Sea Spray is a newly opened seafood restaurant at Galle Face Hotel. Executive Chef Adam Gaunt-Evans took time to walk us through the concept of the restaurant. One of their main goals is to work with local fresh produce and serve quality dishes. Chef Jagath Liyanage who has 16 years of overseas work experience works under the guidance of Chef Adam. Together they are trying to introduce fish served keeping with a European cooking style and some local dishes that will be appealing to a more Asian palate; a fusion of both cuisines. They are also aiming at a balance of traditional and modern. 

Chef Jagath later accompanied all of the dishes and introduced us to them. The restaurant manager Mr. Ricardo and his staff were really friendly and attentive and they went out of their way to make our experience a special one. 

(Friendliness of Staff - 5/5) 

They have an open kitchen and grill, which is a lovely addition to the concept of the restaurant. With the sea spray and the sound of the waves crashing onto the wall, the open fire and grill is a lovely setting to the restaurant and makes the experience even more special. They also assure that the furniture and floor is always kept clean, as the salt forms a layer. They also have a raw bar, where you can pick your own fish and order dishes that are either served raw or cured in a sauce. 

(Ambience - 4.5/5) 

The bar starts to serve drinks from 5PM. And the restaurant itself is open until 10:30PM. With their tagline being ‘relaxed yet refined’ they allow the dress code to be smart casual. You can even walk in just to have a couple of drinks and enjoy some bar snacks and appetizers. 

We were first served with a welcome drink which was a delicious mix of cranberry, ginger and passion fruit. We then ordered our drinks. A Sunset Island cocktail (Rs. 1100) which was a beautiful blend of vodka and fresh pineapple juice and a Mojito (Rs. 1100). Our host ordered a Bellini (Rs. 1150) which was white wine served with peach sugar. They also served us with their complimentary bar snacks which included manioc chips, fried chick peas and roasted cashew nuts. 

Next, we ordered our appetizers, which consisted of Ginger Beer Battered Prawns (Rs. 650), Coconut Breaded Handello (Rs. 480) and Black Pepper Cuttlefish (Rs. 500). All three dishes were delicious and I particularly enjoyed the Black Pepper Cuttlefish dish. 

We were then served Tartare (Rs. 1000) from the raw bar, which was fine tuna served with a herb sauce. The tuna was so fresh and it was quite delicious. A complimentary amuse-bouche was served to us as well. 

We then ordered our mains from the ‘Malu Kade’ and ‘Mas Kade’ sections of the menu. The Sri Lankan Lagoon Crab 300g (Rs. 3000) dish, one of Chef Jagath’s specials was quite lovely. I really enjoyed the New Zealand Lamb Chops 300g (Rs. 4900) served with a Rosemary Jus. The sauce really elevates the flavour of the spicy meat. Our host ordered the Grilled Scallops 200g (Rs. 2500) dish. All of the main courses are accompanied with a Green Salad and Lemon Garlic Saffron Rice. 

We also tried two of their vegetarian dishes - a Beetroot Gnocchi and Carpaccio which was a watermelon salad. The watermelon coupled with the cheese was refreshing and nice. There is also a variety of additional side dishes like Stir Fried Vegetables and Pumpkin Risotto that you can order to accompany your meal. They are all priced very reasonably at Rs. 250. 

Next, dessert! We were served the Heritage (Rs. 600), which is curd served in its own pot topped with passion fruit and treacle. The combination of curd and passion fruit came as a really nice surprise to me as it was a wonderful combination. Xocolatl (Rs. 700) is a dessert which includes Churros served with a warm Almond Chocolate Sauce. They also give you a choice of cinnamon sugar or chili to dip it in. But my favourite was the Shortcake (Rs. 700) which was a combination of fresh Strawberries, Lemon Kisses, Rhubarb Sorbet and the Shortcake. The Sorbet was the highlight for me. It was extremely delicious and refreshing and the perfect end to the meal. 

(Food and value for money - 4.5/5) 

The restaurant also has a family room that you can use if you like. You can also make reservations for large groups in the outside section and they can accommodate up to 160 people. What impressed me most was them having a special entrance for the differently abled. If you use the main entrance of the hotel there is flight of stairs that you have to take to reach the restaurant. And sometimes the floor can be slippery because of the salt deposit layers. So this entrance from the car park makes it easily accessible. They also have their own wine cellar. 

(Parking and other facilities - 5/5) 

Make your way to the ‘Sea Spray’ restaurant to enjoy a lovely meal at a beautiful and special location. Call them on (011) 2 541 010 for reservations and more details. You can also check out their website www.gallefacehotel.com. 

Reviewed by Jithendri Gomes 
Photographs by Pradeep Dilrukshana