BYOBing In Colombo.

*This post is sponsored by WineWorld.lk. 
 
Drinking in Colombo is quite expensive. From handiye bar to fancy five-star hotels, booze in Colombo is unbelievably pricey. 
 
Nonetheless, one thing to love about Colombo is its sheer number of BYOB spots. A chilled ambience with a killer playlist filling the room, coupled with good food and friendly service, these places allow you to hang out, relax and get your drink on – without having to worry about leaving a dent in your wallet. 
 
Here's a list of places in and around Colombo that you can have them all. 

Giovanni's

A slice of pizza is always a good idea when you have a glass of bubbly or Merlot in your hand. Owing to this pleasure, Giovanni's encourages BYOB – for all kinds of liquor, and it's free of a corkage fee. 

August by Mama Aida's

One of the few places in Colombo to grab some excellent Middle Eastern fare, August by Mama Aida's is located inside the beautiful premises in Shirohana Atelier, and provides the perfect setting for a date night – with a bottle of champagne if you prefer. 

Zen (Zylan Boutique Hotel)

Zen is Zylan boutique hotel's hidden gem of a Japanese restaurant. The charismatic ambience, coupled with their authentic take on Japanese fare, this one is ideal if you're looking for a private meal in a peaceful setting. They also allow you to bring whatever alcohol you'd like to have with your meal. 

JoJo's Place

JoJo's Place has been around for years. Sri Lankanised Chinese fare is what they do best, and that includes this plate of piping hot HBC. A mug of beer and HBC is a combo that one can't simply say no to, so why not bring your own bottle when you head on over to JoJo's? They serve liquor on their own too, but for BYOB, they charge only Rs. 500. 

Isso

Bask in that shellfish goodness with a bottle of wine/beer at Isso. It's free of a corkage fee and available only at Colombo 3 branch. 

Callisto

A sister restaurant to Giovanni's, Callisto is your best option for pasta. Pasta and wine is a match made in heaven, and Callisto makes sure that you can enjoy it to the fullest. Take your own bottle here, and they charge no corkage. 

The Fat Crab

The Fat Crab is one of the few crab-centric restaurants in Colombo. You can BYOB here for a corkage fee of Rs. 1000, and if you're getting tonic, it costs Rs. 225 and upwards. 

Fire & Ice Pizzeria

With a history that runs back to 1995, Fire & Ice Pizzeria comes all the way from Kathmandu. Offering some delicious thin-crust pizza and incredibly good pasta dishes, this is another place that you can BYOB without a corkage fee. 

Breeze Barracuda

Drinking with sunsets and beaches – what a dreamy combo, am I right? Breeze Barracuda lies in Galle Face Green, and does Chinese fare that they've been known to do well for years. Make sure that you try a plate of their crispy HBC with your beer while you're there. 

Buba Restaurant And Beach Club

Not the most girl-friendly spot in Mount Lavinia beach stretch, but Buba Restaurant And Beach Club does some decent seafood dishes, and it's BYOB. 

Park Street Trattoria

Park Street Trattoria is another restaurant in Colombo that you can pair some well-executed Italian delicacies along with a bottle of wine that you can bring on your own. 

168 Sea Food Palace

Yet another spot in Colombo that does a decent take on Sri Lankanised Chinese fare for a really affordable price, 168 Sea Food Palace is a solid choice if you're looking for a meal within a tight budget. The fact that they let you bring your own booze is quite convenient too. 

Chatz

Chatz is one of the oldest members in the cafe scene in Colombo. Bring all the booze you want, they don't charge a corkage fee. However, we heard that they prefer groups of five people or more if you're planning to BYOB, and you're supposed to spend Rs. 5000 or above while you are there. 

English Cake Company

You can BYOB at the English Cake Company, but only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 5 – 7 pm. Only wine and beer are allowed, and it's corkage free. 

1979

With good food, easy on the wallet, and BYOB, 1979 is no stranger to those of you who live around Boralesgamuwa. They charge no corkage fee, and feel free to try this HBC while you get your drink on. 

Upali's

One of the top-picks for Lankan food in an upscale setting, Upali's okay with bringing booze in. It gets packed all the time, so making reservations is recommended. 

M'eat US

There's nothing better than booze and barbecue, and M'eat US delivers both. And it doesn't ask for a corkage free, which is even better! They've got two outlets – in Colombo 7 and Pelawatte, and we recommend the latter. 

Box Colony

Tucked away in a quirky container box, Box Colony is a spot to BYOB if you're looking for one around Battaramulla area. No corkage fee is involved. 

Epicure

Epicure serves “Modern European” cuisine. Fine dining and wine is a combo they offer, and you can bring your own wine bottle here without having to pay a corkage fee. 

It's a picture-perfect scene – wine and dining. But, given how expensive that is, it's almost impossible to do that to your heart's content. Which is why these BYOB places come in quite handy, and if you're in a hurry to grab a bottle, try WineWorld. They've got a good collection of booze, gives your money's worth, and delivers to your doorstep – within the same day if your order is placed before 6.30 pm (to Colombo and its suburbs). 

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

7 Cuisines in 7 Days 

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

Highlights Kamu Trending

Japanese Restaurants in Sri Lanka

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

Highlights Kamu Trending

Hidden Spot Worth Finding: The Avenue, Colombo

Located in Colombo, The Avenue is one of those spots that feels comfortable the moment

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

Press Conference: Celebrating 50 Years of The London Grill & Welcoming Visiting Chef Phillip Davenport

Colombo, Sri Lanka – 14 May 2025 – Cinnamon Grand Colombo is pleased to invite

Highlights Kamu Trending

Trending.

7 Cuisines in 7 Days 

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

Highlights Kamu Trending

Japanese Restaurants in Sri Lanka

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

Highlights Kamu Trending

Hidden Spot Worth Finding: The Avenue, Colombo

Located in Colombo, The Avenue is one of those spots that feels comfortable the moment

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

Father’s Day Festivities Await at Cinnamon Grand Colombo

This Father’s Day, Cinnamon Grand Colombo invites guests to honour Dad with an array of

Trending

Celebrate Sustainability & Community at the POYA Market Mount Lavinia Hotel

The POYA Market returns to Mount Lavinia Hotel on Monday, 10th June 2025, from 10

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

Colombo’s best kept secrets – Date night spots 2025

Colombo might be known for its trendy cafes and fancy rooftop spots, but who says

Kamu Yamu Guide

A Luxurious Seafood Experience at Fat Crab Colombo

Fat Crab Colombo offers a wonderful dining experience that combines luxury, live music, and an

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide