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“Definitely a MUST visit if you’re in Colombo”

Paradise Road The Gallery Cafe
Ranked #61 of 1,146 Restaurants in Colombo
Price range: $12 - $52
Cuisines: International
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Restaurant details
Good for: Special occasions, Romantic
Dining options: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Delivery, Outdoor Seating, Reservations
Description: Paradise Road Galleries -the Gallery Cafe Opened In 1998 In A Structure Which Was The Former Offices Of World Renowned Sri Lankan Architect, The Late Geoffrey Bawa. Bawa Personally Approved Fernando Taking Over His Beloved Property And Converting It Into A Restaurant And Art Gallery And Respected Shanth's Design Sense In The Conversion And Renovation Of The Building To Complement His Own. Bawa's Only Input Was The Location Of The Main Pavilion Where Most Diners Are Seated. The Art Gallery Features Regularly Changing Exhibitions By Established And Emerging Local Artists, For Sale. As The Cafe Is Open From 10AM Through To Midnight Daily, Visitors Frequent The Property For Meals, Site Seeing, Coffee, Cake, Shopping And The Complimentary Wi-fi Available For Use Of Patrons. The Gallery Cafe's Menu Has Not Changed In Years As Regulars Have Their Favourites And Fernando Prides Himself On The Fact That They May Always Return For That Option. It Is Particularly Known For Its Cocktails And Desserts As Well As It's Consistently 'good Food.'
Reviewed October 14, 2019 via mobile

SO, been here many times but finally had the chance to sit down and write a review. There is nothing I don’t like about this place - the ambiance, food and cocktails are always on point. You gotta be lucky with the service though. I’m the kind of person who notices a lot of things. The littlest detail cannot escape me. What I’ve noticed on my many visits there is that the color of your skin plays a big role when you visit this establishment. I’m not saying that the staff are outwardly rude to “brownies” (funny coz they’re all brown themselves lol) BUT whites do get the red carpet pulled out for them and staff are a lot more attentive to them. Plus, the waiters suddenly develop a foreign accent when dealing with them. It’s hilarious. One minute they’re speaking in Singlish to a local customer and the next second they’re speaking in a very mixed up Australian/British accent to a white couple :-D Having said that however, DO try the frozen strawberry margaritas. They are hands down the best I’ve had anywhere in the world. Their tamarind chili martinis are fantastic also. Food-wise I’ve never been disappointed in any dish I’ve had. Do NOT skip dessert either. Well worth a visit. Haven’t come across another place in Colombo with such a unique atmosphere and all round great food and drinks. P. S. Make sure to make a reservation coz the place can get pretty packed even on a weekday.

Date of visit: October 2019
2  Thank browngirltravels
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TintagelColombo, Asst. Front Office Manager at Paradise Road The Gallery Cafe, responded to this reviewResponded November 3, 2019

Dear Guest,

Thank you for reviewing Paradise Road The Gallery Cafe.

We are pleased that you enjoyed your recent meal in our restaurant. The interior of the cafe has been designed with much thought and care to ensure our guests are treated to a unique experience. Our eclectic a'la carte menu has been created to please every palate and we are happy that your enjoyed the meal. Our team in the bar will be delighted to learn of your comments about the frozen strawberry margaritas and the tamarind chilli martinis as we continuously strive to excel in our standards.

Having said that we have well noted your comments about inconsistency in service and we shall investigate further in order to take any corrective measures if needed. Thank you for your continuous support of our establishment and we look forward to serving you again.

Kind Regards,
The Management

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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Reviews (2,453)
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184 - 188 of 2,453 reviews

Reviewed October 13, 2019

Two of us had lunch here, the food is great and so is the service. Very nice surroundings it was a very long lunch! We took a look at the desserts display on the way out, wow I will work on that section next time through! This is a very good restaurant and you will find it hard to go wrong for a good meal here. Quite a good wine selection as well. Great value for money.

Date of visit: October 2019
    • Value
    • Service
    • Food
2  Thank JPH888
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TintagelColombo, Asst. Front Office Manager at Paradise Road The Gallery Cafe, responded to this reviewResponded October 23, 2019

Dear Guest,

Thank you for reviewing Paradise Road The Gallery Cafe.

We are pleased that you enjoyed your recent meal in our restaurant. Our eclectic a'la carte menu has been created to please every palate. We appreciate your comments about food and service quality as we strive to excel in our standards continuously.

The interior of the restaurant has been designed with much thought and care to ensure our guests are treated to a unique experience. Please do visit us again to enjoy our desserts selection. Thank you for your review and we look forward to serving you again.

Kind Regards,
The Management

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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Reviewed October 11, 2019 via mobile

My family had tea here while I shopped. They enjoyed their cakes, sandwich & tea. The staff are super efficient, helpful & friendly. Do try their cheese cake.

Date of visit: October 2019
1  Thank arynay
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TintagelColombo, Asst. Front Office Manager at Paradise Road The Gallery Cafe, responded to this reviewResponded October 20, 2019

Dear Guest,

Thank you for reviewing Paradise Road The Gallery Cafe.

We are pleased that you enjoyed your recent meal in our restaurant. Our eclectic a'la carte menu has been created to please every palate. We appreciate your comments about service quality as we strive to excel in our standards continuously. The interior of the restaurant has been designed with much thought and care to ensure our guests are treated to a unique experience. Thank you for your review and we look forward to serving you again.

Kind Regards,
The Management

Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Reviewed October 7, 2019

I went to Gallery Cafe initially for tea and desserts - and the chocolate cake was AMAZING!! I was told they have good food so I went back for dinner and overall the food was good, large portions and had good flavors.

The bread is really good, the salad was very good (with good dressing), and the shrimp were also good. When I went back for dinner I decided to try another chocolate dessert and that wasn't as good as the first one. However, overall the restaurant provides good food and good service in a nice ambiance

Date of visit: September 2019
    • Value
    • Service
    • Food
Thank 0504Traveller
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TintagelColombo, Asst. Front Office Manager at Paradise Road The Gallery Cafe, responded to this reviewResponded October 20, 2019

Dear Guest,

Thank you for reviewing Paradise Road The Gallery Cafe.

We are pleased that you enjoyed your recent meal in our restaurant. Our eclectic a'la carte menu has been created to please every palate. We appreciate your comments about food and service as we strive to excel in our standards continuously. We are glad that the chocolate cake stood out.The interior of the restaurant has been designed with much thought and care to ensure our guests are treated to a unique experience. Thank you for your review and we look forward to serving you again.

Kind Regards,
The Management

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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Reviewed October 6, 2019 via mobile

It’s amazing property with Amazing food menus as well fully trained staff they know what’s the hospitality.... specialty for srilankan food as well international!!
Thank you So much Dear Chaminda... you’re such a darling man & not a employee you’re the assets to the company!!
Wishing you all the great success and happiness in your world!!
Lots of love

Date of visit: October 2019
Thank pintumalik
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TintagelColombo, Asst. Front Office Manager at Paradise Road The Gallery Cafe, responded to this reviewResponded October 6, 2019

Dear Guest,

Thank you for reviewing Paradise Road The Gallery Cafe.

We are pleased that you enjoyed your recent meal in our restaurant. Our eclectic a'la carte menu has been created to please every palate. We appreciate your comments about food and service quality as we strive to excel in our standards continuously. The interior of the restaurant has been designed with much thought and care to ensure our guests are treated to a unique experience. Thank you for your review and we look forward to serving you again.

Kind Regards,
The Management

Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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