Spaghetti & Co.

Colombo lacks a really good Italian eatery. Echo and Bayleaf do their best but never quite reach la dolce vita. It’s really a bit of of an anomaly. Things are looking up in the big city, new restaurants open on a regular basis and CMB is getting more cosmopolitan daily but Italian food just isn’t as well represented as it should be.

Where the capital fails however there are instances when the provinces shine. The South with its beach-swarming tourists and reasonably large expat-Italian community is home to quite a few places run either by Italians or natives with a flare for making Italian food.

Spaghetti and Company is one of the oldest Italian-run joints on the coast. But while its been serving the tourist hoards Italian alternatives to cheese rotti and kottu for more than a decade it remains largely undiscovered by locals. This is a real shame as it’s honestly one of the country’s best Italian restaurants(sadly, this isn’t saying too much).

There’s an extensive selection of homemade pasta, antipasti, raviolis and pizza and with the Italian owners usually present the food is always authentic. It’s also inexpensive- you get a substantial pizza for Rs 800. Value that blows Harpos, Pizza Hut and Dominoes out of the water.

On our last visit- a vegetarian one due to company, we had a vegetable Calzone (Rs 1000), a primavera pizza (Rs 800) and some spinach/ricotta stuffed ravioli in pesto sauce (Rs 600). The calzone in particular was excellent. Enormous and full of cheese, aubergines, olives and general tastiness it would have left three people absolutely satisfied (at Rs 1000 better value than Kottu). The pizza was light with a perfect thin crust and generous toppings, it could have done with a better tomato sauce but still good enough to give Colombo’s pizza champs, Harpos, a run for their money.

I also enjoyed the ravioli, substantial and bursting with spinach and ricotta, though a harsher critic would point out they were a little too thick, to me that just added homemade authenticity. Basically they serve good home-style Italian food. We aren’t talking the gourmet Italian experience but I’d say the pizza and pasta dishes are as good as any you’ll find in Colombo for lower prices.

You do have to go all the way to Hikkaduwa for it but when you’re next heading south or spending a day by the waves keep this place in mind. The food is good and they have a lovely chilled out bungalow on the land side towards the south of Hikka’s main drag. Perfect after a day on the beach but also good for some more formal down-south eating/entertaining.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

A Merry fusion of Delights – Christmas Seasonal Menu by t-Lounge, Dilmah.

Christmas came early to Horton Place and in its most delightful phase too! t- Lounge

Highlights Kamu

Marine Spice: Colombo’s Global Fusion Gem

Indulge in a culinary journey at Marine Spice, Colombo's latest Indian-inspired restaurant. Open daily from

Kamu Trending

Oktoberfest 2023 at Hilton Colombo

The oldest and by far, the most authentic of the Oktoberfest is back with a

Highlights Kamu Trending

“Delightful Vegan Feast: Savor the Flavors of Compassion and Health”

Indulge in an expertly crafted meal featuring an amazing array of fresh healthy and delicious

Highlights Kamu

Sri Lankan flavors with a Mexican Twist at Taco Shack

See here Tacos but make it Lankan? A legacy that began in the humble confines

Kamu Test

Keells : Your one-stop destination for quick meals and more

By Shamrina C In the fast-paced world we live in today, convenience is key, especially

Highlights Kamu

Trending.

Courtyard by Marriott Colombo partners with Magzter to become Sri Lanka’s first Smart Reading Hotel

With sustainability increasingly taking centre stage in the hospitality industry, hotel chains worldwide are implementing

Trending

Mount Lavinia Hotel hosted the grand Christmas tree lighting ceremony

Mount Lavinia Hotel hosted the grand Christmas tree lighting ceremony on 26th November 2023. Dignitaries,

Trending

Gary Mehigan: Celebrity Chef and Former MasterChef Australia Judge is finally here in Sri Lanka

Internationally acclaimed Celebrity Chef and former MasterChef Australia judge, Gary Mehigan, has officially arrived in

Trending

Quick Chat with Celebrity Chef Gary Mehigan

Former MasterChef Australia Judge talks about the Culinary Extravaganza awaiting in Sri Lanka! Colombo, 21st

Trending

Unveil the Enchantment of the Tropics: Festive Luxury with Minor Hotels Sri Lanka

An unparalleled host of festive celebrations and getaways await you with Minor Hotels Sri Lanka,

Trending

The most inspired Christmas Tea Gifts from t-Lounge by Dilmah.

Embracing the festive season, and just in time for your Christmas shopping, t-Lounge by Dilmah's

Highlights Trending

Yamu Guide.

Colombo’s Top List of Christmas Events happening in 2023!

Written by: Shamrina Carim Step into the magic of 2023's Christmas Events!  From cozy gatherings

Yamu Guide

Colombo’s Top List of New Year Parties happening in 2023!

Written by: Shamrina Carim As the countdown to the New Year begins, dive into the

Yamu Guide

Colombo’s Top List of Christmas Buffets happening in 2023!

Written by: Shamrina Carim Experience the festive joy in Colombo as we unveil a delectable

Yamu Guide

“Deck the Halls: Christmas Decor Roundup”

“Top 5 Destinations for Your Christmas Shopping Spree.”   Edys.lk: Unwrap the Magic Edys.lk is

Yamu Guide

11 Reasons not to miss Daraz’s 11.11 Mega Sale!

By Shamrina Carim Are you ready for a shopping extravaganza like no other? Daraz's 11.11

Highlights Yamu Guide

Yaal Virindu – Jaffna Food Festival: A Culinary Journey of Joy

In collaboration with My Sister’s Kitchen by Thushara & Danu Innasithamby By Shamrina C Sri

Highlights Yamu Guide