1.Salmon and Maki – Thalawathugoda
Japanese Fusion Cuisine
11.00 AM – 10.30 PM (everyday)
Visit: No.386, Thalawathugoda rd, Madiwela, Kotte
https://www.instagram.com/salmon_n_maki/ – Instagram
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.881472433084263 – Facebook
Budget: LKR 1000-3000 per person
A rising favorite among Colombo’s sushi lovers, Salmon and Maki is known for its cozy, minimalist setup and generous portions. A hit for sushi lovers craving generous servings and top-tier freshness. Their salmon and maki rolls are standout items: customers calls them “the best sushi I’ve ever tasted,” with creative options like sushi platters, sashimi and volcano rolls.
Customers praise the freshness and affordability, with many reviews highlighting the “crispy salmon roll” and “spicy tuna maki” as must-haves. It’s a great introduction to Japanese flavors without breaking the bank.
Review:
Highly recommended for quality at a budget friendly price.
2. Kami Maki – Horton Place, Colombo 07
Sushi. Japanese Food. Private Dining. Karaoke Lounge. BYOB.
11AM-11PM everyday
📞0773496349
431/1a, Welikada-Nawala Road, Nawala, Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KamiMakiColombo07/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kami_maki_colombo/?hl=en
Budget: LKR 1,100+ per person
Kami Maki is a fun, fusion-first experience that blends sushi tradition with Sri Lankan flavor innovations. It’s:
- Boldly creative – from volcano rolls to fusion maki
- Flexible – BYOB, family rooms, karaoke, teppanyaki lounge
- Family- and group-friendly – accommodating and relaxed
- Eco-conscious – using cardboard straws, glass bottles
If you’re open to playful takes on Japanese classics, this is an elevated but approachable experience. Premium dishes hover around LKR 3,500, making it a mid-to-high-range option. Just skip the dessert if you’re keeping it light!
Review:
3. ZEN Japanese Restaurant | Colombo
Open Daily 11.30AM to 10PM
115 Rosmead Place Colombo 7, Colombo, Sri Lanka 00700
https://www.instagram.com/zencolombo/?hl=en – Instagram
Budget: LKR 2,500–3,000 per person
Zen Japanese Restaurant offers a polished yet peaceful dining experience that stays true to Japanese culinary tradition. Whether you’re enjoying a light lunch or a full multi-course dinner, it’s an experience that combines ambiance and artistry.
Standouts include:
- Salmon Tataki
- Spicy Salmon
- Mexican Maki
Review:
4. THE SUSHI BAR SAMURAI
Feast yourselves on a delectable variety of an authentic Japanese cuisine.
Contact us: +94 70 355 1551
Hours: 11AM-2.30PM, 6PM-10.30PM
https://www.rampe-sushibar.lk/sushi-bar-samurai/ – Website
https://www.instagram.com/thesushibarsamurai/?hl=en – Instagram
226 Sri Jayawardenepura Mawatha, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Rajagiriya.
Budget: LKR 2,500–3,000 per person
Offers classic salmon maki, spicy kami maki, and aburi salmon nigiri. The vibe is casual and welcoming, with a focus on freshness and dining value. Great for group outings or quick bites, backed by positive reviews and steady popularity.
Sushi Bar Samurai delivers a solid mid-range Japanese dining experience—authentic, cozy, and refined with standout sushi and salmon rolls. While portions might lean small and a few dishes mixed reviews, most patrons praise the fresh flavors, attentive service, and charming ambiance—including those cozy private rooms.
- Best For: Sushi lovers, small group milestones, private dinners, and quiet date nights.
- Watch Outs: Limited parking.
- Recommended: Try the spicy salmon maki, aburi salmon, and yakitori skewers
Review:
5. Japanese restaurant Kamikura Colombo
Authentic Japanese Cuisine 🍣🍜Srilanka Reservations and inquiries 0112 554 555
1A, Park Way, Park Road, Colombo, Sri Lanka 00500
Hours: 10AM-11PM
Budget: LKR 1,500–4,500 per person
https://www.instagram.com/kamikura.jprestaurant/?hl=en – Instagram
https://www.facebook.com/kamikurajapaneserestaurant/ – Facebook
A spacious restaurant with a traditional Japanese ambiance. Highlights include aburi salmon don (LKR 5,250) and sashimi platters.
