Arcade Independence Square is yet another super-complex of eateries and shopping outlets to pop up in Colombo since the Racecourse buildings. It's got its own food court, a bunch of places to buy clothes…
Colombo Courtyard's design and style are brilliant, as we've mentioned before in the hotel review. It's chic, it's tasteful, and a lot of it is upcycled. The food, on the other hand, leaves a lot to…
A chilled out place in the heart of Colombo for a nibble and drink after work with friends, which doesn't require you to dress up or shell out serious dough.
Perched on top of the OZO Colombo is the equally swanky ON14 Rooftop Lounge & Bar. Pool bar by day and lounge bar by night, ON14 is one of the highest spots for a drink in the city.
Apart from its pool, Otter's strikes this delightful yet confusing mix between being simultaneously family-friendly and being a good place for chaps after work to put a manly arrack session.
The Kingsbury’s poolside restaurant, the Waterscape offers a pretty great view (for now) and al fresco dining. If you’re looking for a decent grill or a bit of fun fondue and have a bit of cash to…
The new Mama's remains a good spot for a beer or lime soda, but for rice and curry it's below average.
A lovely boutique hotel, impeccably furnished and right on Kosgoda beach.
Uncomplicated, tasty food and fresh icy Lion beer in a sleepy coastal town.
One of Colombo’s prettier urban escapes, Colombo Courtyard is a boutique hotel in the heart of Colpetty. As it avoids the usual business hotel tag, the vibe is entirely different.
One of the Negombo strip’s more popular little bar/restaurants, Serendib is right on the beach and has a regular stream of visitors. It strikes a fine balance between dodgy and nice.
The Verandah Bistro is a lesser known hotel restaurant on the third floor of the Hilton Residences. It does average hotel food with a nice poolside view.
The Long Bar at Water's Edge has lovely location and pretty good food and drinks
One of Sri Lanka's original South Coast boutique luxury hotels.
If you're staying in Batticaloa town itself, this is the spot (as long as you don't mind basic accommodation). It's cheap, the staff are insanely nice, and the lawn and location can't be beat.
Tintagel is a historic Colombo establishment with chic design and generally good (but pricey) food at its al fresco restaurant.
Uga Bay is one of Passikudah's hotel giants, located on a vast property spanning a significant breadth of the town's broad and beautiful beach. It's a five star, so you can expect good food, comfy…
Palm Villa is one of the best places to stay in Mirissa, if you can get it. Reasonable room rates, interesting rooms, swimmable beach and a reasonable distance from the main strip.
Talpe Beach Resort serves tasty, intelligent food in a beautiful location on the beach. We're calling this beach fine dining cause the food has high attention to detail and you can wear a swimsuit.
Kingfisher remains a culinary hotspot in Unawatuna, though it's not the hidden gem it used to be. It's now an extremely popular beachside restaurant serving up reliably good fare.
The Mount Head Shop is a tiny place past Templars Road with a good selection of rolling papers, pipes, bongs and other smoking accessories.
41 Sugar might be pricier than other contemporary bars, but both its cocktails and food are honestly excellent. With an excellent rooftop setting to boot, the only thing they really need to fix is…
Cafe Shaze is another one of Colombo's many cafe-restaurant-lounges. They serve the usual Western dishes, mocktails and coffees - the food is alright and it's pretty much on par with other cafes.
As far as beach bars go, Shore By O! is by far the most popular. Not all their drinks are excellent, but they do the best beer cocktails around and their bites aren’t too shabby either.
