Colombo’s Restaurant Graveyard 2016-2017.

Nothing lasts forever, not cold November rain and definitely not a hip Colombo restaurant. Here are some of the notable deaths we've encountered in the last couple of years. 

1. Coi by Vichalya

After a couple of teething issues, Chef Vichalya and Coi ended up winning us over with good food, good service, and a lot of culinary innovation that featured Lankan food and ingredients. Unfortunately, they're no longer in existence, but we hear the owners are plotting a new bistro come September. We'll keep you posted.

2. Clique

Clique was also part of the Cantaloupe empire, and despite my general derision towards clubs, it was actually pretty good. Two dancefloors, generally fun music, and a crowd not as gropey as other clubs in Colombo. Unfortunately, it's also no more as they can't rent out that space. 

3. CASA and everything in it

If you look back on our old reviews of CASA Colombo as a hotel, they're pretty dang gushing, especially about the beautiful location and design. Shru even wrote a bit of an ode to them. The food was never amazing, but we still lament the loss of the lovely ZaZa Bar, MEX, and HVN.

4. Tenderfresh

I've never actually been to Tenderfresh so I'm not sure what to tell you except that it's closed and you'll have to get your meaty fries and fried chicken somewhere else.

5. La Rambla

La Rambla used to do yum Italian food out in Mount Lavinia and now it does even better Thai food. They've retained the location and the name despite the cuisine change, which is a little confusing. Eitherway, if you love Thai food and live in the 'burbs, head here because it's the same ownership as the Boulevard, so you know it's good albeit pricey.

6. The Castle Hotel

Few places in Colombo had the character, architecture, and feel that Castle did. A bar popular with both the city's workers and its moneyed hipsters looking for a respite from shiny glass and stilettos, it was a melting pot of social stratas, cheap gal arrack, and delicious fried fish. It got demolished thanks to the overwhelming power of conglomerate greed, and all that remains is a gaping hole on the street reminiscent of a gory tooth extraction. Slave Island (especially its residential populace) has been one of the hardest-hit segments in the aggressive gentrification via foreign investment, and it's only getting worse.

7. Qbaa 

Qbaa was one of the few places to boogie if you were over 16 and didn't want to look like a decrepit old cretin at a nightclub. It's now dead, which is sad for the classier society mums and dads. Also Sanath. 

8. WIP

WIP isn't a work in progress anymore. The place was alright, and their food seemed a bit German-themed but didn't have much personality beyond that. Its replacement Ikoi Tei, however has a clear theme, a great chef, and Japanese food that doesn't break the bank if you order carefully.

9. FDO's

I used to secretly love FDO's. Tucked away behind the BRC cricket/rugger/whatever grounds, it was a little live music and jazz bar filled with a nice older crowd, some lovely old tunes, and brick walls. Anyway, it's gone now and I'm sad and have nowhere to have a quiet drink and romantic wiggle to Eric Clapton.

10. A whole bunch of Hilton stuff

Spoons, Echelon Pub, and Emperor's Wok are all gone, and have now been replaced by the far slicker GRAZE and L.A.B. In many ways, these are all moves for the better, but old-timers still strangely miss the good old Hilton restos with their high prices, even higher A/C and unenthusiastic service.

11. Prima Taste

For the Rajagiriya folks, Prima Taste was a god send with well-executed, mid-range Singaporean fusion fare featuring some of the best chicken satays in the city along with a bunch of other Pan-Asian cuisine. I still dream about those satays on rainy days. Hopefully they'll be reopening at another location soon!

12. KAMA Colombo

There are probably some sinister ministers and the like saddened by the loss of KAMA Colombo but the rest of Colombo think it's karma this place closed down. We hope something less seedy and dangerous opens up, but that's doubtful. We can't link you to a YAMU review because none of our staff agreed to go check it out.

