Lakeside: Seafood Feast for 6000 LKR, Unbeatable Value 🌟

After trying several 5-star hotel buffets in Colombo, I can confidently say: The Dining Room at Cinnamon Lakeside lives and breathes "value for money" — 6000 LKR (≈¥140) per person, a steal among 5-stars that often charge over 10,000 LKR. Planned to "taste lightly," but left stuffed, still raving: "The freshness of sushi, the zing of salad, the crunch of fried seafood — every rupee was worth it"🦞 💰 Let’s Talk Value: A "Budget-Friendly Gem" Among 5-Stars Having paid over ¥200 for underwhelming 5-star buffets in Colombo, The Dining Room’s 6000 LKR price tag is a revelation: Cost: 30%-40% cheaper than comparable 5-star spots, even cheaper than a la carte at some (internet-famous) restaurants; Variety: Seafood, sushi, hot dishes, desserts — all covered, with staff refilling trays so fast empty plates barely stay empty. No "fighting for food" here; Quality: 5-star standards for freshness and hygiene — no "cheap = low quality" compromises. A local friend noted: "Half the guests at Cinnamon come for this buffet. Locals love it on weekends — the value is unbeatable." 🍣 Must-Try Dishes: These Three Had Me Going Back for More Circling the spread with a plate, I quickly realized the standouts — these had me coming back again and again: Sushi station is a standout! Not pre-made fare — chefs hand-roll at the counter: Salmon sushi with thick, droopy fish, rice perfectly seasoned with vinegar (tangy but not overpowering); tuna sushi glows with a fresh pink hue, melting in the mouth, even the nori stays crisp. Grabbed three plates in a row without hesitation; Tuna salad redefined my expectations: More than "tuna + veggies," it’s a mix of flaked tuna, avocado, onion, and lemon-olive oil dressing, balanced to perfection. The tuna’s freshness, avocado’s creaminess, and onion’s subtle kick collide like a "bite of sea breeze." Wrapped in lettuce leaves, I “binge-ate” three bowls easily; Fried seafood platter is a delight: Shrimp, calamari rings, small fish coated in a thin, crispy batter — golden and glossy, crunching loudly on first bite, yet not greasy. Shrimp bounce inside, calamari chewy-sweet, even fish bones fry crisp. Dipped in tartar sauce, it’s carb + seafood joy, maxed out. The curry crab and grilled lamb chops at the hot station are solid too — not mind-blowing, but hearty: Crab meat in coconut curry, lamb chops charred and juicy, paired with local long-grain rice for pure satisfaction. 🌿 Ambiance: 5-Star Elegance, No Stiffness As Cinnamon Lakeside’s signature restaurant, The Dining Room has a lovely vibe: Decor is understated luxury: Wooden tables with light-colored chair covers, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the hotel’s lake (fitting "Lakeside"), greenery creeping in corners. Sunlight streams in, gilding plates with soft light; Service is "invisible thoughtfulness": Plates cleared before you notice, refilling staff smiling to ask "more sushi?" No 5-star snootiness — more like a "polished canteen"; Pace is relaxed: No "time limits" — linger from lunch to afternoon, ambling for refills, watching pigeons flit over the lake. Even buffet-eating feels unhurried and pleasant. 📍 Practical Tips: How to Make the Most of It Price: 6000 LKR/person (all-inclusive), with half-price for kids — great for families; Best time: Weekend lunches are busier but refills faster; weekday dinners are quieter, perfect for a leisurely feast; Hidden hack: Ask chefs for extra wasabi with sushi, pair with tuna salad’s freshness to cut richness; eat fried seafood hot — it gets slightly oily when cool; Location: Inside Cinnamon Lakeside hotel. Search "The Dining Room, Cinnamon Lakeside" on Google Maps — 15 minutes by taxi from the city center. Leaving, I stood by the hotel lake, belly full, the scent of sushi rice and flowers in the breeze. Suddenly, I got why "this is Colombo’s top 5-star buffet" — no flashy tricks, just "fresh, hearty, affordable" that hits the spot. Want 5-star treatment in Colombo without overspending? This is it. After all, ¥140 for a "stuffed-to-the-brim" feast? Rare and wonderful😋 #ColomboBuffet #5StarDining #SriLankaFood #BudgetEats #SeafoodFeast #TravelFoodie