Colombo's food scene is as exciting as its party scene. With so many places to explore, from the vibrant Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque to the historic Independence Square, a trip to Colombo will always have you on your feet, making knowing the best places to grab a bite even more important. While the local delicacies and the streetside bites always have your back, if you are searching for a cute café where you can work out of or enjoy a nice brunch, Colombo is packed with options, and here are some of the best picks:
If you want to have a sun-soaked brekky surrounded by plants at a cosy cafe, this is just the right place. Named after a local species of tree, Kumbuk, the cafe sticks to the green colour palette with its many plant residents, simple white decor, and only 30 tables. Founded by a mum-and-daughter duo, Cafe Kumbuk promises a wholesome meal prepared with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The menu will catch your eye if you are a conscious foodie and want to indulge in something healthy yet tasty. They also have vegan options!
Must try: Bacon pol sambol toast, brown butter caramel croffle, dishoom pakora burger
Address: 3/1 Thambiah Avenue, Independence Ave, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
If you are roaming Stratford Avenue, keep an eye out for Kopi Kadé. It may not stand out from the other boutiques and cafes, but when it comes to the food and coffee, they sure do know how to. The decor is minimal, with white and wooden furniture dominating the interior, but their menu packs a punch. If you are a connoisseur, their selection of medium roasted speciality grade coffee sourced from overseas and many options of single estate coffee is set to impress you. Meanwhile, their food menu boasts an interesting array of small plates, including Sri Lankan favourites and patisserie goods. Also, check out their specials, which are available for a limited time.
Must try: Prawn curry slider, malt and kithul jelly, premium single estate coffee
Address: 15/3 Stratford Ave, Colombo 00006, Sri Lanka
Timings: 12 pm to 7 pm; closed on Monday and Tuesday
If you find yourself up early and wouldn't mind a cuppa with the ocean waves in the background, make your way to Whight and Co., located on Marine Drive and overlooking the ocean. Housed within a colonial building, the cafe exudes an old-world charm. Moreover, its prime location has earned it a must-visit spot among those visiting Colombo or calling it home. As the day passes by, you can literally see the cafe transform from a quiet, serene spot for a morning coffee to an ideal meeting space. If you want to sip on something homegrown, the cafe comes with its own roast Sri Lankan coffee brand, Ruby Harvest.
Must try: Australian lamb pie, date and oat slice, iced americano
Address: 24b Alfred House Ave, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
Want to treat your tastebuds and get some shopping done, too? Jot down Barefoot on your list. Established by Sri Lanka-born artist Barbara Sasoni in 1964, the space is a cafe-cum-boutique. As soon as you enter, you are greeted by ethically sourced products from all over the region that make for unique souvenirs. And if you want to explore more, there's also an in-house gallery and bookstore. The menu is fairly simple and includes comforting and familiar dishes, promising you a relaxing way to idle away a few hours after you are done sightseeing around Galle. To top it all, they also have live jazz performances on Sundays.
Must try: Black pork curry and quiches
Address: 704 Colombo - Galle Main Rd, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
Timings: 10 am to 7 pm
Housed in a mansion from the 1920s, the Black Cat Cafe has a cool retro vibe that most travellers take an instant liking to—think old posters, velvet sofas, retro wooden furniture, potted plants, and curios scattered all around. And when it comes to food, their menu stands out just as much. From dishes that combine Sri Lankan and Western flavours to indulgent breakfast options, the cafe serves up a delightful spread perfect for a loaded brunch. If you have yet to book a hotel, you may want to check out the availability of their rooms, as it doubles up as a BnB, too.
Must try: Steak and egg taco, smoked sail fish, fluffy pancakes
Address: 1 Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Timings: 8 am to 9 pm