What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ports of Call
Review
About
Travellers' Choice
2024
Features
CUISINES
Indian, Asian, Fusion, Sri Lankan
Meal types
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Full Bar
Highchairs Available
Parking Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Valet Parking
Validated Parking
Wheelchair Accessible
Location
Parking Available, Valet Parking, Validated Parking
Does this restaurant have parking?
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4.8
289 reviews
Excellent
245
Very good
35
Average
3
Poor
2
Terrible
4
Nilushen
Colombo1131 contributions
Jul 2023 • friends
Taj Samudra Hotel is the place to have a relaxing morning. Taj Samudra is always a beautiful place to see. Their ports of call Restaurant was prepared for us in the morning and it created a very quiet and beautiful environment. All the food and drinks there were pleasantly served and they were very tasty and refreshing. There was a huge variety of food in their breakfast buffet, including local, Indian and European food. Their friendly staff do their work with diligence and enthusiasm which we appreciate.highly recommended
Written 6 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryan P
Dubai18 contributions
Mar 2024 • couples
Came for anniversary dinner. Budget spread was varied in Sri Lankan, Indian and Asian cuisine. Food was very good but more exceptional was service of the service staff and live station chefs. Special shout out to Dilhara.
Written 5 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dulshan h
1 contribution
Nov 2024 • couples
Ports of Call at Taj Samudra Hotel offers a delightful dining experience with a wide array of international and Sri Lankan cuisine. The ambiance is elegant yet inviting, with spacious seating and beautiful views of the gardens. The standout feature here is the exceptional service from the staff, who go above and beyond to make guests feel welcome. A special mention to Athauda, Dilhara, Gayan, Thushara, and Amarasinha, whose attentiveness and warm hospitality made our meal even more enjoyable. This restaurant is perfect for anyone looking for great food paired with outstanding service.
Written 7 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daughty
Colombo13 contributions
Oct 2022 • none
It was the first time I visited the Taj Samudra “Ports of Call” for a Sunday brunch although I’m regular visitor to their Navarathna restaurant. I reserved the place one day prior - on behalf of my parents for 14 people for a special occasion to celebrate a birthday. We had 3 people in the group who were old and vegetarians. I assumed that, as it is Taj hotel, the restaurant will have enough Indian vegetarian dishes to satisfy the vegetarians.
As we entered the restaurant area, I saw the staff stressed out walking around, and it was easy to understand that they have been over booked. Staff took a long time however managed to give a table for 13 pax. Due to the high number of guests in the restaurant they could not give a proper 14th seat. Instead, the they provided a seat in the edge/corner of the table. Since I was the host, I ended up taking the corner seat with an added chair since I wanted to make my guests comfortable. I could not eat using the both the cutleries as I was disturbing people in the right and left side. I covered my unfortunate situation by making sure to take all the guests to the buffet station and showing them around. While my guests in left and right were eating I their table.
As it was over booked situation the buffet lines were crowded with people covering the stations.
The vegetarians in our group did not have enough choices in terms of vegetarian dishes. They had plain rice and dhal and bindhi curries which left them dissatisfied.
However, the other people in the group enjoyed the items in the buffet very much as they had a little bit of everything.
They had choices in terms of a non vege and vege soup. Crab bisque soup left a bitter taste, however the vege soup made up for it.
The food was good and tasty and had many seafood, meat choices, many salad options, various cheeses, sushi, sashmi, tempara vegetables and seafood and etc.. My guests commended the Spanish rice they served. And there was a good selection of fruits, baked and steamed desserts. Various cakes and puddings were available. Also I saw payasam and ice cream as well. The buffet was “value for money” for Rs.5800 plus price tag.
Overall, the birthday celebration was a pleasant experience for many of my guests who came out for meal after post covid.
However, it was unpleasant experience for me.
I wish that I would get another to enjoy a meal in relaxed environment seated in a proper table and seat.
Written 5 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sunil V
Mumbai43 contributions
Jan 2025 • couples
My wife and I decided to try out Ports of Call Restaurant for Dinner on January 11, 2025. I was debating between Negombo Prawn Curry or Buffet. My wife just wanted to have a salad. On going there, Captain Ruwan sensed my indecision and asked me the issue. I told him that I wanted to go for Buffet but it did not have Negombo Prawns! He assured me that I should go for the Buffet and he will also arrange for Negombo Prawns to be prepared by his Chef Jayalath, for my tasting! I was really left surprised by his Customer First approach & resolving my dilema & indecision in a jiffy! He was ably assisted by all his fellow Captain, staff like Ramsinghe & others, the trio of lovely singers, going from table to table, singing lovely songs, etc. No wonder, Taj hospitality is legendary & they truly deserve the title of the World's best Hotel Brand! It's the Captains like Ruwan & Athauda who are the front line Team, whose positive interaction with Customers sets the tone for the evening! Thanks Taj Samudra & Ruwan, for a memorable evening. Sunil Vohra
Written 11 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pasindum93
Homagama147 contributions
Feb 2025 • family
We had an amazing experience at Port of Call at Taj Samudra Colombo for their Sunday brunch buffet. The spread was truly impressive, offering a great variety of dishes that were well-prepared and full of flavor. It was definitely worth the money!
