1710 — Restaurant in Galle

I dined here with my friend in June. We are both visiting Galle from New Zealand. What prompted me to write this review was having similar experiences where me and my friend were treated very differently based on our appearance. My friend is European, and I am a brown man. Right from the get go our waiter, a young man, completely ignored me. His questions and conversations always directed towards my friend, we both ordered different thalis, he enthusiastically explained every element to her but did not once look at me or talk to me. It was demeaning and upsetting. I can pass of as a Sri Lankan and hence I assume the treatment I received. It was quite upsetting and has been a common theme I have seen in various places across Sri Lanka. It opens up questions about how brown tourists and locals are treated very differently in Sri Lanka’s up and coming tourism industry. Living in New Zealand I have never once faced such outright discrimination, this was my first meal in the country and left me so disappointed. On a side note my friend enjoyed her vegetarian thali, the drinks were good and the restaurant was beautifully appointed. From my experience I find it hard to return and wouldn’t recommend it for my POC mates. I hope you train your...

1710 is a trendy restaurant tucked away in the historic city of Galle, Sri Lanka. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with a tasteful blend of modern aesthetics and local charm. Whether you choose a cozy indoor spot or an open-air table outside, the setting is stylish and thoughtfully designed with attention to detail.

The atmosphere has a relaxed, upscale vibe—perfect for a leisurely meal or a special evening out. The staff are friendly and welcoming, creating a comfortable and pleasant dining experience from the moment you walk in.

The food is enjoyable, with some standout items worth trying. The passion fruit cheesecake was rich, creamy, and had a nice tropical twist. The signature buffalo curd dessert, topped with peanuts, was definitely unique—an interesting fusion of texture and flavor that sets it apart.

However, the prices are noticeably high compared to other spots in the area. On top of that, a 10% service charge is added to the bill, which makes the overall value feel a bit steep. While the presentation and atmosphere are commendable, the pricing might not match expectations for some.

Overall, 1710 is a visually impressive place with good food and excellent service—but be prepared to pay premium prices for...

Restaurant 1710 A Big Disappointment!!

We went to Restaurant 1710 for dinner, knowing it was a popular spot and often busy with tourists. But even with those expectations, our experience was deeply disappointing.

The prices were shockingly high even by tourist standards and absolutely not justified by the quality or quantity of the food. We ordered three simple dishes, and not only were they overpriced, but the service was painfully slow. We waited what felt like an eternity for food that was, at best, average.

To put things in perspective: if you know the local scene outside Galle Fort, you could easily find the same meals at a quarter of the price or even less. This place is clearly a tourist trap, banking on its location and visibility rather than quality or hospitality.

The staff didn’t help either. We found them cold and unwelcoming, with an attitude that made the whole experience feel even worse. I even asked for a local drink Arack and they didn’t have it on the menu. For a restaurant targeting tourists, it’s baffling not to offer local classics.

All in all, this was a negative experience. I wouldn’t go back, and I definitely wouldn’t recommend it. There are much better places to eat both inside and...