The clock is ticking and you want the 14th to be a fairy tale. Everything is prepared, everything but the venue, one of the most important aspects.
Where do you go?! Which one do you choose?
That is why we've come up with this list of a few of the most romantic restaurants in Colombo. The concept of romance might differ from one to another, hence we've looked towards getting a list of restaurants with the some of the cosiest ambiences and great food that would contribute towards those flying sparks. If you think we've missed any from the list, make sure you mention them in the comments below.
Arcadia Cafe & Restaurant
It may sound strange to you if you haven't been there, but walking into Arcadia is similar to entering Mary Lennox's secret garden. Beautifully decorated with plants of various sorts, it's a breath of fresh air in comparison to every other cafe in Colombo and if you haven't caught up yet, we're totally and irrevocably in love with it. Paired with ample amounts of comfortable seating, air conditioning and that gorgeous flooring, Arcadia definitely sounds like it has been extracted from one of those Netlfix movies.
The Avenue
An elegant interior embossed with a dash of cosiness and modern rusticity, and a carefully curated menu that will take you on a gastronomical adventure, The Avenue is everything you're looking for and more on this Valentine's day. The walls embellished with some caricature drawings of famous musicians and line arts, the neatly aligned wooden tables and cushy chairs, and the pendant lights that brighten up the place, it's quite charming and has a very sophisticated touch.
The Gallery Café
Giving off a colonial vibe with its architecture and furnishing, the Gallery Cafe is a very picturesque place to go to with your SO. With a neat outdoor area and a cosy interior, paired with great service and good food, you can't go wrong.
Sugar Beach
Sugar Beach sports an ambience that will make you feel like you're in a cosy beachside cafe down south, surrounded by beautiful palm-dotted beaches, where tourists chill under the shade, and enjoy a glass of wine or sip a cup of coffee while overlooking the turquoise waters of the gorgeous Indian ocean.
August by Mama Aida's
Combining simple elements like tasteful wooden furniture, hanging vines and candlelit lamps August by Mama Aida's have successfully been able to create a sophisticated and relaxing atmosphere. One of the best outdoor dining options in the city, they share the space with Shirohana, which in itself will speak volumes about how pleasant the atmosphere is.
The Bayleaf
A restaurant in possession of solid Italian fare, the Bayleaf is also responsible for having a most pleasant, romantic atmosphere. A home having been converted into a restaurant, paired with excellent service and mouthwatering food, Bayleaf will be ideal.
ON14 (OZO Colombo)
Rooftops are always top-notch. Combined with the breeze, the lighting and the view of Colombo in all its flickering glory on one side and the shoreline on the other, you can't really go wrong. One of the tallest rooftop bars in the game, paired with a breathtaking view of the sunset as well, you really can't go wrong with this one.
The Havelock Place Bungalow
One of the most private spots in town, complete with flickering candles and dim corners, Havelock Place Bungalow has an almost magical, leafy vibe to it. Plus they also present to you romantic candle-lit dinners.
YUMI (Taj Samudra)
Unlike most Japanese restaurants in Colombo YUMI doesn't get for the pseudo traditional look, instead opting for a hip, modern set up with a black and orange theme, which works brilliantly. If it's some quality sushi you're looking for, this is the spot. Their food is absolutely top-notch and paired with the comfortable, spacious seating, you're bound to have a great time! Nothing more romantic like eating raw fish together.
Il Ponte (Hilton)
One of the more established, older Italian Restaurants, Il Ponte has a solid poolside setting that makes the place so much more romantic. The lights sparkling off the dancing waters of the pool combined with the delightful breeze will certainly kinder those flames.
Governor's Restaurant (Mount Lavinia Hotel)
The sound of the waves lapping at the shores below and the sea breeze occasionally ruffling your hair, the Governor's Restaurant at MLH makes one of the most perfect settings for a date.
Berlin Sky Lounge
From dizzying heights of ongoing skyscrapers to swan boats cruising on the Beira lake, this is an awesome vantage point that lets you gaze at some of the most spectacular views that Colombo city has to offer. Needless to say, this view is even prettier at night. If you want to get 7 floors high together and enjoy this sick view with some good booze in your hand while indulging on German infused delicacies, the Berlin Sky Lounge is a fine spot for that.
Cloud Red (Cinnamon Red)
The ambience is easily the key draw of Cloud Red. You've got a 360° view of Colombo's undulating skyline; watching construction, traffic, and trees flit about below you. You can catch sunset near the pool, then watch as the sun dips and Colombo gets gradually sparklier as headlights and lamps are switched on.
The Courtyard (Tintagel Boutique Hotel)
Tintagel is one of Colombo's prettiest colonial mansions! It's exclusive, private, and a truly gorgeous setting.
rare Bar + Kitchen
rare is one of Colombo's few forays into fusion dining, employing a bunch of experimental dishes, beautiful restored colonial architecture, and good service. It's a perfect special occasion spot, and quite charming outdoors. The indoor seating is nice too, but more suited to business or family dinners.
London Grill (Cinnamon Grand)
Good food, great service, and the perfect setting for a special occasion, especially if you're into old school classics like steak, good wine, and a piano man, London Grill covers all of those bases. Just be prepared to shell out a minimum of about Rs. 8000 for two without wine, or around Rs. 15,000 for two with wine.
Park Street Mews Restaurant
Park Street Mews Restaurant strikes the perfect balance between rustic and modern in terms of interior decor, with lighter colour palates of grey, green and off-white. The quality of their food and service has remained unquestionable throughout, and it's one of the places that have a more unorthodox setting.
Sugar Bistro & Wine Bar
Good food with plenty of variety, a chic and classy setting and some of the most enthusiastic service we've experienced, Sugar Bistro has become an increasingly popular hangout spot in Colombo. The outdoor terrace area is perfect for those looking to grab a coffee while the interior with its mix of urban and rustic elements is appropriate for both a casual meal or a something along the lines of a business lunch.
Wherever you decide to go to, be it a casual drive with a takeaway to somewhere scenic, we hope you have a great week!
