El Barrio - Tapas & Wine Bar — Restaurant in Colombo

A Perfect Culinary Escape at El Barrio – Tapas & Wine Bar

If you’re looking for a truly memorable dining experience in a cozy, vibrant setting, El Barrio – Tapas & Wine Bar is an absolute must-visit. From the moment you walk in, the warm ambiance, thoughtfully curated interiors, and attentive staff create a welcoming environment that instantly transports you to the heart of Spain.

We visited for dinner, and everything – from the service to the last bite – was exceptional.

Food: The menu is a delightful celebration of authentic Spanish flavors, and every dish we tried was perfectly prepared and beautifully presented. The patatas bravas were crispy on the outside, soft inside, and drizzled with a rich aioli and a spicy tomato sauce that added just the right kick. The garlic prawns (gambas al ajillo) came sizzling to the table and were bursting with flavor – juicy, garlicky, and unforgettable.

One of the highlights was the chorizo al vino – Spanish sausage simmered in red wine – a dish that perfectly balanced spice, smoke, and depth. We also tried the Spanish omelette (tortilla de patatas) and it was fluffy and delicious, with the potatoes cooked to perfection.

For a more hearty option, we shared the seafood paella, which was loaded with fresh prawns, mussels, and calamari, cooked in a fragrant saffron rice base. It was rich, aromatic, and one of the best paellas we’ve ever had outside Spain.

Drinks: The wine list is thoughtfully curated with a wide range of Spanish and international selections. The staff offered excellent pairing suggestions that truly enhanced the meal. We tried their house red and a glass of sangria – both were smooth, well-balanced, and complemented the tapas perfectly. The sangria, in particular, was refreshing and not overly sweet, with a generous amount of fresh fruit.

Service: The service deserves a special mention. The staff was knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely passionate about the food and wine. They were happy to explain dishes and offer recommendations, and everything was delivered in a timely and professional manner. It’s rare to find service this attentive and warm.

Ambience: El Barrio offers a chic yet intimate atmosphere. The soft lighting, tasteful décor, and Spanish music in the background make it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner, a relaxed evening with friends, or even a solo wine and tapas session. Every detail adds to the overall experience – from the rustic wooden furniture to the stylish bar area.

Overall: El Barrio – Tapas & Wine Bar is a gem of a place that checks every box – delicious food, outstanding service, charming ambiance, and a fantastic drinks selection. Whether you’re a tapas enthusiast or just looking to try something new, this spot will not disappoint.

Highly recommended, and I’ll definitely be returning...

Had high expectations walking into this restaurant for it to not be met with, even once.

Service: Absolutely slow, we were not told about the tapas menu initially & was unable to find it via the menu until the waiter pointed it out on the side of the wall on the second time around.

Despite ordering (Tomato bread, Calamari, Octopus, Fried Onion Rings, Sausage wrapped In bacon, Prosciutto Bread) we received our order almost one hour later. The waiter got the order wrong and even refused to write it down to remember properly; ended up bringing two octopus & Garlic shrimp instead. Totally forgot about the Onion rings and calamari we ordered.

We ordered two beers, which took almost 25 minutes to be brought. Right after we ordered two more, in which it was delivered to the wrong table and upon telling the waiters they tried to take it back from that table and bring it back to ours. (Which is someone that should never be done in an F&B establishment)

I counted, the waiter approximately said sorry to us 14 times throughout the 1.5 hours we were there for. Which is absolutely embarrassing if I was the owner of that establishment.

Lastly, the Ambience: The owner and his group of friends were at the table beside us. They were extremely intoxicated and really did not set the vibe or standard of the restaurant. One of the guests on that table kept starring in a disgusting way towards the lady at my table too.

This is not how an F&B establishment should be run. The owner should really revamp his restaurant & the standards, himself, and his friends.

Myself being someone who has a strong foundation in the Hospitality industry, this is embarrassing to see. I wouldn’t recommend anyone to go to this restaurant unless the owner decides to put his customers first and make a...

Wow!! I must say I had the absolute tremendous Iced Coffees here and Sanjay, the barista, was such a delightfully kind host as I spent my time there. Truly did not expect a Shakerato to be present here in Sri Lanka, but to my utmost surprise it was not only made with just the right balance of ice and caffeine, it was better than most ones I've tried in Milan! Sanjay was so genuine and made the visit such a hoot. I will be coming again for the Shakerato of course, but by judging from the quality of the drink, to try out their entire coffee menu! Truly such an underrated find. And the rest of the staff was super friendly as well!

updated review So I went there again and I must say I had the most horrendous experience ever. The coffee I ordered was so incredibly downgraded compared to my first experience. It took so long to prepare only for it to taste so bland and super cold as well. The sandwich was stale and cold, plus the servers were noisy and didn't seem to be welcoming. I don't usually tend to edit reviews, but with the experience my friends and I had, I didn't want to recommend this place to anyone. Not worth the hassle as the owner (or lady in charge, I assume) themselves were there next to our table and didn't seem to act professional at all. They were super loud and...