Peshawri — Restaurant in Colombo

Underwhelming and leaves a lot to be desired. Perhaps I expected more (a lot more) after my stays at the ITC Grand Chola, which displayed a level of luxury and service that was phenomenal. In comparison (and perhaps that's my problem) this property paled - it just didn't have quite the wow factor as you walked in to the hotel. It seemed a bit disorganized and the flow didn't quite make sense. As for the restaurant, it started from the flat and soggy papad, which we asked 3 times mentioning it was like a flappy paper napkin, and all 3 times it remained the same (a bad sign for things to come). The murgh makhni was "bitter" - I'm not sure how they made "butter chicken" (which is what this dish should be), bitter chicken. We ordered a lamb dish (sikandari raan) that was slow cooked and fell off the bone (very good), however the taste was off - almost like it was cooked with a hint of fire accelerant. The black lentils (dhal bhukara) was ok. The giant naan they had was tough, inconsistently dense (some parts felt like you were trying to tear a piece of rubber). The tandoori pomfret was the only thing we found moderately palatable, and so we ordered a second. Surprise! The second didn't taste as good as the first and didn't have the same tandoori flavors, which is alarming as consistency is missing. Service was lacklustre as well. Asked for ice twice - none arrived. We had to flag down and call servers. There was no periodic check to see how the table was doing or if we needed anything. A lassi arrived 45 mins after ordering. I think a chef and mgmt staff from ITC Grand Chola should drop in for a surprise visit and try menu items and experience this. I was super excited to see the hotel was finally open, (which it wasn't in April during my last visit to Sri Lanka a few months ago), and the entire experience was quite disappointing to say the least, especially for their famous Peshawri restaurant. Leaves a lot to be desired compared to the Grand Chola experience. Note - the Ahasa sky deck was beautifully done and had a nice bar with live...

Our experience at Peshawar’s was nothing short of outstanding. My wife was too tired to dine at the restaurant on the third floor, so I inquired if we could order for pickup, as their menu wasn’t listed in the in-room dining options. The staff immediately assured me that they would deliver the food directly to our room, showcasing their thoughtfulness and flexibility.

I ordered the single fixed menu, selecting three starter kebabs—fish, prawn, and mutton seekh. The jumbo prawn was exceptionally juicy, the fish succulent, and the mutton seekh packed with rich flavors. My wife opted for pomfret fish and requested plain rice, which wasn’t on the menu. Without hesitation, the staff made it happen, going the extra mile to accommodate her preference.

For the main course, I ordered dal Bukhara and murgh makhani, paired with two plain rotis—a truly hearty and satisfying meal. The flavors were authentic, the portions generous, and the food arrived fresh and well-presented within 40 minutes.

A delightful surprise came when we forgot about our kulfi dessert. Just as we finished our meal, the room doorbell rang, and the staff delivered the kulfi separately, explaining that they wanted us to enjoy the meal first before indulging in dessert—a thoughtful touch that truly elevated the experience. The kulfi was excellent, rounding off a perfect dining experience.

From exceptional food to impeccable service, Peshawar’s exceeded our expectations in every way. Highly...

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Dining at Peshawari, ITC Ratnadipa was truly an unforgettable experience. The restaurant brings the authentic charm of the North-West Frontier right to Colombo, and every detail—from the rustic décor to the aroma of the tandoor—adds to the experience.

The food was exceptional and lived up to its legendary reputation. The Dal Bukhara was rich, creamy, and slow-cooked to perfection—comforting yet indulgent. Equally impressive was the Sikandari Raan, a showstopper in every sense. The lamb was beautifully marinated, tender, and bursting with flavor, making it one of the highlights of the meal. Every dish we tried reflected authenticity, high-quality ingredients, and impeccable preparation.

A special mention must go to Azman, who took our dining experience to the next level. From the moment we arrived, his warmth and professionalism stood out. He explained the signature dishes with great knowledge and made thoughtful recommendations that suited our preferences perfectly. What touched us most were his personal gestures—he surprised us with small handmade cards, delicate flower bouquets, and even gifted us a charming copper tumbler as a souvenir. These thoughtful touches went far beyond service; they created memories we will truly cherish.

Peshawari at ITC Ratnadipa is more than just a restaurant—it is a celebration of flavor and heartfelt hospitality....