When it comes to dining in Colombo, savvy travelers have several standout options worth their time and money. The Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel‘s 5-hour nightlife and dinner tour delivers authentic local flavors in an upscale setting. We love the helicopter dining experience at Blue Orbit Restaurant for its unmatched views and excellent service – though it’s definitely a splurge. The Lotus Tower buffet offers good value with its international spread and spectacular city vistas. For a more laid-back evening, the countryside BBQ dinner provides a welcome escape from urban bustle, while the Colombo Food Experience Tour serves up the best street food spots with expert local insight. Let’s explore the top dining tours that showcase Colombo’s culinary treasures.
Key Points
- Colombo Night Tours offer a 5-hour vibrant nightlife and dinner experience at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel, with a 5-star rating based on exceptional dining.
- The Helicopter Dining Experience provides a VIP 4-hour tour with a 30-minute private helicopter flight and pre-booked table at the Blue Orbit Restaurant.
- The Lotus Tower Dining offers a 1.5-hour panoramic buffet meal with international dishes in Sri Lanka’s tallest building, with private chartered transport.
- The Outdoor BBQ Dinner Experience showcases a 3-hour scenic countryside setting with TukTuk transport, BBQ dinner, and beer, suitable for wheelchair users.
- Exclusive Food Experiences include a Colombo Food Tour, Street Food Exploration, and Lotus Tower Buffet, featuring hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, and English-speaking guides.
Colombo By Night With Dinner At Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel
As night falls over Colombo, visitors are invited to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife and indulge in a delectable dining experience at the acclaimed Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel.
This approximately 5-hour tour offers a small amount of walking and transfers with durations that may vary depending on traffic. Infants must sit on laps.
The cancellation policy allows for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, but no refund within 24 hours.
Traveler photos showcase the dinner and hotel ambiance, as well as scenic night views of Colombo.
With an overall 5-star rating based on 3 reviews, this tour provides an exceptional dining experience in the heart of the city.
Read our full review: Colombo By Night With Dinner At Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel Review
Book now: Check availability
All Inclusive Colombo Helicopter Tour With Lunch or Dinner
This all-inclusive Colombo helicopter tour offers a VIP experience with magnificent city and coastline views.
Priced from $1,249 per person, the 4-hour tour includes a 30-minute private helicopter flight, a pre-booked table at the Blue Orbit Restaurant, and complimentary cocktails.
Guests can enjoy a buffet lunch or dinner featuring local and international cuisines. Chauffeur service and a personal assistant are also provided.
The tour requires booking at least 7 days in advance, and there’s a refundable $250 air clearance fee.
With an English-speaking host, wheelchair accessibility, and a separate entrance to skip the line, this experience promises an unforgettable dining adventure in Colombo.
Read our full review: All Inclusive Colombo Helicopter Tour With Lunch or Dinner Review
Book now: Check availability
All Inclusive Lotus Tower Dining Experience Lunch/Dinner
For those seeking an unforgettable dining experience in Colombo, the All Inclusive Lotus Tower Dining Experience offers a truly panoramic setting.
Situated in Sri Lanka’s tallest building, the Lotus Tower, this 1.5-hour experience provides 360-degree views of Colombo and the Indian Ocean.
The buffet meal features an array of international dishes, with one drink per person included.
With flexible booking and free cancellation, the experience is priced from SEK 984 per person.
Guests can enjoy private chartered transportation to and from their hotel, villa, or port within a 10-mile radius, and the venue is wheelchair accessible.
This dining experience isn’t suitable for vegans, and guests are advised to provide their pick-up location when booking.
Read our full review: All Inclusive Lotus Tower Dining Experience Lunch/Dinner Review
Book now: Check availability
Colombo: Outdoor BBQ Dinner in a Countryside House!
Nestled in the peaceful countryside near Colombo, the Outdoor BBQ Dinner in a Countryside House offers guests an authentic and immersive dining experience.
This 3-hour activity showcases the scenic beauty of the region, with views of a lake, river, or paddy fields. Priced from €89.89 per person, the experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation by TukTuk, a tour guide, a BBQ dinner with beer, and welcome drinks.
Catering to both private groups and individual travelers, the activity is wheelchair accessible and has a free cancellation policy. Guests should come prepared in comfortable clothing and be ready in the hotel lobby 15 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.
