Where To Eat & Drink In Sri Lanka: A Chef’s Guide
Paradise restaurant lies in the heart of London’s Soho, unassumingly sandwiched between the lively Yard Bar and a beauty salon. Amid the hustle of Rupert Street, Paradise offers a rare escape: a calm, welcoming space where guests are transported to the vibrant island of Sri Lanka. There, you’ll experience the richness of Sinhalese cuisine, with a contemporary twist brought to you by chef Dom Fernando, who was born in London to Sri Lankan parents. With its cool stone walls and minimalist yet intimate decor, he’s created an inviting environment where you’ll want to linger.
Originally opened in 2020, Paradise underwent a brief closure earlier this year for an elegant refresh. Moving away from an à la carte format, Paradise now offers an immersive two-hour, six-course tasting menu that takes diners on a journey through the heart of Sri Lankan flavours. Richly spiced, aromatic curries are served alongside contemporary takes on traditional Sri Lankan staples such as roti, banis and rasam. Pairing perfectly with the food is an inventive cocktail menu (featuring tropical flavours from arrack, coconut and tamarind), curated by head bartender Ania Krawiec and the team behind London’s esteemed Three Sheets.
Fernando makes regular visits to Sri Lanka, to find inspiration in country’s ever-changing culinary scene – ensuring the Paradise menu stays fresh and authentic. Below, he shares his guide to the places and flavours that bring Paradise to life…
The Best Local-Favourite Food Spots In Colombo & Negombo
- Roti Shops – “After work in towns and villages, crowds huddle around these street-food stalls, making demands about hoppers, breads and kothu and what they want with their meals: double egg, extra spicy sambol, vegetable gravy on the side. Last week, I went to a few near Thimbiligasaya Road in Colombo – Asoka Hotel has fresh hand-stretched parathas made right in front of your eyes served with a vegetable gravy. Finger-licking good.”
- The ‘Stashe, Colombo – “I always try and pop by when I want brunch or a late lunch. It’s off the tourist path and offers some unique flavour combinations that I take inspiration from.”
- Giovanni’s, Colombo – “If I’ve had a long day at work and want a slice of something European, then I call in here. It’s by far my favourite pizza in Sri Lanka and has got rave reviews from the local community. Gut-busting gratification at its best.”
- Club Ceylon, Negombo – “It’s housed in a beautifully restored colonial mansion with a BYOB policy. Elizabeth, who owns and runs the restaurant, has also worked in London and is bringing something unique and charming to the market.”
The Best Fine Dining Restaurants In Colombo
- Open Door Policy – “Our new 11-seater chefs’ table will open in Colombo in early 2025.”
- GINI Outdoor Kitchen – “Has a super interesting menu that combines locally sourced ingredients and open fire cooking. Attentive service, brilliant cocktails – this restaurant has set a new benchmark in world-class hospitality for the island.”
Where To Find The Best Traditional Sri Lankan Food In Colombo & Negombo …
- Nuga Gama at The Cinnamon Grand hotel, Colombo – “It’s got the biggest range of dishes – from fresh hoppers and kothu roti, to pickles and aromatic curries – all nestled outside under one of the oldest trees in the country.”
- The Pledge Scape, Negombo – “I love [this restaurant] right along the coast – they make a fantastic Negombo style crab curry with yellow tempered rice and wing-bean curry.”
- The Station, Colombo – “If you’re looking for somewhere to get over your jetlag that’s beachside and relaxed, you can’t go wrong.”
The Bars To Head To After Dinner In Sri Lanka…
- Uncle’s, Colombo – “After dinner – or even for dinner! Sri Lanka has got such a vibrant drinking scene that has progressed over the last five years.”
- Raa, Hiriketiya – “When down south, this is my new favourite for sundowners – a toddy bar with cocktails centred around this. It’s been recently opened by the team behind Smoke and Bitters (recently listed on the World’s 50 Best Bars list) and feeds off the island’s natural larder. Both [Uncle’s and Raa] are serious about what goes in their glasses, but don’t miss out on the food from either of these joints. From spicy drinking snacks that we call short eats to podi plates and island fare, you’re guaranteed a hella good time.”
- Ropewalk, Galle Fort – “For a nightcap. This bar has got the largest selection of arracks in the country (our national spirit – it’s fermented coconut sap and tastes like a cross between rum and whisky). Try the Rockland VX on the rocks – gentle woody notes with coconut and malt. It’s the perfect drink to round off the evening.”
Where You’ll Find the Best Ingredients In Sri Lanka
“Fresh ingredients are abundant in Sri Lanka – we literally find vegetables like breadfruit and jackfruit falling from our trees in the garden when we wake up in the morning. Whip out your favourite Sri Lankan cookbook (mine is At Home with Madhur Jaffrey), pick a recipe at random and enjoy the act of cooking like a South Asian.”
- Good Market at Independence Arcade, Colombo – “If you’re looking to buy some spices to remind you of the flavours of the island when you’re back at home, then visit here before your flight. They stock spices from small batch farmers which are grown organically and with love – you can find anything from cinnamon to cashew nuts here.”
- Sensory Indulgences – “Over the last few years, I’ve really seen the emergence of food and drink experiences that take guests on a back-street culinary adventure. We;ve been working closely with two friends of mine that run Sensory Indulgences – I highly recommend Brindley’s Food Coma, where you’ll get a whistle-stop tour of the country’s local food and the history behind it.”
Where To Stay In Sri Lanka…
- Galle Face Hotel, Colombo – “The oldest hotel east of the Suez Canal. It’s got a great view over the Indian Ocean to enjoy a traditional hopper breakfast.”
- PALM, Ahangama – “A bold concept hotel that brings a slice of modernism to the jungle, nestled between rice fields and palm trees around 5kg inland from the sea.”
- Amangalla, Galle Fort – “A luxury white-washed maze of high-ceilinged suites, colonial furniture and lush gardens, with a nod to its Dutch heritage.”
Pia Brynteson is Content Editor at Service95
