A Culinary Journey Through Central at Shangri-La Colombo

Published December 20, 2024 · Updated December 20, 2024

Central at Shangri-La Colombo is a dynamic culinary destination, offering a blend of diverse flavors, impeccable service, and an unforgettable dining experience. Nestled in the heart of Colombo, this restaurant redefines the art of fine dining with its extensive menu and sophisticated ambiance. Whether you’re seeking local delicacies or international dishes, Central promises to take your taste buds on an exceptional journey.

A Fusion of Global Flavors

Central is celebrated for its eclectic range of cuisines, offering something for every palate. The restaurant’s chefs take inspiration from diverse culinary traditions, ensuring authenticity and innovation in every dish.

1. Authentic Sri Lankan Cuisine

Central showcases the rich flavors of Sri Lanka with dishes crafted using locally sourced ingredients. Signature items include:

Hoppers and Sambols: Traditional rice flour pancakes served with tangy chutneys and spicy accompaniments.
Lamprais: A Dutch Burgher-inspired rice dish wrapped in banana leaves.
Kottu Roti: A street food favorite, expertly prepared with a gourmet twist.

2. Asian Culinary Marvels

The Asian offerings at Central include expertly prepared dishes from China, Japan, Thailand, and India. Highlights include:

Dim Sum: Delicate dumplings filled with seafood or vegetarian delights.
Sushi and Sashimi: Freshly crafted with premium-grade seafood.
Thai Curries: Aromatic and bursting with authentic flavors.

3. Western Classics with a Contemporary Touch

For those craving Western cuisine, Central offers a refined selection of European and American dishes. Menu highlights include:

Steaks and Grills: Cooked to perfection using premium meats.
Artisan Pizzas: Baked in a wood-fired oven for a smoky, crisp crust.
Gourmet Pastas: Handcrafted with rich, creamy sauces.

Themed Dining Experiences

Central’s unique dining concepts elevate the experience by offering themed culinary adventures tailored to every preference.

1. Live Cooking Stations

The restaurant features interactive live cooking stations where chefs prepare dishes to order. Guests can watch their meals come to life, ensuring freshness and customization.

2. Seasonal Menus

Central’s menu changes with the seasons, showcasing the finest ingredients available during each period. This ensures both variety and quality for returning guests.

3. Exclusive Dining Events

From wine-pairing dinners to festival-inspired menus, Central frequently hosts events that celebrate both local and global culinary traditions.

Luxurious Ambiance and Design

The ambiance at Central complements its culinary excellence, offering a sophisticated yet welcoming environment.

1. Elegant Interiors

The restaurant’s interiors blend modern elegance with subtle nods to Sri Lankan culture. Warm lighting, plush seating, and contemporary decor create a relaxing atmosphere for diners.

2. Open Kitchen Concept

The open kitchen design allows guests to observe the chefs in action, adding a touch of theater to the dining experience.

Unparalleled Service and Hospitality

At Central, every detail is meticulously attended to by a team of highly trained professionals. The staff ensures that each guest enjoys a seamless and memorable dining experience.

1. Personalized Recommendations

The knowledgeable team is always ready to guide guests through the menu, offering tailored recommendations based on individual preferences.

2. Celebratory Services

Central provides customized services for special occasions, including personalized cakes and decor for birthdays, anniversaries, or corporate events.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Whether it’s a casual meal with friends or a formal gathering, Central is ideal for a variety of occasions:

Business Lunches: A sophisticated setting for corporate meetings.
Family Gatherings: Spacious seating and kid-friendly options ensure comfort for all ages.
Romantic Dinners: An intimate ambiance perfect for couples.

Customers Reviews On Google

Central Cafe

4.1

Based on 270 reviews

review us on

MrSolidsolution

09:24 19 Dec 24

Kisara Arambepola

06:15 19 Dec 24

Second visit cemented the overall disappointment at the cafe. Americano tasted worse than burnt toast, and the bourbon vanilla panna cotta was quite mediocre. Service was relatively okay, except that staff didn't have any recommendations of the menu nor could they identify desserts on the menu.Central did not offer lactose free or vegan options. (Which is shocking in this day and age given that the clientele often have certain dietary requirements.) Would not recommend dining at the cafe however buffet quality may vary during season. Overrated.

