2020Aug30
Ask any bona fide Sri Lankan what the best things in life are, and the answers bound to roll off our tongue are food, arrack and baila. In that order, without any qualification.
As indulgent creatures by nature, we’re all about maximum food consumption, from breakfast to dinner. Then there are all those mid-morning snacks, team-time snacks, and dessert, of course. Given our generally laid-back attitude to consuming copious quantities of various cuisines, buffets in Sri Lanka are very popular.
As your guide to living your best life, here at Pulse, we’ve decided to give you the rundown of all the best buffets to hit up in Colombo. Let us know your favourites from the list below!
Harbour Court at The Kingsbury Colombo
The Kingsbury Hotel is undeniably one of the best places to wine and dine in, and the Harbour Court certainly does not disappoint. They prepare freshly cooked meals, including a theatre element in front of their guests, taking your dining experience to the next level. With an expansive international buffet that revels in various cuisines, the Harbour Court aims to give you a mouth-watering feast in a modern and sophisticated setting.
International Dinner: LKR 3,900 (Monday – Sunday)
Sunday Brunch: LKR 7,200 (with unlimited bubbly), LKR 4,500 (without bubbly)
Phone: 0771 087 720
The Lagoon at Cinnamon Grand
An expansive range of seafood cooked delicately, in many different styles, is something none of us wants to miss out on. Their range of Asian cuisines and Continental delicacies will leave your taste buds swimming in flavour. Inclusive of a sophisticated interior, do visit The Lagoon for the ultimate seafood experience.
Lunch: LKR 3,500 (Sundays only)
Phone: 0112 497 371
Note: While The Lagoon only has their buffet on Sunday, food can still be ordered from their extensive lunch and dinner a la carte menus on other days of the week.
Pranzo at Water’s Edge
If Italian cuisine is the way to your heart, then we suggest you give Pranzo a try. Nestled in the waterbed of the Diyawanna Oya in Battaramulla, aims to provide you with the most authentic Italian experience, and you will be able to feast on the delicious plates of pasta and pizzas to your heart’s content. Water’s Edge is known for its exquisite service, comfortable and appealing interior as well as their ever so delicious gastronomy. So next time you want to take your loved ones out for an delicious Italian meal, you know where to go!
Brunch: LKR 3,950 (Sundays)
Phone: 0112 863 863
Garton’s Ark
Come experience a whole new way to wine and dine with Garton’s Ark. They aim to entice your taste buds with a range of flavourful international cuisines, while sailing the tranquil waters of the Diyawanna Oya, adjacent to the urban wetland park located in Nawala. With cutting edge sophisticated interiors and the catchy music of live entertainment, Garton’s Ark will provide you with an extraordinary dining experience that you and your loved ones will never forget.
Dinner: LKR 2,500 (Tuesday)
Dinner: LKR 3,200 (Friday – Saturday)
Phone: 0112 818 633
Graze Kitchen at Hilton
Serving up an exciting array of local and international cuisine, the buffet at the Hilton is an exquisite experience that you’d be remiss to miss out on. Whether you feel like some authentic sushi to satiate your ravenous appetite, or an extensive range of fresh seafood and meats, the Graze Kitchen at the Hilton, does not disappoint.
High Tea: LKR 3,288 (Saturdays, Poya days and mercantile holidays)
Dinner: LKR 4,388 (with mocktails), LKR 4,888 (with co*cktails)
Phone: 0112 492 492
Nuga Gama at Cinnamon Grand
The Nuga Gama or Banyan Village is a distinctly Sri Lankan restaurant, brought to life around a 200-year-old Banyan Tree, surrounded by wattle & daub huts, traditionally dressed staff, and a delicious Sri Lankan buffet all days of the week, with a dinner buffet on weekdays with great card offers on board
Dinner: LKR 2,890 (Thursday, Friday and Saturday)
Phone: 0112 497 468
The Dining Room at Cinnamon Lakeside
Similar to its other counterparts, Cinnamon Lakeside is a serious competitor in the local buffet game. Offering its patrons and guests delectable meats, mouth-watering desserts, and an array of international cuisines for those looking for a bit of diversity at a buffet restaurant, The Dining Room, the hotel is always a safe bet for an indulgent outing.
