Colombar | Richmond

Colombar brings Sri Lankan cuisine to Richmond with a menu shaped by the food traditions and cultural heritage of the island. The restaurant’s stated focus is an authentic Sri Lankan dining experience, with dishes prepared using fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Its menu includes aromatic rice and curry dishes, tangy hoppers and the Black Pork Curry, giving diners several ways to explore the cuisine’s bold spices, layered flavours and varied textures.

The venue also highlights seafood and more distinctive Sri Lankan offerings, including lobster, giant mud crab and a seafood KULLA. These dishes are presented as part of Colombar’s broader aim to share the flavours of Sri Lanka rather than simply offer a familiar restaurant format. The menu information also mentions toasties, freshly brewed coffee, juices, thick shakes, cocktails and a curated wine list, so there is scope for a casual meal, a morning visit or drinks alongside dinner.

The setting is designed to feel warm, colourful and connected to Sri Lankan culture. The website describes vibrant colours, intricate artwork and traditional devil masks, creating an immersive space in the heart of Richmond. The main restaurant combines banquet seating with dining tables that can be joined to accommodate different group sizes. Guests can also sit at the bar, while the team can rearrange the restaurant into a cocktail-style space for functions and events.

Colombar was founded by lifelong friends Marlon and Gayan, whose connection to their Sri Lankan heritage informs the food and the venue’s overall identity. That makes it a natural choice for diners curious about Sri Lankan cooking, as well as groups gathering for a meal, celebration or drinks. With its restaurant, bar and adaptable seating, it suits shared dining and special occasions, while the coffee, toasties and broader drinks offering provide options beyond a full evening meal. For Melbourne diners wanting to experience Sri Lankan flavours in a culturally expressive Richmond setting, Colombar offers a menu and space built around that purpose.