The ambiance was lively, with a fantastic live band adding to the overall experience. A special shoutout to Chathuranga and his colleagues Dileka, Madu, Dasun, and Mr. Chaminda for their exceptional service—they were attentive, friendly, and made sure we had a wonderful time.
We will definitely visit again and highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a great brunch experience in Colombo!
Written 8 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vishva P
Sri Lanka1 contribution
Mar 2023 • none
We visited Ports of Call for their dinner buffet with the family and kids. From the get-go, we felt the warm welcome from the staff there and the excellent attention and customer service displayed by especially Dilhara who took care of our table. Without us even requesting, he sensed our needs and attended to those practively which is a rare scene in most of the larger hotels. Keep up the excellent service.
The food was of high quality and tasty although we felt the lack of seafood options. Regardless, overall experience was great and value for money as we were lucky to use some of the local bank promotions.
Written 23 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PSIndia
New Delhi162 contributions
Jan 2024 • family
We had breakfast every day at Ports of Call during our stay here. Loved the spread on offer - from a variety of Sri Lankan hoppers and condiments to Indian dosas and breads to Continental breakfast breads and meats, all teamed with the usual fruits, juices, cereals and yogurts.
The all-day diner gets really busy in the mornings, but hats off to the staff for managing things so beautifully. We had Dilhara attend on us and he was great, as were some of the others by way of service and attention.
Great experience overall!
Written 18 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DilrukshiH
Colombo2668 contributions
Sept 2023 • family
The Ports of Call Buffet was a very good one, it had Sri-Lankan & Indian food,
Very tastefully prepared & well presented.
The service extended by the staff is excellent.
As two people in our group was celebrating their Birthdays that day, the staff went out of their way to have a cake with Birthday wishes, which is greatly appreciated.
All in all it was a good experience.
Written 25 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anon from Australia
5 contributions
Feb 2024 • friends
The staff here were wonderfully attentive and excited to share their amazing Sri Lankan cuisine. Some of the best customer service anywhere in the world. Special thanks to Dilhara, Dias, Usha, Dileka, Mr Malaka and Mr Chaminda.
Written 15 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PVR
1 contribution
Apr 2024 • friends
The breakfast buffet at the Ports of Call was very enjoyable.
There was a good choice of items and a special thank you to the attentive staff, Chef Sajith along with Dilhara, Dasun, Dileka, Thuhina, Indunil and Nilanka.
We certainly look forward to making it another day as well.
Written 11 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sonalini H
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • family
Love how friendly and informative the staff are, so welcoming! Dilhara and his colleagues talked us through the various new Sri Lankan breakfast options and always had a smile on their face. Great service and great staff.
Written 28 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jayantha Panabokke
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • friends
We had the pleasure of dining at Ports Of Call on 10th August, and I'm delighted to share that the service we received was truly exceptional. From the moment we stepped in, the staff ensured that all our needs were met and that we had a wonderful time. The ambience was perfect, and the food was splendid. The team at the restaurant deserves special mention for their friendliness and unwavering attention, especially Athauda whose impeccable service and genuine warmth made a lasting impression. Ports Of Call is an outstanding choice for anyone seeking an exceptional dining experience, accompanied by a remarkable team that truly makes a difference.
Written 11 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samantha D
London17 contributions
Jan 2024 • couples
Simply amazing food here, the dinner buffet has an incredible choice for both carnivores and vegetarians, something that can be tricky to find elsewhere in Colombo. So much choice, from lighter dishes to delicious Sri Lankan and Indian cuisine. Every dish is freshly prepared and wonderfully tasty. Chefs will also make you a fresh kottu and fresh naan. So much care and pride is taken in both the preparation and presentation of the food. The desserts are a feast for the eyes and very hard to pass by. Service is excellent and the team are welcoming, happy and proud of what they do. Definitely the best meal we had in Colombo, in fact after we discovered Ports of Call we came back the following night because it was so good. A big thank you to the team who make the magic happen - Chathura, Dilhara, Oshan, Mr Gayan, Mr Ruwan and Chef Nisanka.
Written 29 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
madhumita g
1 contribution
Feb 2025 • family
Thanes Ruean Amila Thithila Wasala Thasava Ziyad Amarsunghe were great. Chef Yayath Perera made us zero oil crab as per our dietary needs. Thank you for the great experience
Written 22 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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