- Scaling new heights for Lankan dining
Last week marked the launch of a groundbreaking fusion of innovation and tradition with the opening of Blue Orbit, Sri Lanka’s first and only revolving restaurant and South Asia’s tallest restaurant.
Positioned atop the iconic Colombo Lotus Tower and managed exclusively by Citrus Leisure PLC, Blue Orbit promises a unique celestial experience that transcends far beyond the ordinary, with a huge variety of cuisines served against a breathtaking 360-degree view of Colombo’s skyline and the sparkling seas beyond.
A banquet in the heavens
As the highest point of South Asia’s tallest self-supported structure, Blue Orbit introduces a creative concept that looks to immerse diners in the skies, heavens, and the galaxy. Citrus Leisure Marketing and PR Manager Eric Wijeratne shared with The Sunday Morning Brunch that Blue Orbit took its name both from the concept of creating a celestial dining experience as well as a signature blue swirl that decorated the interior of the restaurant, building an elegant and ethereal ambience from which Blue Orbit staged its extraordinary dining experience.
Blue Orbit stands out not only for its panoramic views but also for its culinary offerings. With a seating capacity of 225 guests, the restaurant boasts an extensive international buffet featuring seven diverse cuisines: Western, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Sri Lankan, and Indian. Eight different action stations, including a carvery, various cheese corners, a salad corner, a seafood corner, and a dessert corner, add to the unique gastronomic culinary adventure that forms the Blue Orbit experience.
A first in Sri Lanka and South Asia
Blue Orbit takes pride in being the first and only revolving restaurant in Sri Lanka. Guests are treated to a dining journey that navigates the circumference of the Colombo Lotus Tower, providing spectacular and ever-changing views. Just below the revolving restaurant, Blue Orbit features the banquet hall ‘Cosmic,’ adding versatility to the venue for a range of events.
In an announcement marking the opening of Blue Orbit, Colombo Lotus Tower Management Company Ltd. CEO Major General (Retd) Prasad Samarasinghe shared his thoughts on the collaboration with Citrus Leisure: “This collaboration with Citrus Leisure for Blue Orbit and Cosmic is more than just about elevated dining; it’s a fusion of tradition with innovation, mirroring the spirit of Sri Lanka’s progress and our commitment to showcasing our nation’s potential on a global stage.”
The grand opening of Blue Orbit was celebrated with two landmark launch events on 9 and 10 December, marking a significant milestone in Colombo’s culinary landscape. The event was attended by dignitaries, including corporate leaders, diplomats, tourism officials, and State officials. The grand affair included breathtaking fireworks displays, adding a touch of magic to the already mesmerising atmosphere.
A wholly unique dining experience
Behind the scenes, Chef Panduka, one of the main chefs at the Citrus Leisure group which has pioneered other restaurants like the &Co Pub and Kitchen at The Steuart by Citrus and the Ceylon Curry Club, has been working very closely with the culinary team at Blue Orbit to develop world-class cuisine, focusing, as he always does, on innovation and providing guests with a unique, memorable experience.
As Blue Orbit opens its doors to guests, the restaurant beckons patrons to immerse themselves in a unique dining adventure of luxury, innovation, and culinary excellence.
Eric Wijeratne of Citrus Leisure extended an invitation to Sri Lanka, saying: “It has been a long journey to Blue Orbit, but it has also been a very successful one. We took a little time to make sure everything fell into place to provide an experience never had before. I would ask people to come and visit Blue Orbit, experience the location, the atmosphere, the whole view, and our food.”
With a celestial theme, diverse cuisines, and a unique revolving concept, Blue Orbit is set to define a new benchmark for elevated dining experiences in Sri Lanka, inviting guests to savour not just a meal but a journey through breathtaking views and exquisite flavours.