1. Ministry of Crab
Sri Lanka’s lagoon crabs are prized by seafood-lovers the world over, which ironically meant the very best crustaceans were in short supply in their native country. That was until chef Dharshan Munidasa teamed up with cricketing legends Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara to open Ministry of Crab. Housed in a sympathetically restored 400-year-old former Dutch hospital, the restaurant only uses export quality crab in its dishes, with sizes ranging from 500g up to ‘crabzilla’ weights of more than 2kg.
They are treated with great respect in traditional Sri Lankan recipes including chilli crab and crab curry, while the menu also celebrates other delights from the deep in clay-pot prawn curry and steamed ginger grouper. Liquid refreshment includes the signature small island iced tea, made with arrack.
This restaurant has been hugely popular with locals and foreign visitors since opening in 2011 and builds on the success of Munidasa’s critically acclaimed Japanese restaurant Nihonbashi, which he opened 20 years ago.
2.Ceylon Tea Moments
One of the best of the upscale tea emporiums sweeping Colombo, this rather opulent cafe gets everything right. Settle back into a plush armchair and ponder the glitter from the gold leaves hanging overhead. Try a speciality tea drink like the cinnamon tea shake while you ponder the huge menu. Rottis , such as the crab number, win raves.
Address ;Phillip Gunawardena Mawatha ,Colombo Racecourse, Col 7
Telephone ;+94 269 5917
Prices ;mains Rs 100-500
Opening hours ;7am-11pm
3. Buba Beach Restaurant.
Buba Beach Restaurant is a hidden gem on the emerald isle of Sri Lanka. Located just 20 min south of the capital city , Colombo. Buba Beach is an oasis in an otherwise bustling city.Hidden away among coconut groves and lush beach vegetation, Buba Beach has always kept nature in mind and has long been considered by regulars as a hideaway on the beaches of Mount Lavinia.
One can enjoy a Sunday out with the family, or a swim with friends in the ocean. A romantic candle lit sunset is always a popular choice with Buba Beach lovers. Enjoy casual snacks or a full dinner with a vast array of treats from the sea. Reservations are suggested as there is a limited number of tables to ensure a great ambiance and experience for all. Dine on the beach or among the coconut and mangrove bushes, or on the top deck of the restaurant with sweeping sea views at your feet. A memorable experience for all.
We look forward to seeing you on the beach.
Street: 42/11, Vihara Road, Mount Lavinia
City: Colombo
Zip: 10370
Phone: 0772649702
Website: http://bubabeach.com/
4. Hansa Coffee
Colombo’s best cup of coffee? We think so. Away from the Starbucks clones of Cinnamon Gardens, this simple storefront brews up any kind of coffee you can imagine using beans of the cafe’s namesake owner, Sri Lanka’s best coffee producer.
Address: Fife Rd, Colombo 00500
Phone:011 2 584832
5. Paradise Road Gallery Café
The trim colonial bungalow that houses Shanth Fernando’s Gallery Cafe used to be the office for Sri Lanka’s most famous architect, Geoffrey Bawa. The open-air dining area looks over an intimate courtyard and reflecting pool. The Sri Lankan–inspired dishes focus on fresh ingredients and bold, clean flavours.
Curries made with black pork and prawns are popular. There’s a huge range of luscious cakes you can snack on through the day.
6. Yaal Restaurant
The unique spicy cuisine of Jaffna’s Tamils features at this simple yet very tidy restaurant across from the seashore. The speciality is the truly unique odiyal kool, a famous Jaffna dish consisting of vegetables and seafood combined in a creamy porridge. Also popular is the crab curry.
Colombo City 