Port View Restaurant BYOB — Restaurant in Colombo

I am a regular patron of Port View Restaurant, having visited over 20 to 30 times. Initially, I intended to share a review based on my positive experiences at the restaurant. However, I felt it necessary to address a recent Google review by an individual named “D M De,” who criticized the live performers despite his own inappropriate behavior. I witnessed an incident involving him, which was both disturbing and uncharacteristic of my usual visits to this establishment. Mr. D M De, accompanied by several friends, was noticeably disruptive while others enjoyed their evening in a composed manner. As a general principle, it is unprofessional and inconsiderate to disturb performers, whether they are musicians or DJs regardless of one's level of intoxication.

Throughout the evening, Mr. D M De was heavily drunk and repeatedly approached the stage, interrupting the live singer, and insisted on specific song requests by thrusting his phone in front of the performer’s face. He persistently held his phone in front of the singer’s face, demanding that his song requests be fulfilled immediately. Despite this, the singer displayed extraordinary patience and professionalism, eventually stating, “If you disturb me, I won’t fulfill your requests.” Mr. D M De’s demands were neither humble nor respectful, but rather disruptive and inappropriate.

While it is reasonable for a performer to consider audience requests, it should not occur in the middle of another song. Mr. D M De failed to grasp this basic courtesy. Live performers are there to provide entertainment, and it is essential to allow them to perform their duties without unnecessary interruptions.

Furthermore, Mr. D M De and his companions resorted to booing and hissing at the singer, which is not only disrespectful but also raises questions about their education and upbringing. Despite facing such hostility, the singer maintained his composure and responded graciously with a simple "Thank You!" in acknowledgment of their behavior. This incident sheds light on the stark contrast in behavior between the performer, who tirelessly entertains for five hours without breaks, and drunk Mr. D M De, whose disruptive actions marred an otherwise enjoyable evening for patrons.

Visitors to such establishments must understand the importance of respecting the hotel management, staff, and live performers. Regardless of the amount spent, patrons must remember that they do not own the venue and should show consideration for others. Upon further investigation, I discovered that Mr. D M De has exhibited similar behavior and left negative reviews at other restaurants. This pattern suggests a recurring habit rather than isolated incidents.

Lastly, I was accompanied by two Indian doctors who expressed deep concern about the disturbance caused to the live performer. They emphasized the universal importance of respecting musicians during their performances, stating, “If you wish to make a request, wait until the singer finishes their current song, approach them politely, and then make your request very humbly.” They noted that such disruptions are unheard of in their country and expressed disappointment in witnessing such behavior.

I feel compelled to urge the hotel management to take proactive measures by prominently displaying NOTICES requesting patrons to refrain from disrupting live performances. It is crucial for maintaining a conducive environment for both performers and guests. In venues like this, the quality of entertainment directly impacts customer satisfaction.

As for the restaurant itself, Port View offers an exceptional experience with delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere. The serene environment allows guests to enjoy stunning views of the sea and port city while relishing live music performances. The pricing of the food is also quite reasonable. If you visit on Thursdays and Fridays, you can enjoy continuous music and DJs, enhancing the overall dining experience. I would rate Port View 4...

Visited this restaurant last night. The entertainment was the highlight – a live music band performed and they were absolutely fantastic. It made our night truly enjoyable and fun. For that alone, I'd give 5 stars.

However, the rest of the experience was quite disappointing.

They promote that the band starts at 7 PM, but in reality, it began closer to 8 PM. The photos online are misleading – the actual place looks unfinished and is not well-maintained. It's located near the sea, but there’s no access to the beach and the view is just a glimpse of the port, far away.

When booking, they sent a long list of policies including a dress code, so we expected a classy, well-kept venue. But instead, it felt more like a casual outdoor shed, with plastic and half-wooden furniture, poor ventilation, and broken fans and lights. It was very hot, and when it rained, water came inside. Also, smoking is allowed indoors, which is very uncomfortable for non-smokers.

Cleanliness was a major issue – plates and glasses weren’t properly cleaned. The toilets were very basic and not well-maintained. The smell inside was salty and not fresh.

We were also billed differently from the menu prices, and when we asked, they said they forgot to update the menu. We didn’t argue, but it felt unprofessional. The booking coordinator was not courteous and spoke to customers too casually – not the way you expect in a place that promotes itself as refined.

On the food – it was tasty overall, but some items were overpriced. Especially avoid the 1kg Hot Butter Mushroom and Sausage – both cost over Rs. 4,500, which is too much for what you get.

In short: ✔️ Live music = Excellent (200%) ❌ Venue = Poorly maintained ❌ Cleanliness, service, and value for money = Needs serious improvement

Would I go again? Only if the entertainment is the priority – not for the...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Port View Restaurant, and it was truly a wonderful experience from start to finish.

Ambiance The ambience was absolutely delightful. The restaurant offers a beautiful view, creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere perfect for both casual and special outings. The seating was comfortable, the décor tasteful, and everything was exceptionally clean and well-maintained. It’s a great place to unwind while enjoying scenic surroundings.

Service The service was equally impressive. The staff were friendly, welcoming, and very attentive to every need without being intrusive. Food and drinks were served promptly, and the team ensured that the entire dining experience was smooth and pleasant.

Food The food was outstanding — rich in flavour, beautifully presented, and served in generous portions. Every dish we tried was fresh and delicious, clearly prepared with quality ingredients. Considering the portion sizes and quality, the prices were reasonable and offered excellent value for money.

Highlights One of the best parts of the visit was enjoying the lovely view while dining. It added an extra touch to the meal, making the experience even more memorable. It's definitely a fantastic spot to catch a sunset if you visit at the right time.

Overall Recommendation I would highly recommend Port View Restaurant to anyone looking for a satisfying dining experience. Whether you're planning a family meal, a romantic date, or a casual hangout with friends, this restaurant is an excellent choice. I’m definitely looking forward to...