Rated4.4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Best For: Artistic Ambiance, Romantic Evenings, International Cuisine, Fine Dining, Wine Enthusiasts, Private Events.
If you’re seeking a delightful culinary experience in the heart of Colombo, look no further than The Gallery Café. This iconic restaurant, housed in a beautifully restored colonial mansion, offers a fusion of Sri Lankan and international cuisine in an elegant and historic setting. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or a culture seeker, The Gallery Café is a must-visit destination during your stay in Sri Lanka.
Location and Hours of Operation
Location: 2 Alfred House Road, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
Hours of Operation:
Lunch: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
Dinner: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
Closed on Mondays
Accessibility
The Gallery Café is conveniently located in the heart of Colombo, making it easily accessible from most parts of the city. Whether you’re staying in a nearby hotel or exploring the city, a visit to this restaurant is convenient and well worth the trip.
Accommodation
While The Gallery Café primarily serves as a dining establishment, its charming ambiance and historical significance make it a fantastic location for special occasions, including weddings, receptions, and private events. The restaurant offers event planning services and can accommodate both small and large gatherings.
Best Time to Visit
The Gallery Café is an all-year-round destination. However, to enjoy the best weather and an open-air dining experience, consider visiting during the dry season in Sri Lanka, which typically runs from November to April.
Fees/Prices
The prices at The Gallery Café are in the mid to high range, reflecting the quality of the cuisine and the unique dining experience it offers. Expect to spend approximately $30-40 per person for a meal, excluding beverages.
Feedback
The Gallery Café has received rave reviews from both locals and tourists. Patrons often praise its delectable cuisine, attentive service, and the enchanting ambiance created by its colonial-era architecture and lush greenery. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.
Things to Do and See
Art Gallery: As the name suggests, The Gallery Café also features an art gallery showcasing works by local and international artists. Take some time to explore the art on display while waiting for your meal or after your dining experience.
Shop for Souvenirs: The restaurant has a charming gift shop where you can find unique souvenirs, including handcrafted items and local art, to take home as mementos of your visit to Sri Lanka.
Garden Dining: The lush garden setting is perfect for a romantic dinner or a relaxing lunch. Enjoy the soothing ambiance surrounded by tropical plants and gentle breezes.
Price List/Menu:
The Gallery Café Menu
Starters
Dish
Price
Chicken Liver Pâté
LKR 1,750
Olive Oil Sautéed Calamari Rings
LKR 2,250
Baked Crab (Starter/Main)
LKR 2,750 / LKR 6,250
Smoked Salmon Terrine
LKR 4,500
Batter Fried Whitebait
LKR 1,750
Spanish Garlic Prawns
LKR 2,250
Onion, Thyme, and Goat Cheese Tart (v)
LKR 1,750
Roasted Cauliflower (v)
LKR 1,800
Soups
Soup
Price
Chicken Mulligatawny
LKR 1,100
Sri Lankan Fish Head Soup
LKR 995
Gazpacho (v)
LKR 1,450
Sweet Pumpkin Soup (v)
LKR 1,100
Cream of Gotukola (v)
LKR 1,100
Salads
Salad
Price
Caesar Salad (Starter/Main)
LKR 2,900 / LKR 3,450
Chargrilled Chicken
LKR 2,250
Chargrilled Beef
LKR 6,500
Quail Egg Salad
LKR 1,750
Mediterranean Salad – Chicken
LKR 2,600
Mediterranean Salad – Vegetarian (v)
LKR 1,700
Broccoli and Avocado Salad (v)
LKR 2,450
Tomato and Mozzarella (v)
LKR 2,500
Mixed Salad
LKR 1,500
Mains – Meat
Dish
Price
Paradise Road Super Burger
LKR 3,600
Malacca Fried Rice
LKR 3,500
Spaghetti Bolognese
LKR 2,500
Spaghetti with Beef and Pork Meatballs
LKR 2,750
Mediterranean Sizzling Beef Fillet
