• Where to go and what to eat on Nawala Road 

We do not explore the city in which we live enough. And so, The Sunday Morning Brunch set off to explore the Nawala Road stretch, starting from the Rajagiriya side and traversing to the Old Kesbewa Road, taking note of the cafés and restaurants that have emerged along this incredibly busy street. 

Nawala Road, known for its bustling commercial activity owing to the presence of numerous office spaces, alongside its residential character, has notably attracted a diverse array of businesses, particularly eateries and cafés, while evolving into a vibrant social hub. We took the opportunity to visit several cafés that graciously welcomed us, eager to share their unique narratives.

Here are Brunch’s faves from Nawala Road: 

The Blac

Address: No.441, Nawala Road, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte

Average price: Rs. 1,500-6,000

The Blac, which opened in December last year, aims to provide customers with a cosy retreat where they can enjoy excellent coffee and indulge in various meals throughout the day. What sets The Blac apart is its unique offering of restaurant-style cuisine, ranging from Italian to Thai, alongside specialty coffees like activated charcoal-infused blends. 

Owner Amoda Rathnayake, an interior designer, has infused The Blac with their design expertise, evident in the stunning concept store that showcases their creative vision.

Manager Ramesh Perera highlighted the café’s ambience, noting that the owner’s love for nature had inspired them to create a space that offered a serene escape amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. Despite its convenient urban location, The Blac is surrounded by lush greenery, providing a tranquil setting for patrons to relax and unwind.

The café caters to a diverse clientele, typically ranging from ages 25 to 40. Many professionals frequent The Blac, utilising its conducive environment for work, meetings, and even photoshoots. With its blend of culinary delights, specialty coffees, and captivating ambience, the café offers a unique and inviting experience for all who visit.

The Coffee Manor 

Address: No.389, Nawala Road, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte

Average price: Rs. 1,500-3,500 

At The Coffee Manor, Manager Nuwan Anuruddha shared that their theme revolved around creating a ‘home away from home’ experience for customers. Aptly named, the café is designed to resemble a large home, with various rooms where patrons can relax and enjoy their coffee. 

Catering mainly to the office crowd, The Coffee Manor attracts a diverse range of clientele, spanning from young professionals to a broader demographic. Many patrons utilise the café as a workspace, with some arriving as early as 7 a.m. and staying until late at night, making it their go-to spot for meals throughout the day.

The café’s hot coffee remains a crowd favourite, complemented by a menu featuring standard café fare such as burgers, sandwiches, salads, and an array of baked goods. With its inviting ambience and homely atmosphere, The Coffee Manor offers a welcoming retreat for coffee enthusiasts and those seeking a comfortable space to work or unwind.

Java Lounge   

Address: No.404, Nawala Road, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte

Average price: Rs. 680-1,200 

Java Lounge Managing Director Anuradha Herath shared that they prided themselves on being the largest local chain in Sri Lanka, boasting 15 outlets, having started with humble beginnings with just 10 people in Jawatte. 

Java Lounge’s expansion now includes three outlets in Kandy and one in Weligama, with plans for further growth. Its mission is to provide customers with a high-quality experience, addressing a market gap observed when it initially opened.

Herath emphasised on the welcoming nature of the Java Lounge outlets. The warm, accepting atmosphere they have cultivated has become a hallmark of the brand. The outlets cater to a diverse clientele, including students studying, entrepreneurs brainstorming ideas, and mothers meeting up with friends after dropping off their children. 

According to Herath, the success of Java Lounge can be attributed to three main factors: the quality of the products, the strength of the team, and the exceptional customer service.

Each Java Lounge outlet has its unique ambience, with the Nawala branch attracting more residential crowds compared to the Barnes Place outlet, which tends to cater to a younger demographic. 

However, regardless of the location, consistency is key for Java Lounge. Everything on the counters is baked in-house, ensuring quality and freshness. Additionally, Java Lounge recently ventured into the chocolate business, but the main sellers remain the coffee, whether enjoyed in-store or through delivery services.

Cloé Café and Restaurant

Address: No.196, Nawala Road, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte

Average price: Rs. 700-1,500  

Cloé Café, according to its Managing Director Chinthaka Jayasekara, is currently in the process of finalising its menu. What sets it apart at the moment, however, is its spacious ambience, offering a unique and inviting atmosphere for customers.

According to Jayasekara, Cloé Café aims to deliver a restaurant-quality dining experience combined with exceptional specialty coffee. The menu will feature a variety of starters, mains, and other culinary delights to provide customers with a full dining experience. The focus on providing high-quality coffee has already garnered the café a loyal customer base, with many returning patrons impressed by the distinct flavour of the coffee.

While the café’s full range of offerings is not available yet, customers can enjoy its freshly baked goods, thanks to the advantage of being associated with Wishque, a leading patisserie in the country. Cloé Café promises a multi-cuisine experience, offering a diverse range of culinary delights to satisfy various tastes.

Despite the dominance of café chains in the market, Cloé Café has drawn from its experience with Wishque to establish its presence. By prioritising quality products and service, it aims to build a reputation for excellence in the industry.

The café’s clientele mainly comprises high-end customers and foreigners, drawn to its upscale ambience and amenities. With a soundproof conference room available, many customers choose to linger, utilising the facilities for extended periods. 

Cloé Café prides itself on offering mid-range to affordable luxury, catering to a discerning clientele seeking a premium dining experience.