Colombo’s restaurant and nightlife scene just got an exciting new addition with the launch of Chill
Colombo, an upscale restaurant, bar, and café located at The Mall at Port City Colombo. This two-storey restaurant brings a fresh energy to the city, offering an elevated culinary and nightlife experience, blending local and international flavours in an atmosphere of contemporary elegance.

Chill Colombo follows in the footsteps of its highly successful sister restaurant, Chill Ella, which has been a favourite among both locals and travellers for years and ranked #2 in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards for Best Casual Dining in 2024. Founded by Darshana Ratnayake, the brand is known for its innovative menu, world-class hospitality, and an inviting atmosphere that adapts to different moods—whether it’s a casual brunch, a refined dinner, or a lively night out.

“Bringing Chill to Colombo has been a long-awaited dream,” shared Darshana. “For years, we
received countless requests to establish a presence in the city. When the opportunity arose to open at The Mall at Port City Colombo, we knew it was the perfect location. Chill Colombo is not just about food; it’s about the experience—an immersive journey through flavours, textures, and design that reflects our commitment to culinary innovation and hospitality.”

On March 8th 2024, Chill Colombo hosted an exclusive launch party for invited guests, offering them the first taste of its carefully curated menu and signature cocktails. The evening featured live entertainment from Magic Box Mixup, platters of food and cocktails by the dynamic duo – The Cocktail Divas. The launch was followed by an after-party open to the public from 10pm onwards.

DRINKS

At the launch, guests were treated to an array of expertly mixed signature Chill Colombo cocktails, thanks to the talented duo at The Cocktail Divas. From zesty tropical infusions to bold, smoky classics, the cocktail menu was crafted to complement the diverse flavours of the food at the restaurant. Whether you enjoy refreshing citrus notes, spicy undertones, or deep, rich spirits, there is something for every palate.

FOOD

Food is at the heart of Chill Colombo, and the launch night featured an impressive lineup of hot and cold dishes that showcased the restaurant’s commitment to quality and innovation. The menu is a fusion of local and global flavours, bringing together the best of Sri Lankan, Asian, and Western
cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and bold seasoning.

We kicked off our evening with a selection of cold and hot canapés. The Sri Lankan Crispy Rice Crackers were topped with tuna tartare and caviar, offering a perfect blend of crunch and umami. The Fried Creamy Polenta was served with chicken roulade and confit blueberry. The Tomato Gazpacho, a refreshing, chilled soup with a hint of compressed honey melon was light yet packed with depth. We also loved their Mini Chicken Shawarma Pockets and Tiger Prawn Crostini with a cherry tomato pesto.

One of the highlights of the evening was the live-action stations, where guests could customize their dishes and have them prepared right in front of them. The Taco Station was a definite crowd favourite and for a good reason. Guests could choose between chicken, seafood, or lamb fillings, enveloped by a soft taco shell and topped with fresh cream for a bold bite full of flavour. At the Pasta station, we indulged in their Creamy Truffle Pasta which was perfectly al dente and the truffle sauce was divine. For meats, their Satay station with chicken, beef and prawn skewers was a big hit.

No meal is complete without dessert, and Chill Colombo served up Chocolate BonBon & Choco Brownies, Cheesecake and Mangochoux, a tropical fusion of mango and chocolate as a refreshing finisher for our meal.

OVERALL

The restaurant’s chic interiors designed by Spanish architect Maria, complement the open-air terrace with a bohemian charm, and stylish indoor seating. With seating for over 150 guests, across its ground floor, first floor, terrace, and outdoor dining areas, the restaurant offers a comfortable yet elevated semi-fine dining experience that’s perfect for a date night, gathering with friends, a business dinner or even an exclusive party.

With live music, DJs, and special events planned, Chill Colombo offers a fantastic setting for an elevated dining and nightlife experience.

Pic courtesy - Chill Colombo