Sri Lanka’s Hidden Greek Gem 🇬🇷 Colombo’s Nikki
Turning into Park Street’s alley in Colombo, I never expected to stumble on an authentic Greek restaurant—Nikki, a blue-and-white gem tucked away, hit the moment I walked in: aroma of grilled octopus mixed with olive oil, staff smiling as they handed over menus, even napkins replaced before you noticed. At ~¥120 per person, it feels like dining in Santorini, truly a hidden favorite✨ 🌊 Ambiance: Mediterranean in Colombo, Photos Worthy of Greece The second I sat down, the vibe won me over— Walls painted Santorini white, blue-and-white striped curtains, terracotta pots with dried flowers. Sunlight through shutters dappled blue-and-white checkered tablecloths, like blowing Greek sea breezes into Sri Lanka; Each table had a small bunch of lavender, even plates were blue-rimmed white porcelain. Wear a floral dress, snap a pic with a wine glass and grilled octopus, and Moments will ask “Is this Greece?”📸; Small but not cramped, window seats for street views, booths separated by greenery. Perfect for chats or dates—no trendy café chaos, just “slow dining” warmth. 🍴 Dishes: Classic Greek, No Bad Choices The short menu’s all hits—safe even for first-time Greek food ers: Grilled Octopus Leg: Served hot, octopus charred at edges, juices running through flesh when cut. Tender yet springy, lemon juice and olive oil cutting any fishiness, leaving pure seafood freshness. Even the rosemary garnish feels Mediterranean; Greek Salad: Chunked tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, piled with soft mozzarella (like tender tofu), drizzled with olive oil vinaigrette. Tangy, fresh, cheese creaminess mixing with veg crunch—refreshing after meat. A must-post-grill dish; Moussaka: Greek “layered eggplant”—eggplant slices with ground beef, baked with béchamel sauce till golden. One spoonful: eggplant creaminess, meaty aroma, rich sauce blending. Pair with bread for carb joy, warm like “Greek grandma’s cooking”; Honey Yogurt: Dessert non-negotiable! Thick Greek yogurt clinging to the spoon, perfectly tangy, drizzled with local floral honey, sprinkled with walnuts. One bite: sweet-tart with nut crunch—like a palate shower. 💁 Service: Detail-Oriented, Nicer Than You Expect The praise for service is spot-on: Lemon water arrives as you sit, empty plates whisked away after each course, napkins refreshed—table always spotless, even crumbs wiped up; Staff check in occasionally: “How’s the food? Need extra sauce?” but never hover. Mention “octopus is salty” and they bring a small bowl of yogurt to balance, genuine as friends; Checkout: “Need a doggy bag?” Packaged in biodegradable boxes, plus a “Greek food guide” (how to pair salad with bread, yogurt with honey)—details warm the heart. 💰 Value: ~¥120 for Vibe & Flavor, Worth It ~¥120 isn’t cheap in Colombo, but with food, ambiance, and service, it’s a steal: Octopus, salad, main, dessert for two: under ¥200, more solid than many trendy spots; No “vibe tax”—flavor and service deliver, even students can splurge occasionally; Locals love it too. A Sri Lankan uncle at the next table: “I come weekly for the octopus”—trust locals’ picks. 📍 Pro Tips: Address: 50/1 Park St, Colombo 00700(search “Nikki” on Google Maps); Phone: (075) 7070099. Book window seats ahead, especially weekends; Best time: Dusk—sunlight through windows makes blue-white decor softer, perfect lighting for photos; Hack: Add 100 LKR for “cheese-topped” moussaka—creaminess doubled! Leaving, honey yogurt in hand, evening breeze cool. Glancing back at Nikki’s blue-white sign, I get why it’s “hidden”—no gimmicks, just authentic flavor, cozy ambiance, and attentive service, making every diner feel “valued.” Seeking “small but amazing” in Colombo? Nikki will be your top repeat spot🇬🇷 #ColomboFood #HiddenRestaurants #GreekCuisine #TravelDining #FoodieFind