Tabe — Restaurant in Colombo

If you're looking for a unique dining experience, Tabe is a must-visit! This new Japanese restaurant brings a fresh twist to the culinary scene by using locally sourced Sri Lankan ingredients to craft authentic dishes. The vibe is perfect — a cool, retro-modern aesthetic with plenty of space, ensuring you're never cramped up while enjoying your meal.

Let's talk drinks — their signature cocktail menu is a game-changer. We highly recommend trying their cocktails, and if you're unsure, the staff are more than happy to offer fantastic recommendations. I personally had the Veralu with Gin, and wow, it was a delightful surprise for the taste buds — an absolute hit!

Now, for the food — though I don't have pictures (it was honestly too tempting to wait before digging in!), let me tell you, it’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. We left the choices to Wishmalak and, wow, we were absolutely blown away. This is not your run-of-the-mill sushi-and-miso menu. Wishmalek truly knows his craft — having been trained by some of the best in the world, the flavor combinations were incredible, perfectly complementing each main ingredient. This level of detail and skill is rare, especially in Sri Lanka.

Things we tried, The Nama (raw sashimi) Mullet with Passionfruit Ponzu Okoge Tuna Karaage Mushrooms with Homemade Furikake

The service deserves a mention too. The entire team made us feel incredibly welcome throughout our visit, paying attention to the smallest details. Special thanks to Wishmalek for not only explaining the dishes but also making the whole experience even more enjoyable.

To top it all off, Tabe offers great value for money — you’re getting an exceptional dining experience without breaking the bank. Highly recommended for anyone craving more than just Japanese food — it’s a place that delivers great food, period. We’ll definitely be back. And no, this is not a paid review, just a genuinely...

I've had the pleasure of dining at Tabe twice now, and each visit has been nothing short of exceptional. During my first experience, I was fortunate enough to sit right in front of Wishmalak, the head chef. As he skillfully prepared a variety of dishes, he took the time to explain the culinary concepts behind each creation. It was a delightful immersion into the local sourcing ethos, which I truly appreciate.

Among the standout dishes were the Nama Snapper, a beautifully crafted raw sashimi, the Okoge Spicy Tuna, and a refreshing cold noodle salad to conclude the meal. The restaurant exudes intimacy, with a casual dining ambiance that perfectly complements the innovative menu. The ever-changing offerings, neatly displayed on a blackboard, promise something new and exciting with each visit.

Kudos to Radha, Dmi, and Wishmalak for their outstanding work in creating such a memorable...

A must visit new spot in Colombo. Really lovely intimate seating, great friendly and professional service. The Head Chef Wishmalak explained the menu to us in great detail and has extensive knowledge and passion for Japanese food. He explained how they are locally sourcing the fish and using interesting local produce for the dishes. We had the nama mullet, spicy tuna, octopus and tempura prawns and it was all incredible. Beautiful presentation, flavour combinations and fresh taste. Will be visiting here regularly during trips to colombo in the future. I recommend asking for the nai miris hot sauce if you like extra spice with your dishes,...