Icebair Restaurant.

Like the Icebear Century Café, its smaller version in Negombo town, the Icebair restaurant is a cool place to chill out at, right on Negombo Beach. Even if it isn't the most inviting beach of the island for a swim, it's still nice to have a meal or drink by the sea when you happen to be in the area.

Initially built as a retirement home, the Swiss owner soon realised that the house was too big for him (rich people have their problems too you know) and converted it into a guesthouse called Icebear and a restaurant logically (or not) named Icebair. 

The Swiss influence is clearly perceptible in the menu, which includes muesli, rösti and coffee made the way neighbouring countries Germany and Italy do it.

The Coffee

Intrigued by the German coffee listed on the menu, we ordered a Pot of German Filtered Coffee (Rs. 390). Germans are more famous for their beers or schnapps and we now understand why. While it wasn't terrible, it certainly won't let us a lifelong memory. It was bland and a bit sediment-y. It tasted pretty much like a French pressed coffee. 

True to its reputation and fame, the Italian Espresso (Rs. 390) satisfied us. Strong and aromatic, it was an honest espresso. 

We were more impressed by the presentation of the brews. They were served in an authentic Bialetti espresso maker and in a Moroccan looking teapot. I don't know what the pot was made of but it was bloody heavy! Pouring the German coffee happened to be an excellent morning exercise for our biceps. 

The Food

We went for a very Swiss and healthy breakfast: Rösti (Rs. 1,100) and Chocolate Cake (Rs. 460).

For those amongst you you aren't familiar with Swiss gastronomy, the rösti is this potato fritter which often comes with an egg on top. This one also contained bacon and cheese. Deliciously golden and crispy on the outside while still soft and moist inside, the rösti was really tasty and well executed. It was a bit on the oily side but overall it was very nice and made a hearty breaky option.

On the other hand, the chocolate cake was a bad choice. The sauce was the only element that tasted like chocolate but wasn't good enough to save the stodgy and dry piece of cake. Keep away from this one. 

The Service

Staff is courteous and reserved. So discreet, it can be hard to find them at times. Service was not the most efficient. But being on one of this lazy day, we didn't mind and the wait actually enabled us to roam around the garden and to greet the turtles and my homonymous hen.

The Atmosphere

The restaurant is located in a lush garden full of quirky decoration and fronting the beach. It's an ideal place to while away the hours in good company or, if not, with a good book.

We also appreciated the extra effort put into food and drink presentation as well as the quality tableware. It contributed to make our stop here feel pretty unique and exclusive.

Conclusion

Icebair Restaurant is a great spot for a lazy weekend breakfast or some relaxed afternoon/evening drinks. Too bad the food and drinks don't quite live up to the ambience.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

The Art of Fusion Cuisine at Mövenpick Hotel

By Vera Wadugodapitiya We walked into Robata Grill, Mövenpick. Instantly, what struck me about the

Highlights Kamu

A Taste of Mexico – Cinnamon Red’s Latest International Cuisine

By Shamrina Carim Every month, Cinnamon Red has come up with an exciting initiative to

Highlights Kamu

A Classical High Tea Encounter with the Coronation at Mount Lavinia Hotel

By Shamrina Carim Mount Lavinia Hotel hosted a casual evening of classic high tea encounters

Highlights Kamu

The Bento Box at Royal Thai, Cinnamon Lakeside

By Hiruni Herath When you step into the Royal Thai Restaurant at Cinnamon Lakeside, you’ll

Highlights Kamu

Totally Hooked – The Ultimate Seafood Destination

It is not a surprise that “Totally Hooked CMB", the talk of the seafood town,

Highlights Kamu

International Hummus Festival 2023 at Hilton Colombo

By Hashini Pathirana Ramadan Kareem! Festivities have just begun for the Muslim/Islam community in welcoming

Highlights Kamu

Trending.

Hilton Sri Lanka Unveils ‘Enchanting Beginnings’ Wedding Sale

Swoon over exclusive wedding packages in stunning venues for a lifetime of memories Colombo, Sri

Trending

Ramada Colombo’s Exclusive Limited Time Wedding Discount

Book before June 15th and enjoy 25% off Planning the perfect wedding can be an

Trending

The 30th Gratiaen Prize shortlist was announced with the launch of the Gratiaen Trust Young Writers Club

The Gratiaen Trust in association with the John Keells Foundation partnering with the Trust for

Trending

Hilton Sri Lanka is set to commemorate Mother’s Day in grand fashion

Continuing our long-standing tradition of celebrating extraordinary mothers, Hilton properties across Sri Lanka have gone

Trending

Celebrate the Most Precious Woman in Your Life at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Colombo

Celebrate the Most Precious Woman in Your Life at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Colombo Colombo,

Trending

7 Degrees Restaurants offers a unique dining experience in Colombo

Sri Lanka’s first and only immersive dining experience 7 Degrees Restaurants, a new and exciting

Trending

Yamu Guide.

7 Decent BnB spots for under LKR 7500 – Sri Lanka

We all like spending mini vacations at affordable spots to relax or stay on the

Highlights Yamu Guide

7 Places to Dine Under LKR1500 LKR per person

By Udaraa Gamage Are you a foodie looking for budget places to satisfy your taste

Highlights Yamu Guide

The Aesthetics of Club Palm Bay

Club Palm Bay is a hotel located in the heart of a charming fishing village

Yamu Guide

High Tea Affairs at L.A.B by Hilton Colombo

By Hashini Pathirana A little chit chat with your besties, while sipping onto an Iced

Yamu Guide

The Art of Gifting with Shirohana

By Rahma Rifkhar From the picturesque green hills of Nuwara Eliya, nurtured by experienced hands

Highlights Yamu Guide

7 places to have Pasta- 2023

By Shamrina Carim Our taste buds crave for that perfect chef-kiss Italian cuisine once in

Kamu Yamu Guide