Colombo’s dining scene seemingly shifts overnight, with new places popping up alongside the old stalwarts that lead the charge. But where to go when looking for an eatery with a bit more of a romantic edge? Having lived in the city for well over a year, I’ve made it my mission to seek out all of the most amazing places to eat for both Sri Lankan fare and everything in between, from Japanese and Italian to Chinese. For a sweeping overview of the city’s food scene, my top 10 restaurants in Colombo never fail to disappoint, but for a selection with a bit more of a dreamy or polished edge that are ideal for dates, here’s where I recommend.
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| GINI is one of my favourite romantic restaurants in Colombo |
9 of the most romantic restaurants in Colombo
1. Biling
Haven’t opened in February 2026, Biling, named after a tree often found in Sri Lankan gardens, is one of the city's newer restaurants yet already ticks all the boxes. The vibe is homely but polished, dishes celebrate Sri Lankan flavours and are executed to perfection, while the cocktails are incredibly innovative, already standing out as some of the best in Colombo. |
| Seeni sambol tarts at Biling |
I cannot get enough of the seeni sambol tarts, the pasty is unmatched, while the onions are cooked to perfection with a tiny hint of chilli and cocktail, The Steady Pour, is a punchy but well-balanced blend of milk-clarified arrack and fresh biling juice. The pork belly with burnt coconut sauce is also totally addictive. With low lighting, great food and top-notch service, Biling is already proving itself as not only one of the city’s best restaurants, but one of the most romantic.
Opening hours: 12 noon to 11.30pm, closed Mondays Address: Park Street Mews, Colombo
2. Avartana
A tasting menu with a difference, Avartana serves perfectly plated Southern Indian-inspired cuisine at the ITC Ratnadipa Hotel, overlooking Galle Face Green. The vibe is elegant and refined, making the restaurant better suited to an occasion than to an average weekend dinner.
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| Avartana's panna cotta |
Opt for seven, nine or 11 courses, with each boasting an array of flavours that utilise both Sri Lankan and Indian ingredients. A highlight is the egg-shaped panna cotta that arrives in a nest of gold thread, ready to be cracked open by the attentive wait staff.
Opening hours: 6.30pm to 11pm, daily
Address: ITC Ratnadipa, Colombo, 21 Galle Face Road, Colombo
3. Kampong
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| Muchroom cigars at Kampong |
Address: 56 Justice Akbar Mawatha, Colombo
4. Life’s Good Kitchen
This pretty spot, enveloped in hanging vines in the peaceful district of Colombo 5, is another favourite, not only because the husband and wife team that run it are totally lovely, but because the large range of dishes means there’s something for everyone.
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| Life's Good Kitchen in Colombo 5 |
Some of my favourites from this romantic spot’s menu include the mezze platter with homemade hummus and guacamole, the lamprais and any of the wraps. With its lush feel and hanging lanterns, Life's Good Kitchen is particularly lovely after dark.
Opening hours: 11am to 10.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 10.30pm Saturday and Sunday
Address: 12 Sulaiman Terrace, Jawatta road Colombo 5, Colombo
5. GINI
Always one of my favourites, GINI has it all: great location, amazing staff, flawless dishes and perfect cocktails. If you want a special night, not only in one of the city’s best restaurants but with a romantic vibe to boot, this is a sound bet.
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| Oysters and crudo at GINI |
Share an array of small plates, but don’t miss the oven-roasted cauliflower steak as a main; it’s totally dreamy as are the Grilled Mullaitivu prawns. Drinks rival the best cocktails in London, too.
Opening hours: 6.30pm to 10.30pm daily, closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Address: 8 Havelock Place, Colombo
6. Nihonbashi By Dharshan
One of the best Japanese restaurants in Colombo, this Port City restaurant is not only stunning, with its main dining room surrounded by bright green poles of bamboo, but also whips up some exquisite dishes, from Dharshan Munidasa’s take on Tai Chazuke to morish sahimi.
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| Nihonbashi by Dharshan |
Opening hours: 12 noon to 2.30pm and 6pm to 10.30pm
Address: Plot 01, Port City, 1-12 Chaithya Road, Colombo
7. Ranbath Organic
This low-key garden restaurant, housed in an old Colombo home, is the ideal romantic restaurant for a day date, especially if you’re on a budget. It also reminds me a little of some of my favourite restaurants in the beachside village of Madiha, on Sri Lanka's south coast, which is never a bad thing.
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| Rice and curry at Ranbath Organic |
The surroundings are pure whimsy, with cute rooms tucked away and space to sit outside, too. Rice and curry is the dish to order at Ranbath, chosen from an expansive buffet that offers everything from wild tempered eggplant curry to mango curry. Call by for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Opening hours: 6am to 9pm daily
Address: 11 Park Terrace, Park Road, Colombo
8. Jazzebel
If you want a romantic Colombo restaurant with a side order of live music, Jazzebel is a sound choice, even more so if you want to have a dance after your meal.
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| Jazzebel on Park Street Mews |
This low-lit jazz-inspired bar is a good spot for a few bar bites alongside drinks—don’t be surprised to see most of Colombo’s older millennials and Gen Z here on a weekend dancing to classic tunes from the 80s.
Opening hours: 5.30pm to 3am daily. Closed Sundays and Mondays
Address: 50A Park St Mews, Colombo
9. Yoroko
Delicate hanging flowers create a romantic display at Yoroko, found within Cinnamon Life, one of Colombo’s newest hotels. Like all of the hotel’s restaurants, the staff are knowledgeable and friendly, while cocktails are typically well blended, although some are a tad on the sweet side.
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| Sushi and sashimi at Yoroko |
The menu offers an array of well-prepared Japanese dishes, with any of the nigiri and maki standing out as top picks.
Opening hours: 6.30pm to 11pm daily
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