Located on Park Road in Colombo, 7 Degrees Restaurants is a unique dining destination that offers three floors of novel dining experiences. The restaurant boasts a menu that combines classic dishes with a unique twist, making it a must-visit spot for foodies who enjoy the bold flavours of the region.

Founded by sibling duo Heshani Malwenna and Nalin Malwenna, each floor at 7 Degrees follows a carefully curated theme, menu, and dining experience to appease a variety of palates’. Speaking at the opening, Heshani delves into her love for the entertainment industry, “I have lived and worked in Dubai for most of my life. I love Sri Lanka but each time I visited the island, I found that there was so much more we could offer in terms of entertainment and nightlife. Opening my own space has always been a dream of mine and after everything, Sri Lanka has been through, I made it my mission to give back to my country in the way I knew best. I wanted to bring a slice of Emirati luxury back home. This project has been years in the making and I’m beyond grateful to finally open the doors to 7 Degrees.”

Distinctive Spaces & Experiences
Each floor at 7 Degrees follows a carefully curated theme, menu, and dining experience, making it an ideal destination for a range of occasions. On the first floor is Amazoniko, a Fusion Bistro & Bar that serves up classic dishes with a distinctive spin. It offers a blend of different culinary traditions and techniques, resulting in unique and creative dishes that cater to a diverse range of tastes. The menu features an eclectic mix of dishes, from classic favourites like fish and chips and burgers, to more exotic options like enchiladas, and kebabs. To complement the cuisine, the bar also offers a variety of inventive drinks, incorporating a mix of ingredients for a unique twist on classic libations. Open exclusively for dinner service, the bistro will be made available for private functions during the day, with plans to host theme nights and dance shows in the near future.

The second floor is home to the VIP Lounge and Immerse, Sri Lanka’s first and only immersive dining experience, which is a one-of-a-kind culinary journey that engages all the senses. As soon as you enter the space, you are transported to a different world through the use of advanced technology, such as projectors, sensors, and Dolby Atmos surround  sound. The multi-course menu is carefully crafted to reflect the theme of the evening, and each dish is presented with its own audio-visual display, enhancing the dining experience. 

Executive Chef Patrick Velans and his team create dishes that not only taste amazing but also look and smell fantastic. Immerse offers a unique opportunity to indulge in fine dining while being fully immersed in a captivating world of sights and sounds, making it a must-try experience for anyone visiting or living in Sri Lanka. 

The third floor, WTF, is a Mediterranean BBQ & Bar experience that offers incredible views of Colombo’s skyline. An open-air space, WTF, can seat up to 35 guests, making it an excellent option for a laid-back brunch, sunset drinks, or a friendly get-together. Multiple projectors display ongoing games and matches, and the menu includes mouthwatering dishes such as grilled marrow bone, succulent kebabs made with imported meats, and ribeye steaks, all of which are prepared and flavoured with authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. The second level of the third floor offers stunning views of Colombo’s skyline and has three private cabanas that can seat up to six guests each. 

The Food
The appetizers at 7 Degrees were a great start to the meal. The King Prawns in Crispy Batter with Spicy Honey Dressing were deep-fried to perfection, giving them a crispy texture on the outside while retaining their juicy sweetness inside. The spicy honey dressing was the perfect complement to the prawns, with its sweet and tangy notes adding a zesty kick to the dish. Overall, this starter was a delightful combination of flavours and textures that is sure to leave you wanting more. The BBQ Platter featuring items like lamb kofta, chicken, sausages were packed with flavour. 

I also loved their hummus, which was without a doubt one of the tastier iterations available in restaurants in the city. The Tabouleh - which is a Middle Eastern salad made with finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur wheat - was also delicious. This particular tabouleh was well-made and had the perfect balance of flavours, with a tangy lemon dressing and a hint of mint. What I loved the most is that it wasn’t too salty, allowing the natural flavours of the ingredients to shine through.

Moving on to the mains, the Pan-fried Snapper Fillet with Stir-fried Vegetables was a standout dish that was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The Penne Arrabiata was another tasty option, although I found it a little too sweet. The wok-fried rice was a flavour-packed dish that is sure to delight, while the Nasi Goreng was a spicy and tasty option that is sure to appeal to Sri Lankan diners.

Dessert
The Tiramisu and Coffee Opera were both excellent options that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. I am generally not the biggest fan of Tiramisu as it’s usually a hit or miss at many restaurants, but this one was delicious!

Overall
7 Degrees Restaurants is an excellent addition to Colombo’s nightlife and entertainment landscape, offering a unique and unforgettable dining experience that is sure to appeal to foodies and entertainment enthusiasts alike. With its innovative menu, carefully curated themes, and immersive dining experiences, 7 Degrees is definitely worth a visit.

PHOTOS Pradeep Dilrukshana