Tourism is a burgeoning industry in Sri Lanka. The island country attracts travelers from every nook and corner of the world. The reason is not hard to figure out! Sri Lanka is blessed with varied landscapes, historical monuments, and places of worship and some best cafes in Sri Lanka are worth a one-way trip.
Whether you want to witness Mother Nature in Her full grandeur or are looking for ways to connect to your roots, planning a Sri Lanka tour must top your list of priorities. If you ask an average Sri Lankan to name one drink that keeps the nation moving, most will answer coffee and the best cafes in Sri Lanka has been the center of attraction for most of tourists throughout the history and present day.
Sri Lankans love their coffee, and their passion for the drink is reflected in menus of local cafes that serve different types of coffees. And then there are some cafes that apart from welcoming their guests with coffee, also serve experiences.
Therefore, it is needless to say that Sri Lanka is one of the best coffee production hubs in the world, with its production taking in 1870 and the years following it. Other than that the coffee plantations in Sri Lanka are some of the most awesome places to visit in Sri Lanka.
Lists of some best cafes in Sri Lanka that serve more than just coffee:
1. Cup Cafe:
Situated across one of Sri Lanka’s busiest shopping centers, the Odel Shopping Centre, Cup Cafe is a must-visit if you like to enjoy your cup of coffee with exquisitely made confectionaries, which makes it one of the best cafes in Sri Lanka.
It is one of those no-frills coffee shops in Sri Lanka which is visited by several tourists throughout the year. Not only that, several food bloggers and vloggers have widely reviewed the place so that you have prior information on where you are going. The coffee shops are designed in such a way that it has become of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka for the tourists, giving them a different idea about coffee.
The Cup Cafe offers a variety of sweet treats such as cakes from different parts of the world. However, if you are not a fan of sugary treats, opt for a freshly prepared burger to go with your cup of coffee on your Sri Lanka tour.
2. Barefoot Garden Cafe:
If you like to have your cup of coffee in peace, the Barefoot Garden Cafe is a must visit. Located in the heart of Colombo, the cafe is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a laid-back and serene atmosphere. Barefoot gives you a soothing environment to discuss things, think and spend some quiet time with your loved ones.
Simple, yet timeless decorations welcome visitors. The cafe has an extensive menu and serves international delicacies such as pasta, falafels, and curries. If you are an art connoisseur, remember to visit the in-house gallery that showcases works of art by local artists in the entire Sri Lanka tour.
It is said that holiday experiences come from unique places and having mesmerizing moments at the places you have not seen before, Barefoot is not only one of the best cafes in Sri Lanka, but it is also known for its unique decoration unlike any other coffee shops in the entire country and maybe in the entire world.
3. Stirred Cafe:
Located at the Cinnamon Red rooftop, Stirred Cafe apart from serving some of the best coffee varieties in Sri Lanka also offers a panoramic view of Colombo, and is a popular sunset viewpoint. The stirred cafe is no doubt, one of the best cafes in Sri Lanka.
From tasty burgers, and wraps to different varieties of cakes and exotic wines, and beers, the cafe serves it all. Although, along with some quality coffee and food you also get to see the top view of the area, with the cafe shop located at the rooftop, at the Cinnamon Red.
4. The T Republic:
To savor a cup of perfectly brewed coffee you also need a perfect setting, and the T Republic, an outdoor cafe in Casa Colombo offers exactly that. A towering Moorish mansion, lush vegetation, and a water body welcome guests.
Lean back on antique chairs and enjoy a wide selection of teas and coffees. Order items from the cafe’s delectable tapas menu during the happy hours to get a buy-one-get-one-free option.
TRepublic will not only give you the best of posh places to sit and enjoy your meal, but it is also known as one of the main places for a perfect dinner date. The place is originally a boutique hotel, and hence, known to bee one of the best cafes in Sri Lanka.
5. Coco Veranda:
Coco Veranda can be quite expensive if you do not know how coffee shops are in Colombo, Sri Lanka. However, its specialty is the highest quality of gourmet coffee. Coco Veranda is known to serve one of the extraordinary tasting coffee in the entire Sri Lanks. Given the rich history of coffee in Sri Lanka, it instead, imports filicori coffee all the way from Bologna and serves it to its customers.
Apart from it, it also consists of a number of delicious bakeries, side dishes, and main meals. The environment will remind you of a soothing place filled with a vintage aura. Comfort sips through the place and some find Coco Veranda to be one of the best cafes in Sri Lanka with the best environment, let alone coffee.
Coco Veranda accepts all kinds of payment and if you fall short of money, there is also an ATM outside the place from where you can easily take out some cash. If you are a tourist from outside then you better carry some Sri Lankan cash with you, in case you fall short of it.
Conclusion:
When on a Sri Lanka tour visit these cafes to shrug off stress, and create cherishable memories. Some other cafes worth visiting in the island country are- The Commons Coffee House, Whight & Company, and Lattice.
You can also request your tour operator to suggest the best cafes in the country and how to get there. Sri Lanka community is mainly all Tamilians and Portuguese Christian so the trend there is mostly to grow some really fine quality of the coffee.
Do not forget to visit one of the farms in the country. It is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka. These plantations also sell some fresh coffee, so make sure to take some of the non-processed organic coffee for everybody in your home town. It will be a thrilling gift to all of them.
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We went to 1up for breakfast/brunch twice. Coffee, food and juice was excellent! Great dishes, very innovative and filling!