With the recent transformation of Colombo’s skyline and the increasing cosmopolitan vibe there has been a proliferation of some charming little cafes across the city, mostly stand-alone or local chains. Whether you seek a good start to the day or a mid-day caffeine fix, our list below tries to highlight those which have defined themselves in some unique manner among seemingly endless options. Some of these just smash the good old wholesome comfort foods, and others stand out for some stylish and innovative dishes, health-foods, vegan friendly options, delectable sweet treats or for creating a chic and beautiful ambiance that invites you to relax all day long. And then some, simply offer the best cuppa tea or coffee in town.
Paradise Road Gallery Cafe $$$ – $$$$
Snacks, cakes, dessert, coffee, drinks
Located at what was the former office premises of world renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, The Gallery Café is a visual feast of classy interiors giving way to a restaurant, café and cosy sitting areas. The café offers a regular range of comfort snacks, a tempting cake-counter, and some of the best coffee in town; all enhanced by calming, relaxing and simply beautiful interiors.
Barefoot Garden Cafe $$$
Café meals, vegan options, dessert, tea & coffee, drinks
Hearty portions and wholesome café-style western meals; simple straightforward menu. Food is plated and delivered with certain panache in an attractive outdoor environment of the popular boutique, Barefoot, another building of Bawa influence with bright and colourful interiors. Excellent themed entertainment available, particularly over the weekends and Jazz Sundays are a crowd-puller.
Café at the Villa Raha $$ – $$$
All-day breakfast, health food, vegan options, halal meats, tea & coffee
A hidden gem in the City of Colombo delivering gastronomic masterpieces in the form of superfoods; low in calories, high in nutrition. Breaks all stereotypes of health-foods by offering simply delicious lip-smacking dishes. From matcha-berry smoothie bowls, breakfast waffles to eggs benedict with a twist, innovative juices and great coffee, Villa Raha leaves you feeling happy eating healthy. One of our favourites in this list.
Café Kumbuk $$ – $$$
Café meals, vegan options, dessert, tea & coffee
With a menu that adapts to what’s available in season using fresh local produce and organic ingredients, Café Kumbuk delivers healthy and delicious food in a no-fuss menu. Located in a restored old bungalow in a residential neighbourhood, with a variety of music to choose from, the Café offers a homely laid-back environment and adjacent yoga studio. A refreshing surprise is often achieved through seasonal pop-ups.
The Commons $$
Sri Lankan, Asian, Continental, coffee, juices
One of the oldest and yet cosiest and still one of the most popular coffee houses in the city attracting a young patronage to spend hours in its comfy loungy environment. With some legendary wraps and crepes that have stood the test of time, excellent salad options, savoury and sweet waffles, popular Sri Lankan nibbles like Kottu and stuffed rotis, The Commons’ has an extensive menu that will leave you spoilt for choice.
The Butter Boutique $$
Cakes and Coffee
The café is one of our favourites, defying all norms and standing out proudly offering Coffee and Cake, albeit a few other nik-naks to take away on impulse such as cookies, brownies and even some home-made granola. With a variety of over-the-counter cakes which is second to none in the city, the café produces a Tres Leches that is truly without comparison. It also houses some of the best coffee in town through a collaboration with an Australian barista.
Caramel Pumpkin $$
Café meals, vegan options, halal meats, desserts, Ice creams, coffee
A cute and quirky café offering all-day dining and a menu of solid comfort foods and some good pasta in healthy portions. The wording of its menu, a little sarcastic and a little not-so-subtle aptly reflects the cafes quirky culture highlighted through its Instagram profile. Although a road-facing café, an environment that is cool and relaxing has been achieved. The Isle of Gelato franchise within its premises is a crowd-puller.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Cinnamon Gardens $$ – $$$
Coffee and tea, café meals, vegan options
This international franchise has many little café outlets in and around Colombo but we choose its flagship coffee house at Mainland Crescent (Cinnamon Gardens) for this list, due to its spacious and pleasing environment, free unlimited wi-fi and excellent quality all-day dining options. Its signature Ice Blends in innovative flavours has created a following among the young coffee drinkers of Colombo.
Café Nuga $$ – $$$
Vegan friendly Café, Asian, International, fusion, tea & coffee
With all mains having vegan options which is a defining point in its menu, another health-food café that stands out. Its not just all about the smoothie bowls at Café Nuga, which has plenty of the staple pasta, sandwiches, burgers and even rice dishes and a kids menu constructed from organic and fresh ingredients. Located in the centre of the business district, the café’s green walls and wooden furniture seek to create an outdoors illusion.
The T-Lounge by Dilmah $$
Standard and speciality teas, light meals
Located at the Arcade, Independence square, another iconic and stylishly restored colonial building, is the T-lounge by Dilmah for the tea-lovers. While offering standard, flavoured and speciality teas, innovative tea cocktails; simply a huge section of teas from the world famous Dilmah brand of teas in Sri Lanka, the café also offers popular snacks and light meals to make a pleasing overall experience.
