Java Lounge recently opened their fourth branch in Colombo 7, down Barnes Place. We dropped in for a late lunch on a weekday afternoon. In most ways our experience was better than we expected, except for the coffee.
Food & Drinks
Their menu hasn't changed at all, so we went with some of their popular dishes and specialities.
We tried the Fettuccine Alfredo (Rs. 1300), which was really good. The fettuccine was cooked just right, and it was soaked in a thick, creamy alfredo sauce. There might have been around 7 or 8 boiled shrimps, and bits of mushroom to go with every bite. Garnished with a pinch of salt and pepper, this is a good one if you're in the mood for some pasta. Next up, the beautiful Beef and Mushroom Burger (Rs. 980). We loved it! It had a massive beef patty to boot (which unfortunately we cannot feature as the burger was attacked right after we took this picture), topped with melted cheese and a layer of mushrooms.
The patty itself was very meaty, thoroughly cooked with a slightly crunchy exterior and a tender and chewy middle. It was tucked in between a soft, grilled bun that had a tinge of sweetness to it.
The Strawberry Cheesecake (Rs. 490) was quite alright. It had a fluffy and light texture, but we it was a tad too sweet for our liking. Fortunately, the strawberry coulis made up for extra flavour.
As for drinks, we got a White Chocolate Cream Frappe (Rs. 670) and a Cappuccino (Rs. 530).
Even after four branches in Colombo, it seems like that Java Lounge hasn't been able to up their coffee game. The Cappuccino we ordered was frothy, light, and not burnt, but didn't exactly have the caffeine punch we expected.
The White Chocolate Cream Frappe was a comforting choice, especially because of this hot weather, but didn't really have much going on. We liked that it didn't need any added sugar, as the whipped cream complements it, but we couldn't quite get the strong white chocolatey aroma that we were looking for. Maybe it's different and better with the dark chocolate, idk.
Service and Ambience
We have no complaints regarding their service. The staff was inviting, friendly, efficient and helpful.
Pretty much like their other branches, Java Lounge has been consistent with their interior. This one is very spacious with both indoor and outdoor dining.
While the indoor seating facility is spread throughout two floors with comfortable sofas and chairs, they've got a bunch of wooden tables and chairs in their backyard, which also functions as an outdoor smoking lounge.
Conclusion
Java Lounge's new branch turned out better than we expected. It's a good hangout spot to grab a quick snack, and to plonk yourself down to get some work done without getting disturbed.