Read our full review: Colombo: Outdoor BBQ Dinner in a Countryside House! Review
Book now: Check availability
Exclusive Colombo Food Experience Tour – Evening / Night
Travelers seeking an immersive culinary adventure in Colombo often embark on the Exclusive Colombo Food Experience Tour – Evening/Night.
Priced from $75 per person, this 3-hour tour explores the vibrant night street food scene, allowing participants to sample local delights like kottu roti, samosas, isso wade, and hoppers.
The tour also includes a set menu dinner featuring fried rice, garlic prawns, and green salad, as well as complimentary water and a choice of Lion Lager or 25ml local arrack tasting.
With hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and an English-speaking driver/guide, this tour provides a comprehensive and convenient way to discover Colombo’s culinary treasures.
Read our full review: Exclusive Colombo Food Experience Tour – Evening / Night Review
Book now: Check availability
Colombo: Lotus Tower Experience With Lunch or Dinner Buffet
The Lotus Tower Experience with Lunch or Dinner Buffet provides visitors to Colombo a chance to enjoy a panoramic view of the city while indulging in an international culinary feast.
Priced from $69 per person, this 1.5-hour experience offers fast-track entry and an elevator ride to the observation deck of Sri Lanka’s tallest building.
Guests can enjoy an unlimited buffet featuring over 7 cuisines, including sushi, seafood, curries, and a variety of meats and desserts.
Though some reviewers note the food quality can be average, the stunning 360-degree views of Colombo and the Indian Ocean create a remarkable dining atmosphere.
With free cancellation and no upfront payment required, this experience is a convenient and immersive way to explore Colombo.
Read our full review: Colombo: Lotus Tower Experience With Lunch or Dinner Buffet Review
Book now: Check availability
From Colombo: Private BBQ Dinner in a Countryside House
A private BBQ dinner in a countryside house near Colombo offers visitors a chance to escape the bustling city and enjoy a tranquil, outdoor setting.
Priced at Kč 2,137 per person, the 4-hour experience includes a scenic tuk-tuk ride to a countryside home facing a lake, river, or paddy field.
Guests can enjoy exceptional BBQ cooked in a smoker, accompanied by a variety of sauces, welcome drinks, and a memorable dining experience under the stars.
The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, the BBQ dinner, and all government taxes.
Travelers can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Read our full review: From Colombo: Private BBQ Dinner in a Countryside House Review
Book now: Check availability
Colombo: Lake Fishing & BBQ Dinner by the Lake
For those seeking an immersive countryside adventure beyond the bustling city of Colombo, a captivating lake fishing and BBQ dinner experience awaits.
This 6-hour tour offers a private group option, transporting guests by TukTuk to a nearby lake. Visitors will enjoy fishing aboard a boat, with all necessary gear and safety equipment provided.
The highlight is a delectable BBQ dinner on an island in the lake, complemented by beer, refreshments, and stunning natural views.
With a live English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a flexible cancellation policy, this off-the-beaten-path adventure is a must for those craving an authentic taste of Colombo’s serene countryside.
Read our full review: Colombo: Lake Fishing & BBQ Dinner by the Lake Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Dress Code for the Dining Experiences?
There’s generally no strict dress code for dining experiences, but it’s best to dress up smartly. Most restaurants recommend smart casual attire, although some high-end establishments may have more formal requirements.
Can I Request Special Dietary Accommodations?
Yes, most restaurants in Colombo are happy to accommodate special dietary requests. Guests can typically request vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other customized meals when making reservations or upon arrival at the restaurant.
Are the Dining Experiences Suitable for Vegetarians/Vegans?
The dining experiences are generally suitable for vegetarians and vegans, with many restaurants offering a range of plant-based options. Travelers can request special dietary accommodations, and most establishments are willing to accommodate their needs.
What Is the Average Cost per Person for These Experiences?
The average cost per person for the dining experiences varies, typically ranging from around $10 to $50 USD. Prices depend on the type of cuisine, restaurant, and whether it’s a casual or fine dining hotel.
Do the Experiences Include Transportation to and From the Venues?
The experiences typically do not include transportation to and from the venues. Travelers will need to arrange their own transportation or factor in the cost of getting to and from the dining locations.
The Sum Up
Colombo offers a diverse range of exceptional dining experiences. From lavish hotel restaurants to outdoor BBQ dinners in the countryside, there’s something to suit every taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening or a unique cultural experience, Colombo’s culinary scene provides an array of options to make your visit truly memorable.