By Linara Wimalaweera
The Fort Café by Tasty Caterers offers a refreshing escape from the city’s busy streets. Located at The Australia Building, 54 York Street, the café is at the heart of the city’s business district which makes it an ideal spot for professionals looking for a quiet lunch, shoppers seeking a cozy break, or anyone wanting a peaceful corner to unwind.
Atmosphere and Ambience
The Fort Café welcomes you with its serene and modern aesthetic. The interior blends elegance with comfort, warm lighting, tasteful décor, and Instagram-worthy touches create a calming, intimate environment. It’s the kind of place where time slows down.
The upstairs area, which can comfortably host around 25 people, is ideal for private parties, birthdays, meetings, or intimate functions and the café operates on a BYOB basis, making it a flexible choice for gatherings and celebrations.
The High Tea Experience
We had the pleasure of experiencing the café’s special High Tea, a delightful combination of savoury and sweet treats served with fine tea and coffee. The presentation itself was stunning along with beautifully crafted finger foods and desserts which was paired with pastel-toned table settings that gave the entire experience a touch of elegance.
Savoury Selections:
The Prawn Cocktail in Shot Glasses offered a refreshing start; a burst of tangy seafood flavour served elegantly in mini glasses.
The Open Crab Puff with Cheese Gratin was rich and creamy, a perfect balance between soft pastry and savouriness of crab and melted cheese.
The Cheese & Asparagus Rolls and Mini Ciabatta Squares with tomato chicken and garlic mayonnaise were comforting bites and Cocktail Sausages wrapped in Bacon provided a smoky, indulgent touch.
Among the other savouries, the Curried Fish Patties and Mini Vegetable Samosas celebrated Sri Lankan-style spice and crunch. The Choux Puff with Chicken Cocktail added a delicate twist, and the Mushroom & Vegetable Fritters with tamarind-jaggery sauce was included too.
Sweet Items:
The dessert selection was equally impressive. The Crème Brûlée in Mini Cups offered the perfect crackle of caramelized sugar over a creamy custard base. The Mini Fruit Tart added a burst of colour and freshness, and the Mini Éclairs were light, rich in chocolate flavour, and filled with smooth cream. The Strawberry and Cream Swiss Roll Slices added a soft, nostalgic sweetness to the experience.
Along with the platter, we had a Passion Fruit Mojito, which was both refreshing and aromatic. They offered both Virgin and Passion Fruit Mojito options. The traditional tea and coffee service completed the experience, making it an ideal indulgence.
At Rs. 4,600 per head (plus 10% service charge), the high tea at The Fort Café delivers excellent value for the quality, presentation, and variety offered.
From the À La Carte Menu
We also tried a couple of dishes from the à la carte selection. The Creamy Chicken Pasta Alfredo (Rs. 1900) was a highlight had tender chicken in a luscious Alfredo sauce with cheese and basil. The Grilled Chicken (Rs. 2000), marinated in honey soy and served with mashed potatoes and salad, was equally satisfying a wholesome, well-balanced and a must try meal.
We also tried their cappuccinos the presentation was adorable and added a lovely finishing touch to the experience.
Service and Hospitality
The staff were incredibly welcoming and attentive. Mr. Krishan, in particular, made our experience special with his friendliness and professionalism. The overall service reflected genuine warmth and care, adding a personal touch to an already pleasant visit.
The Fort Café by Tasty Caterers is more than a café it’s a refined yet welcoming retreat that combines elegance, great food, and heartfelt service. Whether you’re stopping by for coffee, a meal, or their signature high tea, it’s a destination that delivers quality.
For those wandering through Colombo’s Fort district, this charming spot is a must-visit and a peaceful haven that perfectly blends the city’s historic setting with modern café culture.
Menu
📍 Fort Café Colombo
Location: Australia Building, No. 54 York Street, Colombo 00100, Sri Lanka.
Cuisine: Café and casual dining with Western and Sri Lankan-inspired dishes.
Price Range: Mid-range — approximately LKR 1,000–2,000 per meal (Prices as of October 2025, subject to change).
Contact: +94 117 613 821
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM (Open daily, Monday to Sunday)
