Last updated date: May 19, 2026
Al Fresco Garden Café is one of Colombo’s most enchanting hidden retreats – a lush, open-air garden café nestled on Thimbirigasyaya Road in Colombo 05, where nature’s beauty and culinary creativity come together in a setting unlike anything else in the city. The name says it all: al fresco means “in the open air,” and this café delivers on that promise with its sprawling garden patio, cane seating, twinkling fairy lights, and an atmosphere of serene natural calm that feels a world away from Colombo’s busy streets.
The café was founded by co-founders including Dhanushka, who discovered the then-rundown space and saw its extraordinary potential as a green oasis for Colombo’s food lovers. “We want to bring something different to Colombo,” he shared at the café’s launch. “A place where people can escape the busy life, relax, and indulge in a different kind of café experience.” The result is a beautifully transformed garden sanctuary that has rapidly built a loyal following of brunch enthusiasts, digital nomads, date-night couples, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape with great food.
The menu spans an eclectic mix of café favorite’s and fusion dishes – from wraps, pastas, and tacos to Sri Lankan comfort food like mutton curry with roast paan – with generous portions and aesthetically presented plates that are as photogenic as the setting itself. Al Fresco is also proudly BYOB-friendly, making it a favourite for relaxed social evenings where guests bring their own wine or spirits to enjoy in the garden.
BYOB stands for Bring Your Own Bottle. Al Fresco Garden Café allows guests to bring their own wine, spirits, or beer to enjoy during their meal in the garden. This makes it an excellent spot for relaxed evening gatherings and celebrations.
Yes. The café offers free high-speed Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and a quiet, peaceful garden atmosphere that makes it one of Colombo’s most popular spots for freelancers, digital nomads, and anyone looking for a productive work-from-café environment.
Yes. A specially curated weekend brunch menu is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, featuring a range of brunch-focused dishes in addition to the regular all-day menu.
In the evenings, the garden transforms into a magical setting lit by twinkling fairy lights, making it particularly popular for date nights and social gatherings. On Fridays and Saturdays, the café stays open until midnight, giving guests plenty of time to linger and enjoy the atmosphere.
Yes. The open garden setting accommodates groups comfortably, and the BYOB policy makes it a popular choice for birthday celebrations, casual parties, and group social events.
The café is described by its founders as “a little hidden treasure waiting to be found.” It is tucked away from the main road and may require a little searching on the first visit, but the experience upon arrival makes the discovery well worthwhile.
We stumbled upon Al Fresco Garden Cafe and it was such a wonderful find. The cafe has a fantastic, laid-back atmosphere with great vibes all around perfect for relaxing.
We tried one of their pizzas, it was s thin crust but it was actually delicious! To top it off, the staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. If you are looking for a chill spot with good food and a warm environment in Colombo, this place is definitely worth a visit.
The food was really good, and honestly that’s the main reason I’m giving this place 3 stars. We ordered a chilli chicken pizza, mutton pizza, and loaded fries with ham, and everything was delicious.
However, the overall experience was a bit disappointing. From the photos online, the place looks very aesthetic with lights and a cozy vibe, but maybe those pictures were taken at night. We went in the evening, and it didn’t look as nice as we expected.
The cleanliness also needs improvement. The tables and overall dining area did not feel very clean. I understand they are going for a vintage-style atmosphere, which is completely fine, but the washrooms especially were not maintained properly and could definitely be cleaner. Even the menu was torn and falling apart, which added to the feeling that the place is not being maintained properly.
The food is definitely worth trying, but I hope they improve the cleanliness and ambience experience.
This place is an absolute gem for a chill hangout with friends. The atmosphere is calm, quiet, and free from distractions, making it feel like your own little private space—even though it’s a cozy setup. The vibe inside the café is just perfect, like you’re partying in your own comfort zone, surrounded by amazing food and mind-blowing drinks. Honestly, you can spend hours here without even realizing how fast time flies.
The food? Simply outstanding. Every dish has its own unique flavor, and you can really tell the effort put into each one. There’s a great variety of creative dishes and plenty of beverages to explore. The Thai Red Curry Chicken Spaghetti (their signature dish) is a must-try—absolutely delicious! And when it comes to drinks, Purple Rain is on another level with its incredible sweet and sour combination.
To top it all off, the staff are super friendly and easygoing, which makes the whole experience even better. Definitely a place you’ll want to visit again and again! ✨
This is one of the best in town for brunch. You get feel like catching up at home location , full garden area, service was excellent, food worth every penny and its affordable compared to any similar cafes. The portions and taste top notch !
Great Al Fresco Dining Experience✨🥰
Had a wonderful evening meal here!
The Al Fresco Garden Cafe setting was perfect, offering a relaxing ambiance.
The food had great variety and was enjoyable to taste. The location is peaceful, slightly off the main road, which adds to its charming, rustic vibe. It’s a small but cozy place, making it ideal for a casual dinner with friends. 🤩
🫡The staff was friendly and welcoming, adding to the pleasant experience.
🤝Would definitely recommend it for a laid-back evening!