13. Gourmet CBP

We usually don't mention home bakers on our graveyard lists because they generally have the lifespans of weakly fireflies. However, Gourmet CBP made its way onto our Chocolate Biscuit Pudding Taste Off and emerged victorious. With a bunch of innovative flavours, excellent quality, friendly delivery and service, this was our fave CBP spot in town. Unfortunately, the owner has shut it down for the time being, but we hope they'll be able to come back later at which point we'll all be waiting with open arms and a tear in our eye.

14. Waffeley by Lava

Waffeley opened and closed in what appeared to be a 3 or 4 month period. We're not sure what happened but there are now around 5 more spots to get your waffle fix in the city so we're not lamenting as much as we would have, but we do miss their low prices.

15. Bars Cafe

Bars plodded on for a while, with reasonable fare, lots of variety, slightly bad service, and chill ambience. They're now replaced by Shay Int. and a Perera & Sons outlet downstairs, but we hear their lovely rooftop pool area is still functioning for private parties. 

16 & 17. Oro 1889 and Dottie's English Tea Room

Both of these wonderful establishments, the former dishing out authentic Napoletano pizzas at Liberty Arcade and the latter full English breakfasts and cakes at Rosmead Place, had to shut down over the last year. Both were also due to issues with their location, like rental problems and even pesky neighbours. Luckily for us, you can now catch both of them in smaller, quieter, incarnations at Alexandra & Ward. It's not quite the same, but it's better than losing them entirely.


While the loss of some of these have been keenly lamented by Colombo's hungry, some may just fade into collective forgetfulness. A high restaurant turnover is sometimes a sign of a thriving culinary scene, so hopefully the demise of the spots on this list will provide the space and capital for new, more exciting options! Until then, RIP sweetlings.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo Written by Fathima Rukaiya, Mad Dogs Bodega, Banyan

Highlights Kamu

Budget-friendly Iftar spots 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya, In our previous article, we highlighted some exquisite and upscale Iftar

Highlights Kamu

Iftar Buffet Round Up 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya As Ramadan arrives, a warm feeling of reflection and community fills

Highlights Kamu

Discovering Pasta Paradise: The Pasta Factory, Galle Fort

In the historic Galle Fort, The Pasta Factory brings a taste of Italy to Sri

Highlights Kamu

A Home for Desi Dreams – Bombay Nights by Radisson Colombo

As we stepped into the ‘Dine’ in Radisson Colombo, our senses were immediately tantalized by

Highlights Kamu

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

Trending.

Experience the Elegance and Excitement of RTC Tourism Race Day in Nuwara Eliya

RTC Nuwara Eliya will hold its RTC Tourism Race Day on 30th March 2024 at

Trending

“85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim” by SLASU held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel Beach

The "85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim" organized by Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union

Trending

Sheraton Colombo Hotel celebrates International Women’s Day with empowering insights

Sheraton Colombo Hotel, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands, marked International

Trending

Anantara Kalutara Presents an Elevated Gastronomic Journey to Italy

Kalutara, Sri Lanka - March 14, 2024 - Anantara Kalutara Resort is delighted to announce

Trending

List of Party Venues 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya Finding the perfect place to host a party can be a hassle.

Highlights Trending

LCY Unveils Debut ‘LCY for Her’ Collection, Redefining Women’s Polo Wear with Strength, and Sophistication

Thursday, 14, March, 2024, Colombo: LCY, a brand synonymous with manufacturing high-quality men’s polos of

Trending

Yamu Guide.

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Him

By Fathima Rukaiya Are you trying to find the perfect way to show your special

Highlights Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Her

Written by Fathima Rukaiya The season of love is upon us once more, and opinions

Highlights Yamu Guide

Romantic Dinner and High Tea date spots for Valentine’s Day  2024

Written by Shamrina C 1. Via Torino Indulge in a fine dining exclusive 3-Course meal

Highlights Yamu Guide

BYOB Bliss: 16 Places to you can Bring Your Own Bottle!

Written by Shamrina C 1. Giovannis Indulge in Italian flavors, grooving music, pet friendly, and

Highlights Yamu Guide

Unveiling Ramada’s Festive Christmas High Tea Extravaganza!

Written by Shamrina C Mark your calendars for the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of December,

Highlights Yamu Guide