LKR 9,500
Grilled Sirloin Steak
LKR 9,500
Grilled Fillet Steak
LKR 12,000
Rack of Lamb
LKR 14,500
Grilled Lamb Cutlets
LKR 14,000
Pan-Fried Calves Liver
LKR 3,500
Parmesan-Crusted Pork Schnitzel
LKR 2,750
Roast Pork with Mustard Sauce
LKR 3,750
Mains – Poultry
Dish
Price
Coq au Vin
LKR 3,500
Lemongrass and Ginger Chicken
LKR 2,500
Bacon Cream Cheese Filled Chicken Breast
LKR 3,000
Indian Butter Chicken
LKR 2,500
Phad Thai (S)
LKR 3,500
Nasi Goreng (S)
LKR 3,500
Pan-Fried Duck Breast
LKR 4,950
Mains – Fish
Dish
Price
Beer Battered Fish and Chips
LKR 2,950
Fettuccine with Smoked Salmon
LKR 5,750
Fettuccine with Lobster and Prawn
LKR 3,750
Seafood Risotto
LKR 4,500
Pan-Fried Modha
LKR 3,250
Curried Coconut Crusted Modha
LKR 3,250
Tuna Stacks
LKR 3,500
Pan-Fried Seer
LKR 4,950
Tandoori Marinated/Pan Seared Salmon
LKR 6,500
Grilled Garlic Jumbo Prawns
LKR 5,500
Sri Lankan Rice and Curry
Dish
Price
Tamarind Beef Curry
LKR 2,500
Beef Smore
LKR 2,750
Black Pork Curry
LKR 2,750
Prawn Curry
LKR 3,250
Mustard Fish Curry
LKR 2,500
Mains – Vegetarian
Dish
Price
Spaghetti with Black Olives and Feta
LKR 1,950
Spinach Crêpes
LKR 1,950
Chilli-Salt Crumbed Tofu
LKR 2,200
Spinach Gnocchi
LKR 2,250
Champagne Risotto
LKR 3,500
Feta and Black Olive Ravioli
LKR 2,250
Phad Thai (v)
LKR 2,250
Nasi Goreng (v)
LKR 2,250
Sweets
Dessert
Price
Paradise Road Chocolate Cake
LKR 1,100
Chocolate Nemesis
LKR 995
Chocolate Mousse
LKR 1,750
Mocha Pot
LKR 1,250
Chocolate Walnut Brownie
LKR 1,250
Double Chocolate Cheesecake
LKR 1,750
Via Paradiso
LKR 1,750
Tiramisu
LKR 1,950
Lemon Meringue Pie
LKR 925
Passionfruit Meringue Pie
LKR 925
Dulce de Leche Cheesecake
LKR 1,800
Carrot and Pineapple Cake
LKR 925
Pecan Pie
LKR 1,600
Paradise Road Banana Split
LKR 1,250
Crème Brûlée
LKR 995
Jaggery Crème Brûlée
LKR 1,250
Strawberry Sundae
LKR 1,200
Jaggery Sundae
LKR 1,250
Fresh Strawberries and Whipped Cream
LKR 1,250
Tropical Fruit Platter
LKR 1,250
Old Fashioned Trifle
LKR 1,250
Pineapple Mango Sorbet
LKR 1,200
Traditional Bread Pudding
LKR 1,250
Homemade Ice Cream
Ice Cream
Price
Belgian Chocolate Ice Cream
LKR 1,000
Coffee Ice Cream
LKR 1,000
Coconut Ice Cream
LKR 1,000
Jaggery Ice Cream
LKR 1,000
Yoghurt Ice Cream
LKR 1,000
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
LKR 1,000
Cinnamon Ice Cream
LKR 1,000
Strawberry Red Wine Ice Cream
LKR 1,000
Passion Fruit Ice Cream
LKR 1,000
Toppings
Topping
Price
Chocolate Sauce
LKR 350
Chopped Cashewnuts
LKR 350
Toffee Sauce
LKR 350
Whipped Cream
LKR 350
Almond Praline
LKR 350
Bombai Muttai (Palm Sugar Floss)
LKR 350
Wines
White Wine
Wine
Price
Sauvignon Blanc – Wishbone, New Zealand
LKR 10,900
Sauvignon Blanc – Nederburg, South Africa
LKR 9,950
Sauvignon Blanc – Valdivieso, Chile
LKR 11,700
Semillon Sauvignon Blanc – Sandalford Margaret River, Australia
LKR 14,500
Riesling – Jacobs Creek, Australia
LKR 12,000
Pinot Grigio – Ducato IGP, Italy
LKR 10,100
Chardonnay – Valdivieso, Chile
LKR 11,000
Grüner Veltliner – Domäne Gobelsburg, Austria
LKR 12,750
White Wine by the Glass
Wine
Price
Sauvignon Blanc – Nederburg, South Africa
LKR 2,800
Sauvignon Blanc – Valdivieso, Chile
LKR 2,950
Riesling – Jacobs Creek, Australia
LKR 2,700
Chardonnay – Valdivieso, Chile
LKR 3,450
Champagne
Champagne
Price
Taittinger Brut Reserve – France
LKR 28,950
Taittinger Prestige Rosé – France
LKR 32,750
Veuve Clicquot – France
LKR 46,950
Sparkling Wine
Wine
Price
Prosecco Brut – Cave Dec Rois, Italy
LKR 15,600
Rosé Wine
Wine
Price
Calvet Rosé d’Anjou – France
LKR 14,700
Rosé Wine by the Glass
Wine
Price
Calvet Rosé d’Anjou – France
LKR 3,800
Red Wine
Wine
Price
Pinot Noir – Dark Horse, Californian
LKR 11,500
Merlot – Valdivieso, Chile
LKR 10,500
Shiraz – Sandalford Margaret River, Australia
LKR 14,500
Cabernet Sauvignon – Valdivieso, Chile
LKR 10,500
Chianti DOCG – Ducato, Italy
LKR 11,500
Kadette – Kanonkop, South Africa
LKR 12,450
FAQ and Tips
Is a reservation required?