Faisal AL-hazmi

11:59 18 Dec 24

The staff is not gentle also the ice Americano is awful

Pranay

02:13 17 Dec 24

We were looking for an authentic Italian pizza with a dash of desi taste.While scanning through the menu we came across paneer makhani pizza and it turned out to be a good choice.The place is on the higher side money and taste wise

Dananji Withana

11:43 12 Dec 24

Recommend to dine in at the weekend of dinner at the weekdays. Not recommend to go for lunch during the weekdays.

Nishika Shenal

14:15 31 Oct 24

I visited Central Cafe at Shangri-La Colombo for a birthday dinner, and it was an exceptional experience. The buffet was simply amazing—world-class in every sense, with an impressive selection of dishes from various cuisines, all beautifully presented and delicious. Every bite felt thoughtfully prepared, making it a treat for any food lover. The staff was incredibly attentive and went out of their way to ensure we had a great evening, adding a special touch to the celebration. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in Colombo!

Arosh Ariyawansha

06:40 21 Oct 24

I recently visited Central Cafe for dinner to treat a friend, but the experience was a disappointment despite their ongoing Malaysian Promotion.While the service was exceptional, the same cannot be said for the food. At LKR 9350 per head, I expected better quality. The Malaysian curry soup stood out, but the rest of the food was cold, poorly seasoned, and tasted quite similar across different sections. For instance, the grilled cuttlefish was chewy and flavorless.Desserts were okay, but when we requested a refill of the blueberry cheesecake, they ignored us and brought raspberry instead. Overall, not worth the price.

Dilan Silva

18:30 15 Sep 24

I recently had the pleasure of dining at your dinner buffet, and I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for the wonderful experience.The variety of dishes offered was impressive, catering to a wide range of tastes. From the fresh salads and appetizers to the mouthwatering main courses and delectable desserts, every item was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented. It was clear that great care had been taken in crafting the menu, as every dish was flavorful and of high quality.I would also like to highlight the exceptional service provided by your staff.I must specially highlight Chef Mr Dishan & Ashan from western section.They were attentive, friendly, and always ready to assist with a smile. Whether it was refilling drinks, clearing plates promptly, or providing recommendations, the staff went above and beyond to ensure that every guest had a pleasant and memorable dining experience.Overall, I was thoroughly impressed by both the food and the service.I look forward to visiting again soon and would highly recommend your buffet to others. 👌💯✅

Singhe Silva

17:18 19 Jul 24

We recently visited the Central Cafe at Shangri-La Hotel for lunch buffet.The atmosphere is really great and welcoming. Everything is maintained really elegantly. The colour combination and the interior design are also unique. The staff there is also really kind and pleasing. Talking about the food (buffet), it was really tasty. And you have different food stations to favour your taste buds. But I would say there’s less food varieties than expected, compared to the price.Overall, it was a satisfying experience. ❤️

Sugaashini Surendran

11:15 12 Jun 24

I recently celebrated my birthday with a dinner buffet at Central, Shangri-La and it was an unforgettable experience! From the moment we walked in, the ambiance was so inviting, with elegant decor that set the perfect tone for the evening.The buffet spread was nothing short of spectacular. Each station featured an array of dishes, showcasing a wide variety of flavors and cuisines. The highlight for me was the Chinese station, which was a total hit. For the price, the variety and quality of the offerings made it absolutely worth it.To top it all off, the restaurant surprised me with a special birthday dessert, which was not only delicious but also a thoughtful touch that made the night even more special. Central is a gem that I highly recommend for any special occasion or simply a memorable dining experience.

How to Reserve Your Table

Booking a table at Central is effortless:

Online Reservations: Visit the official website to reserve your spot with ease.
Direct Call: Contact the restaurant for inquiries or customized arrangements.

Location: Level 3, 1 Galle Face, Colombo 2,
Email:[email protected]
Phone: (94 11) 788 8288

Operating Hours:
Daily Breakfast Buffet: 6.30 am – 10.30 am
Daily Lunch Buffet: 12:00 pm – 03:00 pm
Daily a la carte: 11.00 am – 11.00 pm
Daily Dinner Buffet: 6.30 pm – 10.30 pm

Weekend Brunch: 12.30 pm – 3.30 pm

Plan your Visit

For reservations, please call (94 11) 788 8288

or email [email protected]

Central at Shangri-La Colombo redefines dining with its fusion of global cuisines, exceptional service, and luxurious ambiance. It’s more than just a meal—it’s an experience that lingers in the hearts and minds of its guests. Reserve your table today and embark on a culinary adventure like no other.

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