Precede dinner with a pleasant stroll on the edge of the historic Beira Lake and build that appetite up!
Lunch: LKR 3,100 (Monday – Sunday)
Dinner: LKR 3,500 (Monday – Sunday)
Phone: 0112 491 930
Grand Oriental Hotel
With stunning views of the Colombo harbour to accompany your meal, The Harbour Room at the Grand Oriental Hotel offers both a feast worthy of a king and the ambience to go with it. The hotel is an excellent choice for those looking for indulgence without breaking the bank, from its delightful salad bar to its mouth-watering range of meats and everything in between.
Dinner: LKR 2,750 (Friday – Saturday)
Phone: 0112 320 320
AYU at Movenpick
At its AYU restaurant, Movenpick does what any international hotel does best. The buffet.
With its design and set up inspired by contemporary grocery stores, the restaurant serves up a wide range of tantalising food throughout the the day. This writer highly recommends that you either skip a meal or two or go for a 5K run before you hit up this buffet; nothing short of a ravenous appetite will otherwise ensure you get a taste of everything from savoury to sweet they have to offer. Seafood lovers are sure to get the best of their best at the Seafood buffet, and a fantastic range of incomparable treats at the Sunday Family Lunch Buffet, with ten cooking stations, to raise your bar of food standards.
Seafood Dinner: LKR 3,750 (Saturday). 40% off on bottles of wine.
Family Lunch: LKR 3,350 (Sunday). Unlimited Beverage Package: LKR 4,100
Phone: 0117 450 450
Flow at Hilton Colombo Residences
Offering a range of exciting cuisines from around the world, Flow at Hilton Colombo Residence is an absolute treat. Offering its guests private dining areas and a well-curated menu, the restaurant is the perfect place for every occasion. That said, you’d be remiss in visiting and missing out on any of its well-prepared buffet fares.
Breakfast: LKR 2,150 (Monday – Sunday)
Lunch: LKR 2,800 (Thursday – Friday)
Dinner: LKR 3,150 (Friday – Italian cuisine), Saturday (international cuisine)
Phone: 0115 344 644
Ports of Call at Taj Samudra
At its Ports of Call restaurant, the Taj Samudra in Colombo does just about everything right. Its international buffet certainly does not disappoint, as guests are treated to a well-curated selection of meats, salads and everything else you could think of. Make sure you skip on all liquids and pace your meal out to try out their full range of mouth-watering dishes up for noms! The restaurant recommends the Friday night buffet for a treat worth a feast!
Dinner: LKR 3,750 (Monday – Sunday)
Sunday Brunch: LKR 4,200 (regular), LKR 4,900 (unlimited beer), LKR 6,000 (unlimited sparkling), LKR 5,700 (+150 ml Gin)
Phone: 0112 446 622
Coffee Shop at Galadari
While the Coffee Shop might be somewhat of a confusing name for a restaurant serving up delicious buffets, that’s where you need to head if you’re looking to dine at the Galadari! The restaurant also features an a la carte menu with exciting Asian speciality dishes for people with a little less room for an all-out feast.
Lunch: LKR 2,220 (Saturday – Sunday)
Dinner: LKR 3,060 (Monday – Friday)
Phone: 0112 544 544
The Gardenia Coffee Shop, Ramada Colombo
Offering much more than coffee shop fare, The Gardenia is Ramada Colombo’s buffet restaurant with a wicked paratha and chicken curry action station. They specialise in Sri Lankan cuisine and even have a much raved about shisha service that you can choose to indulge in.
Dinner: LKR 3,200 (on Fridays)
Phone: 0112 422 001
Sunday Carvery at Cheers, Cinnamon Grand
Sundays are for roast, and Cheers does it in style. Tender cuts of roasted meat, a variety of freshly seasoned vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and a tall glass of brew or two are just some of the highlights of Sunday Carvery – perfect for all you meat-lovers.
Lunch: LKR 3,200 (Monday – Saturday)
Brunch: LKR 4,500 (Sunday)
Phone: 0112 497 373
Jetwing Colombo 07
A chic and contemporary interior greeting you to some of the finest food and beverages you can taste in Colombo, Jetwing Colombo 07 offers you excellent sweets, savouries and drinks to delight your taste buds.
