Love is a language best expressed through thoughtful gestures, unforgettable moments, and of course, exquisite dining. This Valentine’s, we had the privilege of experiencing a luxurious fine dining experience in Colombo at The Dining Room of Cinnamon Lakeside. From gourmet delights to impeccable service, every detail was designed to create the perfect romantic evening. Whether you’re looking for the best Valentine’s dinner in Colombo or an unforgettable culinary journey, The Dining Room offers an ambiance that elevates every moment.
Ambience
The ambiance at The Dining Room, Cinnamon Lakeside was undeniably romantic, setting the perfect mood for a Valentine’s dinner in Colombo. Soft candlelight and elegant red linen added a touch of charm, beautifully enhancing the Valentine’s Day dining experience. While the music could have been improved to match the atmosphere, the adorable heart-themed décor hanging throughout the space made the evening feel even more special. It was truly a night filled with love, warmth, and a delightful touch of romance.
Starters
Drooling as I type—because guess what? There were sushi rolls for starters! If you’re a Japanese cuisine lover in Colombo, just like my Valentine and me, this is the best news! The sushi selection was absolutely divine, offering authentic and flavorful Sushi Rolls, Nigiri, and Maki that truly satisfied both our cravings and hearts.
But that was just the beginning! The luxurious cheese bar was a dream come true, featuring a variety of premium cheeses that I couldn’t resist indulging in.
For seafood lovers in Colombo, the seafood corner was an absolute delight, serving up fresh Prawns, Cuttlefish, Oysters, and Crabs, each bite bursting with freshness and flavor.
We also had the pleasure of trying the Egg Terrine, Beef Terrine, and Beet Terrine, and let me tell you, all three exceeded our expectations! Each bite was rich, flavorful, and beautifully crafted, adding an elegant touch to our dining experience.
Not to forget, the salad bar was a fresh and vibrant addition, offering a variety of crisp greens, flavorful dressings, and delicious toppings that complemented our meal perfectly.
The starters spread also included a cozy soup and bread station, where we savored warm, freshly baked bread that melted in our mouths with butter. Trust me, don’t skip the bread corner, it’s a must-try!
Main Course
The main course was beautifully curated, with sections dedicated to different cuisines, allowing us to indulge in a global feast.
We started with the Indian section because let’s be honest, we love authentic Indian food in Colombo! While the vegetable biryani didn’t quite meet our expectations (perhaps it was missing the depth of meat flavors, which is understandable for a vegetarian dish), the Naan was a comforting delight. To accompany it, we had three curry options: Kadai Mutton, Tandoori Chicken, and Fish Molee. Out of the three, the Kadai Mutton stole the show, packing a punch with its rich and aromatic flavors. The other two were enjoyable, but the Kadai Mutton was an absolute must-try!
Next, we made our way to the Chinese corner, which turned out to be one of our favorites. The spread featured Sautéed Mushroom and Corn, Sweet and Sour Chicken, and Egg Fried Rice all infused with authentic Chinese flavors that we thoroughly enjoyed.
The continental section brought in comfort food favorites like Mashed Potatoes and Mac & Cheese, and let me tell you, we absolutely devoured the Mac & Cheese! It was rich, creamy, and oh-so-indulgent.
Finally, we ended our main course journey by reconnecting with our roots at the Sri Lankan cuisine corner. The spread included cutlets, pol sambola, pork curry, five-spice roast pork ribs, papadam, Malay pickle, lunu miris, and more. We loved it so much that we actually went back for seconds ; which, for me, is quite rare when it comes to Sri Lankan cuisine! And of course, as any true Sri Lankan would, I indulged in papadam on its own three times, to be exact!
Meat Bar and Griller
t would only be fair to dedicate a section to this, as the buffet itself had a special meat and grill station, a true paradise for meat lovers in Colombo! This section featured an impressive selection of Beef, Pork, and Lamb, cooked in a variety of ways that I honestly couldn’t keep up with.
Among the standout dishes, my absolute favorites were the Pork Knuckle, Roast Wild Boar, and Honey Roasted Pork, each offering a depth of flavor that was simply irresistible. The highlight? A rich and flavorful Robert Sauce, which paired beautifully with all the pork delicacies. If you’re a pork lover, this sauce is a must-try!
There was also roasted lamb and chicken, which, unfortunately, I was too full to try. But just by looking at them, I could tell they were cooked to perfection, succulent and packed with flavor.
To round off the meat and grill experience, the station also included a small pizza section. The seafood pizza, while not traditionally authentic, added a unique twist to the already indulgent spread of meaty delights.
For those who appreciate a well-prepared grilled meat buffet in Colombo, this section at The Dining Room, Cinnamon Lakeside is truly worth indulging in!
Pancake and Waffle Corner
Before diving into desserts, we made sure to stop by the waffle and pancake station freshly made right before our eyes! While the experience was enjoyable, we’d rate it a 6/10 overall. By the time we reached the station, it was quite crowded, and unfortunately, my waffle felt a bit undercooked. However, when I tried my partner’s pancake, it was absolutely delicious, with the perfect balance of fluffiness and flavor.
What made this station stand out was the variety of dippers and toppings, including chocolate sauce, nuts, cream cheese, honey, and more, allowing us to customize our treats just the way we liked. Despite my slightly undercooked waffle, the action station experience definitely added a fun and interactive element to the buffet!
Dessert
Here comes the bride, I’d say! After all, what’s Valentine’s Day without a little extra sweetness? The dessert section was nothing short of spectacular—huge, diverse, and absolutely satisfying. In fact, it was one of my favorite parts of the entire dining experience!
From Cake Pops, Crème Caramel, Brownies, Macarons, Strawberries, and Lollipops, there were endless options to choose from.
Among the standout desserts, our personal favorites were the Blueberry Swiss Roll, Passion Layer Cake, and the rich Chocolate Cake, each bite was pure indulgence. Additionally, the custard was simply divine, and I shamelessly devoured way too many macarons because, well, how could I not?
To balance out the sweetness, we also made a quick stop at the fresh fruit section, where we dipped juicy strawberries into a decadent pink white chocolate fondue – because let’s be honest, what’s Valentine’s without strawberries and chocolate?
By the time we reached the dessert station, we were already incredibly full – but as any true dessert lover would, we made space! And let me tell you, it was so worth it.
Our Valentine’s dining experience at The Dining Room, Cinnamon Lakeside was truly a night to remember. From the romantic ambiance and diverse selection of starters, grills, and international cuisines to the heavenly desserts, every element of the buffet was curated to create a memorable and indulgent evening.
The wide variety, quality ingredients, and overall experience made it well worth the visit. Whether you’re a sushi lover, a meat enthusiast, or someone with a serious sweet tooth, this buffet had something special for everyone.
Priced at LKR 8,500 nett per person, the buffet ran from 7 PM to 11 PM, offering an extensive spread that truly justified its value. If you’re looking for a romantic dining experience in Colombo for a special occasion, The Dining Room at Cinnamon Lakeside is definitely worth considering!
