Snapshot
As Sri Lanka’s commercial capital, Colombo boasts a wide range of cuisine from across the globe. Whilst the best restaurants in Colombo were once mostly limited to the larger hotels, in recent years an increasing number of independent restaurants and cafés offering Western, Asian and even Middle Eastern fare have sprung up in addition the smaller eateries serving traditional dishes in a simple setting, and now travellers are spoiled for choice whether they are tempted by local flavours or are seeking familiar favourites.
Duration: 3 hours
Best Time: Year Round
Additional Information
The adventurous among you may be inclined to sample Sri Lankan street food during your tour of the island, and there is no better place to do this than Colombo. The city is littered with small roadside shops known as kades where you can buy authentic local dishes including string hoppers, lamprais, biriyani and rice and curry, as well as a variety of spicy snacks known locally as short-eats. Go on our Colombo Street Food Walk for a more comprehensive insight into food in Colombo and to discover the city’s best street food spots, such as Galle Face Green where you can buy hot koththu roti and salty isso wade (prawn dumplings).
Those eager to see the local nightlife will delight in the variety of bars in Colombo, which range from traditional pubs showing international sport to stylish rooftop bars offering a tranquil outdoor setting and great views. Local musicians play live music at many bars throughout the week, and there are a number of karaoke spots where travellers can test out their own performance skills.
See below for a selection of our favourite Colombo restaurants, bars and cafés. Our knowledgeable and friendly sales team will be happy to make further suggestions based on your personal preferences, and additional recommendations can be found in our comprehensive Booking Information.
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