If you’re looking for somewhere to eat or grab a drink in Colombo, here are a few places I’ve come across during my travels. From local favourites to spots worth stopping by for a coffee, cocktail, or meal, this list is a work in progress and I’ll continue adding to it as I discover more gems around the city.
Ahasa Restaurant – ITC Ratnadeepa
Perched high above the city, “Ahasa” (meaning “Sky”) Restaurant occupies one of the most unique dining locations in Colombo—right on the bridge connecting the two towers of the ITC Ratnadipa Hotel. The setting alone is worth the visit, offering a spectacular vantage point as the city lights begin to twinkle below. In the evenings, Ahasa transforms into a stylish sky-high lounge, serving an extensive selection of drinks alongside a menu of bar bites perfect for sharing. If you’re visiting on a Friday, there is live music from a resident band.
Tip: Ahasa restaurant is famous for their afternoon tea. So if you are going there, make a reservation here for afternoon tea.
“Thunapaha” Restaurant at Diyatha Uyana
Tucked inside the beautiful Diyatha Uyana in Battaramulla, “Thunapaha” Restaurant is a little slice of Sri Lankan foodie heaven (“Thunapaha” is the name of the unique Sri Lankan curry powder).
What sets it apart? The buffet—except it’s not your usual crowded buffet line. Here, you get your very own personal buffet right at your table, piled high with unlimited servings of traditional Sri Lankan dishes, from spicy curries to fresh hoppers.
It’s a feast where you can try a bit of everything without ever leaving your seat. Plan to come early so you can wander around Diyatha Uyana first—stroll along the lakefront of Diyawanna, explore the walking paths, let the kids loose in the play areas, and check out local handicrafts on the weekends. By the time you sit down at Thuna Paha, you’ll be perfectly primed for a meal that’s as relaxing as it is delicious.
Blue Orbit by Citrus at Lotus Tower
Dining at Blue Orbit is about much more than the food—it’s the experience that makes it memorable. Located near the very top of Colombo’s iconic Lotus Tower, the restaurant sits one floor below the viewing gallery, offering spectacular panoramic views across the city and beyond. While access to the viewing gallery costs (as at January 2026) LKR 6,000 per person, the buffet at Blue Orbit is priced at LKR 9,000, making it an appealing way to combine dinner with one of Colombo’s best viewpoints.
What makes Blue Orbit truly unique is that the restaurant slowly rotates as you dine. The food stations are arranged around the outer edge of the restaurant, while the dining tables sit on a circular rotating platform in the centre. One complete rotation takes around 90 minutes, allowing you to gently glide past each food station and sample dishes at your own pace. It’s a fun twist on the traditional buffet experience.
The food itself is solid, with a selection of international cuisines – Japanese Sushi, English roast, Italian pizza and pasta, Chinese frided rice and local rice and curry that would hold their own in any buffet restaurant. But let’s be honest—the star of the show is the combination of the ever-changing views and the novelty of dining hundreds of feet above the city.
Blue Orbit is extremely popular, especially on weekends, so booking ahead is highly recommended.
Port City
Built on reclaimed land extending into the Indian Ocean, Port City offers a glimpse of what Colombo may look like in the decades ahead.
While much of the development is still taking shape, visitors can already enjoy the public spaces, beachfront areas, and impressive views back towards Colombo’s skyline. Whether you’re curious about the scale of the project or simply looking for a scenic place to walk, Port City Colombo provides a fascinating contrast between the city’s historic past and its modern ambitions.
Diary of a Tourist 