Cafe Aroma Inn — Restaurant in Central Province

Pros: clean and pleasant-looking establishment

Cons: awful food, understaffed, bad service

My husband and I visited Cafe Aroma yesterday (Sunday) for lunch and we could not figure out why it has such high reviews. The establishment is clean and presentable, however, that's the highlight of our experience there. We requested to be seated at a table by the windows which seemed to have been recently vacated (a couple of dirty plates lingered). Our server informed us that it was taken, so we sat elsewhere. However, the table was cleared for another couple who walked in ten minutes after us and requested to be seated there. Their menu is quite varied and this is probably their downfall. We were in the mood for pasta and I ordered a mushroom fettuccine, my husband ordered a beef lasagna. We were promptly served two small glasses of water and this was the only water we received until after our meal. I think they might have been understaffed because we didn't see much of our waiter. My mushroom fettuccine ended up being a heaping pile of oily pasta stir fried with what seemed like soy sauce topped with spotty globs of melted cheese and shredded green capsicum and a few bits of parsley. And to top off my disappointment, the mushroom was nowhere to be found. Our waiter did not come around to check if the food was ok. I showed the manager my plate, he acted concerned for a second then scurried off. I was about to pass out from hunger at this point and ate the odd tasting Chinese-Italian mess on my plate. My husband's lasagna was a pool of tomato sauce and extremely salty, terribly cooked ground beef topped with only ONE sheet of overcooked pasta. It was so dreadful, I don't even think it could have been called a lasagna. Again, our server was nowhere to be found; our water wasn't refilled at any point during our meal. My husband could not eat his lasagna and upon telling the manager what was wrong, he was politely told that this was a very popular dish and that there had been no troubles with it before. Our waiter only showed up after I was done eating to refill our glasses. We paid for only one dish and could not get out of there fast enough to find something else to eat.

Maybe this establishment has some palatable meals but I doubt any of them include their dozen or so pasta dishes. They would be better off not listing on their menu dishes which they cannot even come close to cooking properly. Or at the very least, cooks should Google the dish so that they have an idea of what it's supposed to look...

Cafe Aroma Inn in Kandy, Sri Lanka, offers a delightful blend of comfort, convenience, and culinary excellence, making it a standout choice for travelers exploring this historic city.

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🏨 Accommodation & Amenities

Situated at No. 98, Colombo Street, the inn boasts a prime location just 0.2 km from Kandy’s city center and a mere 328 feet from the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic . Guests consistently praise its cleanliness, modern decor, and value for money, with rooms featuring air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The property underwent renovations in 2022, ensuring updated facilities for a comfortable stay .  

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☕ Dining Experience

The on-site café is a culinary gem, offering a diverse menu that spans Sri Lankan, European, and café-style dishes. Notably, their iced coffee has been lauded as “the best I’ve had since being in Sri Lanka,” and the portions are deemed perfect . The café caters to various dietary preferences, providing vegetarian and vegan options, and serves meals throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch. 

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🌟 Service & Atmosphere

The staff at Cafe Aroma Inn are frequently commended for their friendliness and attentiveness. Whether accommodating late-night check-ins or assisting with special requests, their commitment to guest satisfaction is evident . The ambiance combines modern aesthetics with a cozy atmosphere, enhanced by thoughtful touches like free Wi-Fi, television access, and highchairs for families.  

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📍 Location & Accessibility

Beyond its proximity to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the inn is conveniently located near other attractions such as the Kandy View Point and Jayamali Batiks Studio . Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the city’s cultural landmarks and vibrant streets. 

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✅ Final Verdict

With an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from over 290 reviews, Cafe Aroma Inn is celebrated for its exceptional location, quality accommodations, and outstanding service . Whether you’re visiting Kandy for its rich history or vibrant culture, this inn offers a welcoming and...

Ambience: Cafe Aroma Inn is celebrated for its cozy and inviting ambience, offering a relaxed atmosphere perfect for both solo visits and gatherings with friends and family. Cafe Aroma Inn offers delectable cuisine and comfortable accommodations for travellers seeking a cozy retreat. The inn boasts charming rooms that exude warmth and comfort, providing guests with a peaceful sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Guests can expect a relaxing stay at Cafe Aroma Inn with tastefully decorated interiors and modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi and cozy bedding.

Cuisine: From traditional Sri Lankan delicacies to international favourites, the cafe offers a wide range of options to suit every taste bud.

Service: Service at Cafe Aroma Inn is exemplary, with friendly and attentive staff who go above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience for guests throughout their stay. Whether it's offering menu recommendations, accommodating special requests, or ensuring prompt service, the staff's hospitality enhances the overall experience.

Location and Convenience: Conveniently situated in the heart of Kandy, Cafe Aroma Inn offers easy access to the city's top attractions, including the Temple of the Tooth Relic and Kandy Lake. Whether strolling through the vibrant streets or immersing oneself in the rich cultural heritage of the region, guests can explore the wonders of Kandy with ease from their base at Cafe Aroma Inn.

Overall Experience: In conclusion, Cafe Aroma Inn offers a delightful combination of comfortable accommodations, delectable cuisine, and attentive service, making it a standout choice for travellers visiting Kandy, Sri Lanka. Whether seeking a peaceful retreat or a culinary adventure, guests are sure to cherish their time at Cafe Aroma Inn and create unforgettable memories in this enchanting...