The Icebair Restaurant.

The Icebair Restaurant is an understated little place that you can easily miss because it’s part of the Icebear guesthouse. It’s quirky and somewhat eccentric — a comfortable combination of weird and chilled out.

They have a decent menu covering “”Swiss food, authentic, nowhere else in the island to find””, vegetarian dishes, “”Sweeties, Dessert Parade””, seafood, muesli, and “”Tea & Coffee, stylish celebrated in silver, with a biscuit”” (we didn’t receive the biscuit. WHY).

Ambience

I’m starting off with the ambience here because that’s what drew us in. We stumbled across this place by accident while walking past. The lush greenery and crazy paving stoked my curiousity, though I wasn’t exactly sure what it was when I first walked in. I think I missed the initial signboard that said “”Icebear Guesthouse”” (the restaurant is a little building separate from the guesthouse, within the same property), and instead walked into the Icebair Restaurant. (Yes, they spell Icebear [guesthouse] and Icebair [restaurant] differently).

There are a few tables and chairs laid out under the portico/ in the verandah, as you can see, but there’s also some wrought iron furniture scattered around, a couple of hammocks slung across coconut trees, and a line of pool chairs facing the beach.

It’s all very chilled out, and we liked it. They had decorated the place in the most rustic way, with old seashells and stuff arranged around the area.

They also have a little lending library in an old cupboard, so if you want to read while sipping on your coffee or enjoying a glass of milkwine, this place is for you.

Food and Service

While the general enthusiasm of the menu will make you eager to try it, it will also leave you in stitches. The top of the menu card says that it’s where ‘East meets West, The Icebair Restaurant with Swissness’. They have Bottled Coca Cola (“”Forbid, not Pepsi!””) and stuff like Inspected Table Water, and muesli with ‘eatable’ hibiscus flowers. Their breakfasts and mains are from Rs. 600 upwards, with most of the dishes costing closer to Rs. 1,000.

However, their drinks and desserts are below Rs. 500, and that’s what we went for.

We ordered a Caffè all’italiana (Rs. 390) which was accompanied by a side of milk and sugar in little bronze jugs. The coffee was dark, not too thick, and slightly bitter, as it should be.

Next up was their Spicy Ceylon Milkwine on the rocks (Rs. 320). It was described as ‘a fine, exciting apertif, crystal-clear’. It wasn’t exactly crystal clear, but it did have an amber glow to it, and looked like pure happiness.

My friend — a Negombo local — said that it was the best milk wine she had tasted, and that it was “”milky, and not too strong””. Given that she’s tasted a lot of the stuff, and that people in Negombo apparently make their own milk wine, I’m taking her word for it. Next up was the homemade Ceylon Cinnamon Ice Cream, which was priced at Rs. 420. Although the cinnamon flavour didn’t come through strongly, it was definitely there. The ice cream was a tad too sweet but the cinnamon sort of balanced the sweetness out — it was like having a spiced ice-cream. It was also very creamy and quick to melt, but then again, it was a really hot day as well.

The staff are friendly and they don’t bother you by hovering around. This has its pros and cons, because after taking your order and placing the food around, they tend to disappear. You can find them if you walk over to the reception though, and they appear instantly after that. 

Conclusion

The Icebair Restaurant has some interesting albeit pricey stuff, but their desserts and drinks are reasonably priced. It’s a great place to spend a quiet evening out, and you can be assured of peace and quiet. Go there if you want to have some much-needed alone time.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo Written by Fathima Rukaiya, Mad Dogs Bodega, Banyan

Highlights Kamu

Budget-friendly Iftar spots 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya, In our previous article, we highlighted some exquisite and upscale Iftar

Highlights Kamu

Iftar Buffet Round Up 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya As Ramadan arrives, a warm feeling of reflection and community fills

Highlights Kamu

Discovering Pasta Paradise: The Pasta Factory, Galle Fort

In the historic Galle Fort, The Pasta Factory brings a taste of Italy to Sri

Highlights Kamu

A Home for Desi Dreams – Bombay Nights by Radisson Colombo

As we stepped into the ‘Dine’ in Radisson Colombo, our senses were immediately tantalized by

Highlights Kamu

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

Trending.

Experience the Elegance and Excitement of RTC Tourism Race Day in Nuwara Eliya

RTC Nuwara Eliya will hold its RTC Tourism Race Day on 30th March 2024 at

Trending

“85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim” by SLASU held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel Beach

The "85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim" organized by Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union

Trending

Sheraton Colombo Hotel celebrates International Women’s Day with empowering insights

Sheraton Colombo Hotel, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands, marked International

Trending

Anantara Kalutara Presents an Elevated Gastronomic Journey to Italy

Kalutara, Sri Lanka - March 14, 2024 - Anantara Kalutara Resort is delighted to announce

Trending

List of Party Venues 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya Finding the perfect place to host a party can be a hassle.

Highlights Trending

LCY Unveils Debut ‘LCY for Her’ Collection, Redefining Women’s Polo Wear with Strength, and Sophistication

Thursday, 14, March, 2024, Colombo: LCY, a brand synonymous with manufacturing high-quality men’s polos of

Trending

Yamu Guide.

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Him

By Fathima Rukaiya Are you trying to find the perfect way to show your special

Highlights Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Her

Written by Fathima Rukaiya The season of love is upon us once more, and opinions

Highlights Yamu Guide

Romantic Dinner and High Tea date spots for Valentine’s Day  2024

Written by Shamrina C 1. Via Torino Indulge in a fine dining exclusive 3-Course meal

Highlights Yamu Guide

BYOB Bliss: 16 Places to you can Bring Your Own Bottle!

Written by Shamrina C 1. Giovannis Indulge in Italian flavors, grooving music, pet friendly, and

Highlights Yamu Guide

Unveiling Ramada’s Festive Christmas High Tea Extravaganza!

Written by Shamrina C Mark your calendars for the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of December,

Highlights Yamu Guide