Kolamba Soho - Sri Lankan Restaurant — Restaurant in London

Wow! a hidden gem in the middle of town. This place is just off all the major shopping streets and was a treat to discover. I’d heard wonderful reviews recommending this restaurant. But having eaten so many Sri Lankan meals over the years including on the island itself, I was a little skeptical that it could remain true to its roots, yet have its own unique flair.

I was proven wrong.

The service was seamless from start to finish. Each member of the team handed us off well, and communicated to each other throughout, so that all our needs were met.

We had: Chilli margarita and an arrack based cocktail called 1948. For starters poppadum with a delicious zingy relish and the Hot Buttered Cuttlefish was my personal favourite. It soaked up the creamy buttery spice mixture, whilst still remaining crispy. The mains included hoppers (plain and egg), with cashew and pea curry, seenj sambol and mutton poriyal. My guest enjoyed the mutton the most and devoured within minutes. The wattalapum was also another winner, with just the right amount of spices to differentiate it from similar global desserts. The coconut praline garnish was a nice touch, but probably adding a tiny bit too much sweetness to the dish.

We arrived around 17:30pm and the top floor was empty, giving me the feeling that we may be the first ones to dine. But we were taken to the second floor and there were already people sitting there. As the evening went on, our dining area was jam packed. But I was surprised to see that the ground floor was still not busy. I think it would have been nicer if the ground floor had more people dining there to encourage more drop-ins, as there was a long queue waiting to eat at neighbouring chain restaurant Dishoom, which was a shame, as this restaurant is so much better and different to the rest.

Some of the downsides, is that they automatically charge 13% service, which is a bit much and unexpected. Also, we were only given 1.5hrs for the table, and they almost didn’t want to serve dessert with half an hour left to go. But they did remind us that we only had half an hour left and would that be ok, for eat dessert within that time. Which we did in record time. My guest and I eat pretty fast on most occasions, so if it is not possible for 3 courses to be served within the allocated time, I would suggest extending the period to 2hrs (like most restaurants) or serving everything but dessert together at the same time. The toilets were clean and well stocked. However two out of the four cubicles were out of order. All in all I would highly...

The food was lovely but the experience was so disappointing. I went with some friends and had my baby with me. I walked in and the guy said we were supposed to be seated downstairs but there was nowhere to put the pram. I said I can leave the pram and take the baby downstairs. He then said there's nowhere I can leave the pram upstairs either. I was a bit confused and asked what can be done then and he eventually showed me a placed where I can leave the pram.

After then I asked if they have a high chaHe then said "we have just the one if you have one baby". After the pram I was a bit dumb founded at this.

We sat down and then they put the high chair somewhere but then said it can't be there and then moved me again.

After that fiasco I asked what I can order for the baby and was shown a 'mild' option on the menu. Luckily I tried it before I gave it to my daughter because it most definitely was Nor mild and she would have been screaming if I had.

And to top it all off, I asked if I can change her nappy in the pram since they had no baby changing. I asked out of politeness because people were obviously eating. They said no and at this point I was getting angry and literally said "I'm not sure what you want me to do, I have to change her nappy". They then called the guy over and I explained that they don't have baby changing, they don't have a space I can go to to change her nappy and now they're saying I can't do it in her pram either, at which he finally said I can.

I was treated horribly, they did all this with smiles on their faces but it was a horrible experience. I can't be the only person that shoes up with a kid, they can at least TRY to be...

Kolamba Sri Lankan Restaurant in Soho is a culinary gem that takes your taste buds on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant and diverse flavors of Sri Lanka. From the moment I stepped inside, I knew I was in for a treat.

Ambiance: The restaurant boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere with its cozy seating and tasteful decor. It's perfect for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings with friends. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help navigate the menu.

Food: Oh, the food! Kolamba's menu is a celebration of Sri Lankan cuisine, and each dish is a masterpiece. The starters, like the crispy Hoppers and flavorful Cutlets, set the stage for a memorable dining experience. The highlight for me was the array of curries. Whether you prefer seafood, meat, or vegetarian options, there's something for everyone. The Black Pork Curry was a standout, with its rich and spicy flavors that left me craving more.

Drinks: The drink menu complements the food beautifully. Don't miss the opportunity to pair your meal with a refreshing one of their exotic cocktails / mocktails.

Price: While Kolamba offers a high-quality dining experience, it's also a little on the higher side for Soho. The portion sizes could be more generous.

In conclusion, Kolamba Sri Lankan Restaurant in Soho is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic and memorable culinary adventure. The diverse flavors, warm ambiance, and friendly staff make it an exceptional dining destination. I can't wait to return and explore more of their tantalizing menu offerings. Be sure to make a reservation, as this place tends to get quite busy, and rightly...