends, too.

Noodles at Monsoon

There are Malaysian, Thai, and Indonesian dishes on the menu, and I love to head here when I’m after a noodle fix or am craving something spicy aside from rice and curry. Staff are always friendly and attentive, and the cocktail menu features something for everyone.

Opening hours: Daily 12 noon to 10.30/11.30pm
Address: The Stables, Park Street Mews, Colombo

3. Cafe Japan

There’s a handful of great Japanese restaurants in Colombo, but my favourite is low-key Cafe Japan on the Borella Cross Road. Fuss-free interiors make for a relaxed setting where sushi, sashimi and bento boxes all delight with super fresh ingredients and generous portions.

My favourite dish at Cafe Japan

One of my favourite dishes is the prawn maki, and don’t forget to ask what desserts are available, as the family that runs the restaurant often whips up delights like coffee roll cake and pumpkin pudding and sometimes they’re not on the menu. 

Opening hours: Daily 11.30am to 2.30pm and 6 to 10.30pm
Address: 25 Borella Cross Road, Colombo

4. The Bayleaf

A Colombo institution, The Bayleaf, has been whipping up beautiful dinners for over 20 years from a grand 100-year-old colonial home in Colombo 7. The menu is eclectic with a large range of Italian-style dishes and bites, as well as a few small and sharing plates served in the restaurant's bar area.

The Bayleaf

For me, the setting is unbeatable, especially if you can secure a table on the outside upper-level balcony. On a balmy evening, overlooking the restaurant's garden, it’s a romantic, slightly dream-like spot that’s ideal for a glass of red wine and a plate of well-cooked pasta. 

Opening hours: Daily 11am to 11pm

Address: 79 R.G. Senanayake Mawatha, Colombo

5. Kampong

The most exciting new restaurant opening in Colombo is Kampong, which has been drawing those in the know since November 2025. Primarily a speakeasy serving world-class cocktails, it’s not to be missed for the selection of awesome bites, too. Of the 11 savoury options listed on the menu, my favourites include the white anchovies served with taramasalata and peppers, mushroom cigars and the braised pork tonkatsu.

Mushroom cigars at Kampong

Don’t forget to save room for the pistachio cannolis, and you’re going to want to sample at least three of the beautiful cocktails; they’re some of the best in the entire country. 

Opening hours: Daily 6pm to 12 midnight, closed Sundays and Mondays

Address: 56 Justice Akbar Mawatha, Colombo

6. Ministry of Crab

Yes, it’s touristy, and yes, it’s pricey, but it is one of the best places in the country for super-fresh and ethically sourced mud crab. Over my visits, I’ve tried the crab liver pate, avocado crab salad, fresh water prawns and the black pepper dashi crab, all of which were delightful and flavoursome. Plus, the staff are very knowledgeable.

Mud crab at Ministry of Crab

The only downside is the atmosphere, which is rather lacking with its harsh lights and echo-y noise, but that’s on account of MOC being housed in a 400-year old building, which is mostly open-plan. 

Opening hours: Daily 12 noon to 10.30pm

Address: Old Dutch Hospital Complex, 04 Hospital St, Colombo

7. Kolamba Kadè

Having only opened in 2025, I discovered this tiny spot on one of my evening daily walks, returning a few days later for chicken curry, dal, aubergine curry, and egg roti, all of which were amazing. Prices are extremely affordable, and while there’s not a great deal of seating, they are in the process of upgrading the small restaurant, so I’ll report back as soon as the upgrade is complete.

The menu at Kolamba Kadè

As well as dreamy curries, and freshly baked breads, Kolamba Kadè also serve regular hoppers and string hoppers, four varieties of sambol, pittu and a few noodle dishes. I haven’t tried the dessert offerings yet, but the sticky toffee pudding and pol pani both sound tempting. For me, this is the best spot in town for local home cooking, if you don’t have the option to go to a family home. 

Opening hours: Daily 5pm to 10.30pm

Address: 32 Ward Place, Colombo

8. Chill Colombo

Over in Port City, Chill’s second outpost—after the famed restaurant and nightclub in Ella—is the ideal spot for post-sunset drinks and a flavoursome bite. Interiors are pretty cute, staff are welcoming, and the menu features a whole range of dishes. We were craving pasta, so we ordered spaghetti and risotto, both of which were delicious.

Our dishes at Chill

Cocktails are also pretty good, but lean more towards the classic end of the spectrum rather than the creatively mixed sips you find at the likes of GINI, Kampong and Uncle’s, but it’s usually pretty easy to snag a table, making it a great option for last-minute outings. 

Opening hours: Daily 11am to 11pm

Address: Port City, Chaithya Road, Colombo

9. Table By Nyne

Not only is the food consistently good at Table By Nyne, but they also whip up potent cocktails, have a decent selection of wine, and the location is like a secret garden paradise. I’ve dined here twice, and service is always top-notch, plus there are never too many people around, which I like, as it’s easy to talk, making it an ideal date night spot.

Pork belly at Table by Nyne

The pork belly is the best I’ve come across in Sri Lanka, while the salads and vegetable dishes are fresh and wholesome. 

Opening hours: Daily 7pm to 10pm

Address: Lake Lodge, 20 Alvis Terrace, Colombo

10. Shoulders by Harpos

I love this little restaurant close to Havelock City Mall, not only for the expertly whipped up cocktails that mixologist extraordinaire, Sammy, whips up, but also for the flavour-packed dishes that are generously portioned.

One of Sammy's unique cocktail creations

If you’re craving comfort food, Shoulders' spinach and feta pie is a must-order, or try the 12-hour slow-roasted lamb - it’s divine. 

Opening hours: Daily 12 noon to 11pm

Address: Havelock City Mall, Havelock Road, Colombo