Central Cafe — Restaurant in Colombo

Central Cafe, It Completes the Day

We're from KL Malaysia, on a short holidays to Colombo and Kandy. We had just completed a 3-hour guided tour around Colombo city taking in some local attractions and shopping. The legs needed some well deserved rest and my better half aka The Boss walked into Central Cafe, Shangri-la Hotel at One Galle Face. As it turned out, and as always she's spot on with her choice. Comfy settings and relaxing ambiance, it was a much welcome haven. We were quickly attended to by Ms Tiana in a most naturally friendly way. It's as though it was our regular place, our home ground as we would fondly call such restaurants back in KL. We instantly tuned to a relax at-home mode. The Boss enjoyed the sandwich and fries as it was a familiar joy, perfectly toasted and well made. For the moment, it beats even the curry crabs and seafoods that's Colombo, hands-down. Me, I only had the humble latte done to my way, less milk and extra shot. Attended to without any fuss, and how good it was! Simple foods done superbly well, in a place like we're back home. Add friendly service from people with happy smiles. That completes the day. So a huge shout-out to Ms Tiana (and yes you do look like a friend of mine), her supervisor Kasun, barista Anuradini, Chrish, Yasas and Mahesh. You guys keep those happy smiles going. It's warms the hearts even of those that come in for a quick bite and a cuppa latte! Yes, love goes...

Friday Night Dinner at Central Restaurant

I recently visited Central restaurant with group for a Friday night dinner. Overall, the experience was pleasant, but it strikes me as an average buffet with a higher price point compared to other restaurants of similar capacity in the area.

Food and Taste: Taste-wise, the food was great, although there was a noticeable lack of variety. For example, the selection of meats was limited to chicken, pork, mutton, and some beef cold cuts. On a brighter note, their seafood soup was delicious and easily my favourite dish of the evening. Additionally, the food presentation and decorations were impressive, adding a visually appealing touch to the meal.

Service: The service was commendable, with friendly and attentive staff. However, they seemed a bit rushed when collecting cutlery, which slightly disrupted the dining experience.

Location and Parking: Located in the prestigious Shangri-La, there were no issues with parking availability. However, it’s worth noting that valet parking is not offered, which might be an inconvenience for some guests.

In summary, Central Restaurant provides a good dining experience with tasty food and excellent service, but the limited variety and higher pricing might make it less appealing compared to other...

The Central Café has access to both the Shangri-La hotel and the One Galle Face Mall. The café had cool interiors, quite candyfloss kinds.

I got a table readily and ordered a Dark Chocolate Olive Oil cake to heighten my sugar rush, but I am afraid to report that it was not to my liking.

But then, the taste in my mouth was improved instantaneously and magnificently with the Sri Lankan Chicken Curry that came next.

Oh my! It was chicken stewed with spices and it ALSO had two vegetable curries, pol sambal, papadum and steamed basmati rice to go with it.

My goodness! Now that is called a meal!! Well, of course, the portion size was too much, and I had to leave some of it, but the taste made me want to be able to finish it all.

The Lankan Chicken Curry was absolutely scrummy! The staff ensured I was paid attention to and kept in good spirits. The Central Café dispenses off the formal behaviour that is expected in a five-star hotel. Here, you don’t have to be in a defined dress code; you can just walk in & enjoy!

Something that excited me at Central Café, but I could not try, was the Tea Treats offer. It is a high tea but not as extensive as is found in hotels, more like a miniature version of it.

What a perfect...