Our first restaurant in Sri Lanka and although quite pricey, it didn't disappoint.
Location: Situated nearby many tourist hotels along the Negombo strip, this is a prime spot for most tourists staying around the area.
Venue: Beautifully decorated the venue provides for a break to the hustle and bustle of Colombo after a day out. With a cricket theme the seating area is split in two sections with the first being a more calm table area when you enter the restaurant and another larger area past the toilets towards the back of the venue.
Also offering a foot fish spa area in the back it's quite an unusual yet quirky place.
Food: Now for the main bit, the food. The food is great here, with options for everyone, even being vegetarian we were able to find dishes we really liked the sound of. Opting for a devilled vegetable dish and a jackfruit curry we weren't sure what to expect at first.
The dishes came well presented and hearty portions. The taste was really good. The chefs really know how to balance sweetness and spice and the result was a delight. The downside as mentioned was the spice (but our own fault!), We struggled to eat too much as even for our mouths we couldn't handle it.
Nevertheless, the food was great.
Service: The service given by the waiters was brilliant. Attentive and friendly it was a great introduction to Sri Lankan people. Being owned by an English expat, all waiters also spoke English which made everything easier.
The owner also walks around each night speaking with the guests and making everyone feel at home which is a lovely thing.
Now here was the main downside, we saw the owner walk around speaking with everyone there but it seemed to take an awful long time for us to be welcomed by him. We normally wouldn't take this personally but the pattern we seemed to find is that anyone who looked like a tourist seemed to get a quicker welcome and naturally with us looking a bit like locals (British Indian) we are kind of ignored. Only when we actually called the owner over did we feel we were acknowledged (as we wanted to ask a few questions out of interest in the restaurant).
This didn't impact the meal too much as we still really enjoyed it, but it's not nice to feel less important because we didn't look like tourists at first look.
Overall: Pro - Lovely meal, great atmosphere and well presented food and restaurant decor.
Con - Felt treated slightly different to other white tourists A little pricey
Would definitely recommend going here! You won't be disappointed by the lovely food. Compliments...
Read moreAs a seasoned traveler with a passion for culinary experiences, I recently had the pleasure of dining at Lords Restaurant Complex in Negombo, and I must say, it was an absolute delight. Nestled in the heart of Negombo, this establishment offers a truly unique dining experience that caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
Upon entering the restaurant complex, I was immediately impressed by the elegant and inviting ambiance. The tasteful decor and comfortable seating arrangements created a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for both intimate dinners and gatherings with friends and family.
The restaurant boasts a diverse menu that reflects the rich flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine, as well as international options for those seeking a broader culinary adventure. During my visit, I decided to sample some of the local delicacies, and I was not disappointed. The traditional dishes, such as hoppers, kottu roti, and a variety of fresh seafood, were prepared with great care and attention to detail, making each bite a true delight for the taste buds.
One standout feature of Lords Restaurant Complex is its efficient and attentive staff. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with warm smiles and prompt service. The waitstaff was knowledgeable about the menu and offered excellent recommendations, ensuring that I had an unforgettable dining experience.
Furthermore, I appreciated the restaurant's commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, which undoubtedly contributed to the outstanding quality of the food. The flavors were vibrant and authentic, showcasing the essence of Sri Lankan cuisine.
If I were to offer any constructive criticism, it would be that the restaurant can get quite busy during peak hours, leading to slightly longer waiting times. However, the overall dining experience was so enjoyable that this minor inconvenience paled in comparison to the positives.
In conclusion, Lords Restaurant Complex in Negombo is a culinary gem that caters to both local and international palates. From the warm ambiance to the delectable cuisine and attentive service, every aspect of my dining experience was exceptional. Whether you are a food enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable dining experience in Negombo, I highly recommend giving Lords Restaurant Complex a visit. I will undoubtedly return on my next trip to this beautiful...
Read moreI wasn’t expecting to like this place. It sounded like the typical pub with nothing special to offer. But the moment we walked in, something was different. Its British owner personally welcomes every visitor. We walked through an artsy corridor which housed some interesting pieces, towards the restaurant which was crowded even though it was a dry day (on Independence Day, government restricts consumption of liquor) Anyways, We ordered grilled fish, fish & chips, seafood fried rice & onion rings (if there’s onion rings on the menu, I will order them 100%!). 🐠 Fish & chips - I loved the fact that they serve hand cut chips with fish and chips as opposed to the frozen stuff and a coleslaw with it. 🐟 Grilled fish - was good, delicately cooked 🧅 onion rings - could have used a bit of seasoning. 🍚 The fried rice - was your usual kadey fried rice where the seafood was over fried and did not seem very fresh. It suited my junk/pub food mood perfectly though & did not lack in flavor. 🥧 Banofee pie - What really stood out for me was their banofee pie. Could have had seconds. 🍫 chocolate balls with coconut ice cream - chocolate balls I hated but coconut ice cream, I loved.
There’s live music every night & a free fish spa where fish come and nibble at your feet & hands (I hooted and giggled like a school girl all the way, startling the customers and onlookers cz it was ticklish!). I loved the purple mood lighting. They also dedicate a portion of their earnings towards street pooches and there was a cute lil mural of it against a wall with their names & pics. There was even one of those pooches sprawled across the front step of the place, like he owned the place.
Loved the overall vibe. Will be returning to check out the extensive cocktail menu...
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