Guests appreciate “authentic flavors” and live tuna-cutting demos, though some note higher prices and a mixed review on tempura and miso soup.
Video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9uaGKlhiJ6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
The staff exudes confidence and skill, and the setting is refined yet comfortable—a solid mid-high range choice.
Review:
6. Tabé
Izakaya-style café.
Quirky vibe – Serious flavour | CMB 07
Tabe, 29/1/2 Maitland Cres, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Hours: 11AM-3PM, 5PM-10PM
CLOSED ON Monday
Budget: LKR 1,200–2,800 per person
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/tabe.me/?hl=en
Tabé is the go-to for those seeking a casual yet refined Japanese dining experience in Colombo 07. Offering fresh temaki, inventive maki, and an inviting ambiance, it stands out for attention to detail and a social, contemporary flair.
- Recommended for: After-work groups, casual dates, sushi fans
- Reserve if busy: Especially at dinner or post-event times
- Must-try: Temaki topped with garlic chips and signature sushi rolls
· Izakaya-meets-modern dining vibe — friendly, stylish, and casually cool
· Detailed sushi & temaki — creativity shows in every bite
· Interactive experiences — sushi classes add to the appeal
· Popular with locals — Instagram-ready dishes and approachable price point
Review:
7. Naniyori Japanese Restaurant- by Steam Boat
Hours: 11AM-11PM
14 Narahenpita Rd, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte 00500
0112 806 806
Budget: LKR 1,200-2,000 per person
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Naniyorirestaurant/about/?ref=page_internal&_rdr
A cozy, understated gem famed for its bento boxes. Reviewers love the balanced sushi platters (salmon, tuna, avocado, mango, even teriyaki chicken maki). Presentation is highly praised.
Ideal for affordable, artful Japanese meals in private-room settings.
They offer a variety of bento boxes that bring together popular Japanese dishes at an affordable price.
Review:
8. Kiku Colombo
RESTO I BAR⚡️
EAT & DRINK WITH US🥢🍸
Layards Rd, Colombo 5, Sri Lanka
Budget: Approximately LKR 1,800-2,500 per person
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/kikucolombo/?hl=en
Kiku Colombo is no ordinary café—it’s a Japanese-fusion experience wrapped in cozy, stylish vibes. Whether you’re after artisan coffee, dumplings or a quiet workspace, it ticks all the boxes: quality food, warm service, and that relaxed café-chic aura.
Perfect for brunch catch-ups, work sessions, or a calm, flavorful retreat in the city.
They often have amazing workshops in the café as well.
Review:
9. Minori by Grandbell – Grandbell Hotel, Marine Drive
- Budget: LKR 3,000–6,000 per person
- Location: 25th Floor, Granbell Hotel, Marine Drive, Colombo 03
- Hours: 12PM-3PM, 6PM-10PM
- https://www.instagram.com/minoricolombo/?hl=en – instagram
- https://granbellhotel.lk/dining/minori-japanese-restaurent/ – website
This upscale destination blends panoramic ocean views with refined Japanese cuisine. The ambiance is upscale yet relaxed—cosy interiors plus outdoor ocean-facing dining deck. They feature teppanyaki, sushi, sashimi, and tempura.
Minori is the pinnacle of Japanese dining in Colombo—combining elegant ambiance, panoramic views, and authentic cuisine in one refined package. Whether you’re enjoying teppanyaki, sushi, or a lavish buffet, the restaurant delivers consistently delicious food, attentive service, and special touches like sunset views. Ideal for special occasions or when you’re in the mood to splurge a bit.
Review:
Whether you’re a seasoned sushi enthusiast or just beginning to explore the rich flavors of Japanese cuisine, Sri Lanka offers a surprisingly diverse and authentic range of options. From elegant fine-dining experiences in Colombo to cozy, hidden gems along the coast, these nine carefully selected restaurants represent the best of what Japanese dining has to offer on the island. So the next time you’re craving sashimi, ramen, or a perfectly rolled maki, you’ll know exactly where to go.
