Navratna Restaurant — Restaurant in Colombo

I had the pleasure of dining at Navratna Restaurant last night, and it was an extraordinary experience that left me thoroughly impressed. Located in Taj samudra colombo, this hidden gem offers a delightful ambiance with a touch of rich culture that sets the perfect tone for a memorable culinary adventure. As soon as I stepped inside Navratna, I was captivated by its inviting atmosphere. The interior design showcased traditional elements combined with modern aesthetics, creating a warm and welcoming space. The attentive staff added to the charm, ensuring every guest felt well taken care of. Now, let's dive into the main highlight – the food. The menu boasted an array of tantalizing dishes, and I was thrilled to explore the diverse flavors of their offerings. I started my journey with the Ran Sikanderi, and I was instantly taken aback by the succulent pieces of mutton cooked to perfection. The spices used in the marinade provided a burst of flavors that lingered on my palate, leaving me craving for more. Next up was the Mutton Fry – a true delight for meat lovers. The tender mutton pieces were expertly spiced, resulting in a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. I couldn't help but appreciate the chef's skill in crafting such an exquisite dish. The Chicken Roast was another winner – crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. The marination was a well-kept secret that elevated the chicken to a level of culinary excellence that I seldom encounter. I relished every bite, savoring the symphony of flavors. Anday ki Bhujia was a pleasant surprise, a delightful egg dish cooked to perfection. The creamy and flavorsome gravy complemented the eggs, making it a dish that I'd recommend to anyone seeking a unique and delectable experience. No meal is complete without some soul-warming comfort food, and the Tarkay Wali Daal was just that. This lentil preparation was rich, hearty, and a comforting addition to the meal, enhancing the overall dining experience. The best part? Despite the exceptional quality of the food and the opulent ambiance, Navratna Restaurant manages to strike the perfect balance when it comes to pricing. The portions were generous, and the value for money was unparalleled. In conclusion, if you find yourself in Sri Lanka, a visit to Navratna Restaurant is an absolute must. From the moment you step in, you'll be embraced by the cultural charm and heartwarming ambiance. And when it comes to the food, prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable culinary journey. The Ran Sikanderi, Mutton Fry, Chicken Roast, Anday ki Bhujia, Tarkay Wali Daal – every dish was a revelation of flavors, and I left the restaurant with a sense of pure culinary satisfaction. Navratna Restaurant has certainly earned its place as one of the finest dining establishments in Sri Lanka, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone appreciates Indian good food and a memorable...

Last day dinner in Sri Lanka and I was in the mood for a last typical cozy Sri Lankan curry. As I was super tired after a long day I was willing to pay a bit more for a decent meal where I didn't have to travel too far.

Firstly, the restaurant is inside another restaurant inside an hotel, which made it difficult to find. I showed the waiter a picture from one of the reviews as I could not understand the menu descriptions so well. He said it's a butter chicken (which I did not see listed on the menu).

At about 21:45 two separate waiters came to my table asking if I was done & if all is OK, fidgeting with my plates - it felt like they were hinting me to leave. I must give them credit on the service though as it was very good. They were very attentive.

The reason for the deduction in rating is mostly due to the shock when I received the bill and saw that I have to pay 34% more than the listed prices on the menu. A 10% service fee & 24%tax. The 10% I get, but I have never paid additional taxes on meals during my entire trip through Sri Lanka. Maybe this is due to the hotel charge, but thought it was worth mentioning in the review. It is not a nice surprise to get at the end. I don't know why they can't just include the tax in the price they state on the menu. So to summarize this was by far the most expensive meal I have eaten while in this country (7,035 Lkr for butter chicken, Naan and sparkling water) which is more than double the most expensive meals...

We dined at Taj Navratna yesterday, and the experience was nothing short of exceptional. Though it was a busy day for them from the moment we were seated, the team made us feel truly welcome, with service that was both attentive and gracious throughout the meal.

We started with the Jheenga Masala, which was absolutely delicious which was a generous portion of lagoon prawns cooked in a thick, richly spiced masala gravy. The flavours were deep and satisfying, with the prawns cooked perfectly. The Gosht Roganjosh followed, and it was another standout as it had tender pieces of mutton infused with traditional Kashmiri spices, creating a beautifully balanced, aromatic dish.

We paired both curries with a Jheenga Parat Biryani, which brought together fragrant rice and flavourful prawns in layers of subtle spice and richness. To accompany everything, we ordered a bread basket that included roti, naan, and paratha all fresh, warm, and perfect for soaking up every bit of the gravies.

We wrapped up the meal with two cups of masala chai, which were the perfect end — soothing, spiced just right, and served with care.

Navratna offered not just great food, but a complete dining experience. It’s the kind of place you leave already planning...