Buba Restaurant And Beach Club.

For a city that unfurls along a rather attractive curve of coastline, there are surprisingly few beachfront drinkeries in Colombo. You get the longstanding succession of restaurants lining Mount Lavinia’s ‘Golden Mile’ and a couple of shack-like establishments down the Dehiwala beach (Lanmi’s, The Station), but that’s really about it. But then I suppose there’s a reason for this – the only other central stretch of beach we have is Marine Drive. And that’s a road.

Buba is one of Colombo’s classic bites and beer hang out spots, and a canonical city-beach drinking venue for locals. If you’re not knocking back the Mendises at Mambo’s, Buba’s beachfront bar is probably the next best thing. One of the greatest things about this city? No matter where you are, you’re rarely more than half an hour away from watching the sun sink down over the Indian Ocean and sipping a chilled lager by the beach – despite these spots being confined to about five liquor license wielding locations.

An elusive, foliage abundant nook that only hardwired citydwellers seem able to locate, Buba is such a a place – a tumbledown arcadia located on a secluded patch of sand, winding past the Mount Lavinia Hotel and beyond a crosshatch of rusty train tracks. What used to be just a cluster of plastic chairs and tables strewn around a hut is now a more elaborate two-storey wooden structure – you can either sit right on the sandy Mount beach clutching your arrack, or above it by the stars. Buba has taken shape and expanded – upwards – to accomodate it’s influx of new customers.

Lately, however, the island’s growning penchant for indiscriminate electro has filtered into all mainstream speakers, meaning that if you’re anywhere near a beach, you’re almost guaranteed to be subject to the likes of pounding bass or wailing dubstep. And it’s the same with Buba, so beware – hair of the dog Sunday Lions can be negated by the loud, frenetic EDM that’s prone to be pouring out of their speakers. Quite headache inducing if you don’t like that sort of thing.

But in spite of the unpredictable onslaughts of loud music, Buba is generally a great place for drinks – if purely for their location. The curiously misspelt menu (camp fried lamb cuttles, anyone?), however, is unreasonably expensive – a simple nasi goreng, despite being well-padded with seafood and meat, is a rather unreasonable Rs. 580 and a ‘special’ rice (not as special as in Una) is Rs. 680 – neither are that great. While the fries are good, I’ve had better rices for much, much cheaper elsewhere (compare to Copper Chimney’s 130 rupee stir fried grains). You’re basically paying for a liquor license on the beach – not for the gourmet seafood dining.

But still, Buba’s a good place, be it for evening drinks, day drinks, afternoon drinks or general seaside frolic. In a city where you’re always near a beach but not necessarily drinking on it, Buba offers just that great kind of sandy island nook.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Sri Lanka’s First Hotpot Conveyor Belt Launches at We Ai Family in Colombo

Colombo has just welcomed an exciting new culinary experience with the launch of Sri Lanka’s

Highlights Kamu Trending

A Vintage Affair at Sky Lounge

An Evening of Fine Wine and an Italian Touch The Kingsbury, Colombo, invites you to

Highlights Kamu Trending

Taste the World: 7 Cuisines in 7 Days

Are you craving a culinary adventure? 7 Cuisines in 7 Days is your ultimate guide

Highlights Kamu Trending

The Avenue, Colombo – Review

From the moment you walk in, the space offers a sense of comfort. Its simple

Highlights Kamu Trending

7 Fine Dining Restaurants You Must Try in Colombo

Sri Lanka’s culinary scene is rapidly evolving, blending its rich heritage with global gastronomic trends.

Highlights Kamu Trending

Tea Trails & Tastes: : Best Eats in Nuwara Eliya and Ella.

By Fathima Rukaiya, Let’s take a flavorful journey through the culinary landscapes of Ella and

Highlights Kamu Trending

Trending.

Churros at The Kingsbury Celebrates World Chocolate Day

The Kingsbury Colombo's beloved pâtisserie, Churros, marked World Chocolate Day in true decadence with an

Highlights Trending

Sri Lanka’s First Iris Photography Experience by Eye Craft

On June 29th, the iconic Virticle by Jetwing hosted the grand launch of Eye Craft,

Trending

Hilton Named Best Workplace in Sri Lanka

This milestone marks the first time the hospitality company is recognized as the top employer

Trending

Bello Beach Bar by Browns Hotels & Resorts Redefines Coastal Leisure on Sri Lanka’s East Coast

Pasikuda’s coastline, known for its calm waters and untouched beauty, welcomed a refreshing new addition

Trending

MasterChef Franchise Makes Landmark Debut in Sri Lanka with Star-Studded Launch

Global culinary hit commissioned in 71 territories following latest Banijay Rights dealRs 3 Million, a

Trending

Sri Lanka’s Most Acclaimed Japanese Restaurant, Nihonbashi, Celebrates 30 Years

Marking three decades of popularizing "Washoku" in Sri Lanka, Chef Dharshan Munidasa’s flagship restaurant celebrates

Trending

Yamu Guide.

A Curated List of 9 Japanese Restaurants in Sri Lanka

1.Salmon and Maki - Thalawathugoda Japanese Fusion Cuisine 11.00 AM - 10.30 PM (everyday) Visit:

Highlights Yamu Guide

Best Waterfalls in Sri Lanka (Including Hidden Gems)

By Fathima Rukaiya, There are many beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka, but are you unsure

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

The 2025 High Tea Round-Up

Looking for the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing high tea? Whether you're into sweet

Highlights Yamu Guide

Father’s Day Gift Guide 2025

By Linara Wimalaweera Father's Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and influence of

Yamu Guide

Top Must-Try Restaurants in Ahangama for 2025

Ahangama, a charming surf town on Sri Lanka's southern coast, is becoming a popular spot

Highlights Yamu Guide

8 Gift Ideas to Celebrate Your Mom This Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a special time set aside to honor the amazing women who shape

Yamu Guide