Italian food is one of Sri Lanka’s favourite cuisines, as evidenced by the way pizza and pasta is on many menus, regardless of whether the restaurant is Italian or not. For real, authentic Italian food however, you have to check out these restaurants!
1. The Bayleaf
The Bayleaf is a favourite of Sri Lankans, and is easily one of the top restaurants in Colombo. They hold an extensive menu that runs from classic Italian dishes; everyone’s favourite pasta and pizza as well as a selection of delectable desserts. The restaurant itself is situated in an old colonial home, making for a truly ambient atmosphere. You can choose to dine upstairs in one of the rooms, or sit outside and enjoy a feast in the garden. There’s a bar as well, that serves delicious cocktails, wines as well as tasty nibbles that go beyond average bar food. All in all, this is one of the best places to visit when you’re craving Italian.
2. Dolce Italia
Another classic on the Colombo Italian scene, Dolce Italia has authentic, delicious dishes that will keep you wanting to go back for more. Owned by two Italians, the restaurant is committed to merging the warmth of Italian cooking with the tastes of Sri Lankans, not by fusion but by knowing exactly what Colombo wants through experience. Dolce Italia invites you to come over for an afternoon coffee, while nibbling on some homemade pastries. Their coffee in particular is praised, and has to be tried. For a more indulgent meal, they have pastas, pizzas and lasagnes rich in sauce and cheese. This restaurant too is set in an old house, giving it a charming atmosphere of having come over for dinner for some homemade pasta.
3. Callisto
Callisto has received high praise for its impeccable renderings of pasta – and for good reason. Rave reviews on social media tell the tale of a delightful Italian restaurant that makes the best pasta in the country, with the overall ambience of the outdoor dining and good wine making for an extremely satisfying dining experience. It is a must to visit this restaurant, as the quality of food served here is excellent. Imported ingredients are combined with the freshest of local ingredients to make truly flavoursome, rich dishes that any fan of Italian cuisine is going to love.
4. Rocco’s
Another old favourite, Rocco’s is mostly famous for its delicious pizzas. Dripping in cheese, these pizzas are cooked to perfection and rich in quality. The menu is large, and you can ever order different flavours on one pizza, so that you can sample a variety of tastes. They’re also incredibly satisfying! Rocco’s also does some good pastas, as well as a variety of other dishes, including salads, starters and a diversity of desserts. The ambiance is also unique, as they have newspaper clippings covering the walls that hark back to the 30s. Overall, this is a great place to have dinner as a group.
5. Giovanni’s
A homely little café with red bricked walls and red and green checked clothes covering the tables give Giovanni’s a charming atmosphere. Sitting among the wooden furniture and enjoying some home cooked pizza is the upshot of what you can experience at this establishment. It’s run by a chef who uses a clay oven. The pizza you’re getting is thus as close to pizza straight from Italy that you can get in Colombo! As always, you can order more than one topping on a pizza so as to sample different tastes. Giovanni’s also has pasta, and you will not be disappointed with the homemade pasta absolutely covered in homemade sauces.
6. Romano Italian Kitchen
Drop in to this place for some wood-fired pizza, as you get a taste of some authentic Italian cuisine. They also serve spaghetti and risotto and other Italian cuisine, if you’re craving pasta instead of pizza. A long established restaurant in Colombo, its small size adds to its cosy nature. The seating is outdoor, with one room available for seating if you feel the need to sit inside. The pizza’s here are delicious, and will be ideal for dinner if you are in the area, so give them a try!
Exploring Colombo 