While it’s not always necessary, making a reservation is recommended, especially if you plan to dine during peak hours or with a larger group.
Is there a dress code?
The dress code at The Gallery Café is smart-casual. It’s advisable to avoid wearing beachwear or overly casual attire.
Dietary Restrictions?
The restaurant can accommodate various dietary restrictions, including vegetarian and vegan preferences. Be sure to inform the staff of any special dietary requirements when making your reservation.
Local Currency?
The Gallery Café accepts major credit cards and local currency (Sri Lankan Rupees).
Wi-Fi Availability?
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for guests, allowing you to stay connected while enjoying your meal or exploring the art gallery.
Plan your visit to The Gallery Café for an unforgettable dining experience that combines history, culture, and exceptional cuisine. From its charming location to its diverse menu, this restaurant is a true gem in the heart of Colombo. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the flavors and ambiance of this iconic establishment during your visit to Sri Lanka.
I absolutely loved the atmosphere and the overall vibe of the place. Everything was perfectly in order and the staff were well-educated and incredibly friendly. My only critique would be that the spaghetti bolognese didn't quite meet my expectations. Nonetheless, the restaurant is exceptionally well-maintained.
Good food. Amazing service and great atmosphere. I had some cream soup of some unique vegetable it was good. The prawn curry was very good. The double chocolate cheesecake was also good. The mocha pot was decent.
A pleasant place to enjoy a quiet dinner in a good atmosphere. The children's menu is without spicy food. Delicious cocktails and cool beer not available in standard eateries. In the evening, with the onset of darkness, torches and living fire chandeliers are lit, which add a romantic and exotic note to the place.
Food is awesome. And they have a good mix of all varieties of foods. Service is amazing. The staff there treat us like their own people. Atmosphere also is awesome. But unfortunately we've been here for a dinner, and so couldn't enjoy the environment very much in blurry candle light.
Best place to have a cheat but a healthy meal during a daytime.
I've been a regular visitor to the Gallery Cafe, but my recent experience was incredibly disappointing. I had made a reservation to host guests for afternoon high tea, but the service was beyond horrible.
Firstly, there was a mix-up with the menus, and we had to repeatedly request the high tea option. Even when we ordered, the server struggled to understand our preferences, despite using both Sinhalese and English. The beverage order was completely wrong after waiting for more than 30minutes.
After a long wait of over an hour, we received our food little by little, and even then, it was a challenge to identify the dishes. It was important to identify the food as half of the people were vegetarians and a fact that we have informed them in advance.
While the food and beverages were delicious, the level of service quality was unexpected at Paradise Road. The experience was uncomfortable, and we didn't feel welcomed due to the mishandling of our order. I hope steps are taken to rectify this situation.
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Read More Reviews
Ramidu Ranashanka
a month agoI absolutely loved the atmosphere and the overall vibe of the place. Everything was perfectly in order and the staff were well-educated and incredibly friendly. My only critique would be that the spaghetti bolognese didn't quite meet my expectations. Nonetheless, the restaurant is exceptionally well-maintained.
Mohammed Khanani
2 months agoGood food. Amazing service and great atmosphere. I had some cream soup of some unique vegetable it was good. The prawn curry was very good. The double chocolate cheesecake was also good. The mocha pot was decent.
Ervīns Elliņš
4 months agoA pleasant place to enjoy a quiet dinner in a good atmosphere. The children's menu is without spicy food. Delicious cocktails and cool beer not available in standard eateries. In the evening, with the onset of darkness, torches and living fire chandeliers are lit, which add a romantic and exotic note to the place.
Bairavi Rajah
4 months agoFood is awesome. And they have a good mix of all varieties of foods. Service is amazing. The staff there treat us like their own people. Atmosphere also is awesome. But unfortunately we've been here for a dinner, and so couldn't enjoy the environment very much in blurry candle light. Best place to have a cheat but a healthy meal during a daytime.
Sajani Abayarathna
a month agoI've been a regular visitor to the Gallery Cafe, but my recent experience was incredibly disappointing. I had made a reservation to host guests for afternoon high tea, but the service was beyond horrible. Firstly, there was a mix-up with the menus, and we had to repeatedly request the high tea option. Even when we ordered, the server struggled to understand our preferences, despite using both Sinhalese and English. The beverage order was completely wrong after waiting for more than 30minutes. After a long wait of over an hour, we received our food little by little, and even then, it was a challenge to identify the dishes. It was important to identify the food as half of the people were vegetarians and a fact that we have informed them in advance. While the food and beverages were delicious, the level of service quality was unexpected at Paradise Road. The experience was uncomfortable, and we didn't feel welcomed due to the mishandling of our order. I hope steps are taken to rectify this situation.