Hopper Night Buffet: LKR 1,200
High Tea: LKR 1,200
Central Restaurant – Shangri-La Colombo
The restaurant serves an international buffet with robust flavours where you can experience a global gastronomic journey. With its elegant floral décor and mouth-watering exquisite delights, Central Restaurant is a treat for the eyes and palate alike.
Lunch: 4,600 (Saturdays)
Dinner Buffet: 4,600 (Wednesday – Sunday)
Sunday Brunch: LKR 4,750
Phone: 0117 888 288
Plates at Cinnamon Grand
The restaurant takes you on a multi-country, multi-cuisine experience. At Plates, it is all about togetherness where you can share fond memories with family and friends while you enjoy a multitude of international dishes.
Lunch Buffet: LKR 3,300 (Monday – Saturday)
Dinner Buffet: LKR 4,000 (Monday – Saturday)
Sunday Brunch: LKR 4,500
Phone:0112 497 361
Elevate by Jetwing Restaurant and Rooftop Bar (Buffet is temporarily discontinued)
29 floors sky high, Elevate, situated at the Access Towers building gives you the ultimate dining experience with a spectacular view of Colombo. Their food varies from Lankan, Italian, Indian and Western cuisines, making your taste buds shimmy with a variety of flavours. They also aim to keep their customers satisfied by giving you an “elevated” dining experience, at a very reasonable price.
Lunch: LKR 1,750 (Monday – Friday), LKR 1,950 (Saturday)
Raja Bojun (Buffet is temporarily discontinued)
Any Lankan knows that at some point, international fare can get a little boring. Sometimes, all you need is a plate-full of fresh egg hoppers and some devilishly spicy chicken curry to indulge your senses. In these moments, Raja Bojun is a dream come true. Boasting of serving authentic Sri Lankan cuisine all day, indulge in the spice and heat characteristic of our local favourites at this classic spot!
Breakfast: They don’t normally do breakfast buffets, but if you’re particularly keen to try this out, a buffet can be arranged through prior reservation, and if you’re ordering for 25 or more people. Otherwise, you can simply go for their set menu choices.
Lunch: LKR 1,990
Dinner: LKR 1,990
The Verandah at Galle Face Hotel (Buffet is temporarily discontinued)
Renowned as one of Colombo’s most historic establishments, the Galle Face Hotel, is more than just an elegant look into the country’s colonial past. Popular for its reintroduction of the high-tea pandemic in the city, its buffet options at The Verandah, are equally a gastronomic delight for its faithful patrons. Step into old-world charm and aura, without missing out on the delights of well-executed contemporary dishes and drinks, at the Galle Face Hotel.
Breakfast: LKR 2,200
Lunch: LKR 2,800 (special lunch on bookings. Call their reservations desk for more information)
Dinner: LKR 2,900
High Tea: LKR 1,864
Curry Leaf at Hilton (Buffet is temporarily discontinued)
If you want the taste of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine without missing out on a terrific ambience, the Curry Leaf at the Hilton Hotel, ought to be your number one choice. They’re only open for dinner though, so if you want your local cravings satisfied earlier in the day, you’ll have to try somewhere else.
Dinner: LKR 3,588
Note: Though you won’t be able to indulge in their buffet for the time being, they do have an exceptional seafood a la carte menu available.
Tides Restaurant at Marino Beach (Buffet is temporarily discontinued)
Fine dining, with a panoramic view of the vast ocean, doesn’t get better than the Tides Restaurant at Marino Beach in Colombo. The Tides Restaurant presents an array of scrumptious food items that are prominent in many different international cuisines, to cater to all your cravings and palettes. With luxurious interiors, the Tides Restaurant aims to give you a heaven-on-earth gastronomical dining experience with their breakfast and dinner buffets.
Lunch: LKR 1,875 (credit card), LKR 2,125 (debit card and cash) (Saturday – Sunday)
Dinner: LKR 1,975 (credit card), LKR 2,338 (debit card and cash) (Friday – Sunday)
