- Chill Colombo opens at Port City
Colombo’s dining scene has a new heavyweight, and it’s arrived with style. Chill Colombo, the latest addition to The Mall at Port City Colombo, opened its doors in a grand affair, welcoming an eclectic mix of food enthusiasts, hospitality veterans, and city socialites.
As the sister restaurant of the widely acclaimed Chill Ella, the expectations were high. Yet, from the moment we stepped into its elegant two-storey space, it was clear this was not just another restaurant opening. We attended the launch, eager to see whether Chill Colombo could live up to its promise of fusing Sri Lankan warmth with international flair.
The venue, conceptualised by Spanish architect Maria, exudes understated luxury, with natural wood accents, custom-designed lighting, and an artful blend of contemporary and bohemian elements. It’s the kind of space that works just as well for a laid-back brunch as it does for a late-night outing.
But a restaurant is only as good as its food. The opening night was a showcase of Chill Colombo’s diverse offerings, with a curated selection of canapés, action stations, and desserts. The flavours were ambitious, spanning multiple cuisines, while still paying homage to Sri Lankan ingredients and techniques.
A taste of Chill Colombo
We started with the cold canapés; small, sophisticated bites designed to tease the palate. The tuna tartare with caviar on Sri Lankan crispy rice crackers was a particular standout, balancing the brininess of the caviar with the freshness of the tartare. The fried creamy polenta with chicken roulade and confit blueberry surprised us with its contrast of savoury and sweet, while the grilled vegetable and parmesan focaccia delivered simple, comforting flavours. The tomato gazpacho with compressed honey melon was the only miss here. The melon’s sweetness overpowered the gazpacho’s acidity, making the dish feel slightly imbalanced.
The hot canapés introduced a bolder dimension. The tiger prawn crostini with cherry tomato pesto packed a flavourful punch, and the mini chicken shawarma pocket with garlic cream was a hit; moist, well-spiced, and incredibly moreish. The seafood savoury tart was another highlight, its flaky pastry encasing a rich, umami-laden filling. The vegetable mini pizza, however, didn’t leave much of an impression. While perfectly fine, it lacked the same depth of flavour that made the other dishes shine.
For those who prefer a more interactive dining experience, the action counters were a delight. At the taco station, we sampled succulent seafood and well-spiced lamb tacos, both generously portioned and brimming with fresh toppings. The pasta station delivered a well-balanced creamy truffle pasta that was both indulgent and restrained. The satay station was a crowd-pleaser, with skewers of chicken, beef, and prawns grilled to perfection, each bite infused with a rich, smoky char.
To round off the meal, the dessert selection brought a mix of indulgence and finesse. The chocolate bon bons and brownies were every bit as rich and decadent as they looked, while the cheesecake was delightfully creamy. The real surprise, however, was the Mangochox, an innovative mango-infused chocolate creation that perfectly captured the tropical-meets-gourmet essence of Chill Colombo’s menu. It was the kind of dessert that lingered on the palate, making for a memorable finish to an already impressive spread.
More than just a restaurant
Beyond the food, Chill Colombo is clearly designed as an experience-driven space. Founder Darshana Ratnayake, the visionary behind Chill Ella, made it clear that the restaurant is meant to evolve with the day.
“We wanted to create a space that feels effortless, somewhere you can have a casual coffee, a refined dinner, or a full-blown night out,” Darshana explained. “It’s not just about the food; it’s about how you feel when you’re here.”
The venue transforms as the evening progresses, shifting from a tranquil daytime retreat to a buzzy, late-night social hub. With live music, DJs, and extended weekend hours until 2 a.m., Chill Colombo is positioning itself as one of the few upscale spots in the city catering to the late-night crowd.
“Colombo’s nightlife has been lacking venues that combine great food with a great atmosphere,” Darshana noted. “We’re hoping to change that with Chill.”
A legacy of excellence
Of course, with Chill Ella’s reputation preceding it, Chill Colombo carries the weight of expectation. The Ella outpost, which ranked #2 in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for Best Casual Dining in 2024, has set a high bar for culinary innovation and hospitality.
“For years, we kept getting asked, ‘When are you bringing Chill to Colombo?’,” Darshana said. “We waited for the right moment and the right location. Port City felt like the perfect fit: It’s modern, cosmopolitan, and full of energy, just like Chill Colombo.”
The new location expands on Ella’s concept, bringing a more polished and sophisticated dining experience while still retaining the brand’s signature warmth. Whether it’s the carefully designed menu, the seamless transition between day and night, or the effortlessly stylish interiors, everything about Chill Colombo feels considered.
Is it worth the hype?
Based on our opening night experience, Chill Colombo delivers on both food and atmosphere. The menu is ambitious without being pretentious, and the space is inviting without feeling too formal. While opening nights can sometimes be deceiving, if this is any indication of what’s to come, Chill Colombo is set to become a go-to destination for casual diners and serious food lovers alike.
For those who enjoy a refined yet relaxed dining experience, this new entrant into Colombo’s culinary scene is well worth a visit. Whether it’s for a coffee or a full meal, Chill Colombo is a place that adapts to your mood, just as its founder intended.