Ambience 

Located at Horton Place, Colombo 7, Grande Gourmet at Nirj’s offers something different. As you walk in the décor you see is authentic Emperor Louis Napoleon era. The walls are adorned with family photographs of the prominent families of Colombo’s elite society in the by gone years.

This theme, I was told by the owner Niranjan Deva Aditiya,  is about commemorating the occasion of HRH Prince Alfred, Queen Victoria’s son being entertained in the home of a Sri Lankan for the very first time in history. The pictures on the walls are of Sir Charles De Soysa the philanthropist who hosted the banquet for the Prince and those of all the guests that were present at this grand historic occasion. 

Food 

The restaurant serves French and Italian food. They also have a restaurant called Sentosa in the same building which serves Singaporean and Malaysian food. So you have choice of cuisine to choose from. 

For starters, we were offered the Seared Tasmanian Scallops, which had tomato and herb compote, wine glazed leek and carrot coulis (Rs 1500/-). The scallops were just right and delicious. According to Chef Rasika de Zoysa, the Classic Caesar Salad (Rs 1050/-) is also a top favourite starter. It’s an old Mexican favourite varied with Smoked Salmon and lemon marinated shrimps. 

As a main we tasted the Nirj’s Signature Crispy Skin Salmon with Roquetfort and Dil Beurre Blanc. It was pink and flaky as it should be and the golden crispiness really enhanced the whole experience of this dish. The flakiness was nice and the dish was well seasoned (Rs. 2350/-).

We were told that another favourite main on the menu is the Australian Tenderloin, pan-grilled as you like it, flamed with Bourbon with Cracked Peppercorn Sauce (Rs. 2900/-). They also have a variety of pastas. Some of the frequently ordered are the Spaghetti with Pesto Cream topped with Wine Poached Egg and Parmesan Cheese Truffle (Rs 1150/-), and the Forest Mushroom Asparagus Risotto (Rs 1050/-). 

We also tasted the Indonesian Fried Rice served with prawn crackers, chicken wings, fried egg and condiments which was well flavoured (Rs 850/-). This came from Sentosa.

Other popular dishes being the Malaysian Beef Rendang which is beef cubes braised in aromatic spices and coconut (Rs 880/-). The Singapore Chillie Crab (fresh crabs braised in a sweet savoury sauce with a touch of egg drop), is also another popular dish on the menu. 

The Brownie with Marshmallow and Ice Cream was the dessert that was offered to us. I must say the Brownie was excellent as it was the right consistency and rich in flavour.

Mint and Vodka Infused Fresh Strawberry with Chantilly Sauce (Rs 725/-) and Crepe Suzette (Rs 500/-) and a few other interesting desserts are also on the menu. 

Service and Parking 

The service is good. As for parking there’s ample space on the side lane which is fairly broad. 

“Although the name Grand Gourmet at Nirj’s is what’s on the nameboard at present, in the near future it’s going to be rebranded as Horton Place Entertainment Complex. There’s going to be a Scottish Pub and Café as well as Café Ceylon which will be serving authentic up country food. You are not going to find a fine dining place which is less expensive anywhere in Sri Lanka,” said the owner Nirj. 

39A, Horton Place, Colombo 07 
(011) 2 692 922 

Reviewed by Niro Waidyaratne 
Photographs by Waruna Wanniarachchi