For years now our favourite Japanese restaurant in Colombo has been Zen just at the end of Rosmead Place. That view is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future. What makes it the best for us can be summed up in one sentence.
“Great food, service and environment at acceptable pricing while always being consistent and having BYOB.”
Zylan opened in Dec 2011. Originally it was a boutique hotel with 10 rooms. The Zen Japanese restaurant has been operating since end of 2014, creating an oasis in the heart of the city where the hotel guests and diners can feel pampered and chilled. It’s a different experience from staying/ dining at big hotels.
So, we are here again, with our guide as always, “Sunil the jacket”.
Seven of us sit on roof terrace amongst the trees with a whispering light breeze creating a magic temperature. We always prefer the bar terrace though you can go up to another level but that’s for romantic couples. There are less than ten tables on our favourite terrace and if like us you are a big group worth booking well ahead. A large group on the top terrace is too tight.
When we go, we normally ask the manager to select the dishes and he always adds something new and keeps it flowing. Today however, is Sunil’s choice,
Starter
- Prawn tempura
- Gyoza chicken
- Tuna and salmon sashimi
Makis
- Volcano salmon
- Zen Signature Maki Assortment
Salads
- Wakame seaweed – A new dish for me and very succulent
Mains
- Garlic fried rice
- Chicken teriyaki – Not sure this is the house speciality but it’s always on our list when we visit
- Chili crab meat and prawn don
- Stir Fried Mix vegetables
We delight our taste buds as the plates roll through the night. At 12,000 per couple, it’s great value and the service is exceptional.
The building also gives you that zen feel with a walkway that takes you to infinity and back (mirror at the end) the open white style hotel is relaxing to the eye, comforting to the mind and easy to navigate. Though we normally walk up a long staircase with three doggy last steps my advice to most people, especially when leaving the roof top delight under the influence of booze … is TAKE THE LIFT.
