SRI LANKAN
BANANA LEAF RESTAURANT
86 Galle Road, colombo 4
Tel: 584403
Go native and eat off a banana leaf. Known for their ambrosial crab dishes. Inexpensive.
HOTEL DE BUHARI
15 Panchikawatte Road, Colombo 10
Tel: 431015
A fine selection of Sri Lankan dishes. For local flavour, try the Basmati rice biryani on weekends. Inexpensive.
CURRY BOWL
24 Deal Place, Colombo 3
Tel: 575157
A good introduction to the spicy hot curries of Sri Lanka. Inexpensive
IBN BATUTA
Renaissance Hotel
Tel: 544200
For something sweet, try the watallappan for desert. Moderate.
RANMULA
Hotel Lanka Oberoi
Tel: 321001
Good selection of Sri Lankan and Indian food at this Oberoi outlet. Moderate.
HOTEL RENUKA
Galle Road, Colombo 3
Tel: 573598, 573602
Sri Lankan cuisine complemented by the food of Jaffna. Inexpensive.
CHINESE
CHINESE PARK VIEW LODGE
70 Park Street, Colombo 2
Tel: 326255
Wide range of Chinese dishes. Try the kankun with beef. Inexpensive.
CHINESE DRAGON CAFE
232 Galle Road, Colombo 4
Tel: 588144, 502733
The cheapest place for Chinese food, but service is slow. Inexpensive.
EASTERN PALACE
253 R A de Mel Mawatha, Colombo 3
Tel: 573436
Famous for its shell lagoon prawns. Moderate.
FLOWER DRUM RESTAURANT
26 Thurstan Road, Colombo 3
Tel: 574216, 574811
Try the hot plate sizzlers and the lemon chicken. Moderate.
LONG FENG
Renaissance Hotel
Tel: 544200
If you've never tried cuttlefish before, this is the place. Wonderful stir-fried with mushrooms. Expensive.
INDIAN
NAVRATNA
Hotel Taj Samudra
Tel: 446622
Excellent North Indian cuisine and cosy ambience. Expensive.
SARAS
25 Charles Drive, Colombo 3
Tel: 575226
A taste of two cultures. Indian and Chinese food in this renowned restaurant. Closed on Monday. Moderate.
SHANTHI VIHAR
3 Havelock Road, Colombo 5
Tel: 580224
The chana bhathura is an excellent preparation. Inexpensive.
JAPANESE
GINZA HOSHEN
Colombo Hilton Hotel
Tel: 544644
Try the shabu shabu here. Expensive.
JAPANESE DOLL
32B Sir Mohammed Macon Markar Mawatha, Colombo 3
Tel: 446589
Charming decor complements the authentic Japanese cuisine. Moderate.
KARAOKE RESTAURANT
Renaissance Hotel
Tel: 544200
New floating restaurant. The tepanyaki is a favourite. Moderate.
KOREAN
ARI RANG
16 Abdul Cafoor Mawatha, Colombo 3
Tel: 575186
Serves both korean and Chinese cuisine under the same roof. Moderate.
HAN GOOK GWAN
62 havelock Road, Colombo 5
Tel: 587961, 588109
A new restaurant. Try the steamboat. Moderate.
KOLIO
Hotel Empress, Colombo 3
Tel: 574930/1
A favourite among the Korean community of Sri Lanka -- an endorsement that speaks volumes. Moderate.
PAKISTANI
KEBABISH
526 Galle Road, Colombo 3
Tel: 574479
The only place to get genuine Pakistani food. Kebabs are juicy and full of flavour. Moderate.
SEAFOOD
SEAFISH
15 Sir Chittampalam Gardiner Mawatha, Colombo 2
Tel: 326915
A specialty seafood restaurant serving almost everything that swims. Moderate.
CONTINENTAL
DON STANLEY'S
59 Alexender Place, Colombo 7
Tel: 686486
Family-owned restaurant run by a former beauty queen. Moderate.
GABLES
Colombo Hilton Hotel
Tel: 544644
Excellent atmosphere, but small portions. Free copy of International Herald Tribune with lunch. Expensive.
GERMAN RESTAURANT
11 Galle Face Court, Colombo 3
Tel: 421577
Cosy German atmosphere, and friendly staff. Moderate.
LONDON GRILL
Hotel Lanka Oberoi
Tel: 320001
Popular English-style steakhouse. Moderate.
NOBLESSE
Renaissance Hotel
Tel: 544200
For fine Continental cuisine and wines. Moderate.
PALMS SUPPER CLUB
Hotel Ceylon International
Tel: 421221
Excellent Continental cuisine matched by beautiful views. Expensive.
ITALIAN
It. PONTE RISTORANTE
Colombo Hilton Hotel
Tel: 544644
Authentic Italian cuisine; try the excellent ravioli. Moderate.
PIZZERIA
Hotel Ceylon International
Tel: 421221
The cheapest pizzas are at this openair restaurant. Good value for money. Moderate.
SWISS
CHESA SWISS
3 Deal Palce A, Colombo 3
Tel: 544644
Cheese fondue is full of flavour. Closed on Sundays. Expensive.
HOTEL COFFEE SHOPS
EMERALD
Hotel Ceylon International
Tel: 421221
Overlooking the sea, a popular place for lunch. Moderate.
GARDENIA
Holiday Inn
Tel: 422001
Excellent Moghul food.Moderate.
LE BRASSERIE
Hotel Marriot
Tel: 544544
Popular for humburgers and pizza. Nice atmosphere. Moderate.
LOTUS TERRACE
Colombo Hilton Hotel
Tel: 544644
Lovely setting. Try the Sri Lankan speciality - lamprais cooked in banana leaf. Moderate.
PORTS OF CALL
Hotel Taj Samudra
Tel: 446622
Try the piquant and Portuguese-in-spired dishes from Goa, South India. Moderate.
PURPLE ORCHID
Hotel Lanka Oberoi
Tel: 421171, 320001
A good outlet for quick meals. Over looks a lovely garden. Moderate.
SUMMERFIELDS
Renaissance Hotel
Tel: 544200
the best lunch-time buffet in town. Moderate.