🍽️ Colombo Restaurant Survival Guide

After extensive (and often underwhelming) tastings, these spots rise above the rest – our top picks for decent meals in Colombo! 🥩 Western Fine Dining 1. The London Grill 📍 Inside a 5-star hotel | 🎹 Live piano at night 🍷 Order: Dry-aged steaks (quality cuts!) 💡 Verdict: Impeccable British fare – pricey but worth it for a splurge. 2. Virticle by Jetwing 📍 Rooftop with Lotus Tower views | ✨ Skybar ambiance 🌙 Go for: Sunset cocktails + modern European dishes (elegant presentation). 🥢 Chinese Cuisine 1. Shang Palace 📍 Shangri-La Hotel | 🥢 Upscale Cantonese 🦐 Must-try: Dim sum & seafood (skip soy-sauce dishes – local soy tastes off!). 2. 88 Seafood Restaurant 📍 Unassuming exterior, packed tables! 💰 Value: Fresh seafood (Chaozhou-style), wallet-friendly prices. 3. We Ai Family 🍱 Cheap lunchboxes + decent Chinese buns | ☕ Surprisingly good drinks! ⏳ Patience required: Slow service. 🍣 Japanese & Korean 1. Kang’s Kitchen 🇰🇷 Hit: Korean BBQ pork belly + crispy sweet-spicy chicken 🍜 Chinese-friendly flavors! 2. Ramen Duo (Menya Hanabi / Makotoya) 📍 Mall chains | 🍜 Hanabi = brothy | Makotoya = dry noodles 💸 Overpriced for okay ramen (better than local food, but not Japan-level). 3. Robata Grill 📍 Hotel setting | 🍱 Jack-of-all-trades: Teppanyaki, curry, sushi, Thai 🥦 Bright spot: Grilled veggies on the hot plate. 🗒️ Key Takeaways for Colombo Dining: Temper Expectations: "Food oasis" ≠ Sri Lanka’s strength – these are relative standouts. Price Reality: Fine dining costs ~$50+ pp; casual meals ~$10-15. Soy Sauce Warning: Stick to seafood/dim sum at Chinese spots! Hidden Gems: 88 Seafood > fancy hotels for value. #ColomboFoodGuide #SriLankaEats #TravelBites #FoodieFinds #ColomboRestaurants #NoFilterReviews