BYOBing In Colombo.

*This post is sponsored by WineWorld.lk. 
 
Drinking in Colombo is quite expensive. From handiye bar to fancy five-star hotels, booze in Colombo is unbelievably pricey. 
 
Nonetheless, one thing to love about Colombo is its sheer number of BYOB spots. A chilled ambience with a killer playlist filling the room, coupled with good food and friendly service, these places allow you to hang out, relax and get your drink on – without having to worry about leaving a dent in your wallet. 
 
Here's a list of places in and around Colombo that you can have them all. 

Giovanni's

A slice of pizza is always a good idea when you have a glass of bubbly or Merlot in your hand. Owing to this pleasure, Giovanni's encourages BYOB – for all kinds of liquor, and it's free of a corkage fee. 

August by Mama Aida's

One of the few places in Colombo to grab some excellent Middle Eastern fare, August by Mama Aida's is located inside the beautiful premises in Shirohana Atelier, and provides the perfect setting for a date night – with a bottle of champagne if you prefer. 

Zen (Zylan Boutique Hotel)

Zen is Zylan boutique hotel's hidden gem of a Japanese restaurant. The charismatic ambience, coupled with their authentic take on Japanese fare, this one is ideal if you're looking for a private meal in a peaceful setting. They also allow you to bring whatever alcohol you'd like to have with your meal. 

JoJo's Place

JoJo's Place has been around for years. Sri Lankanised Chinese fare is what they do best, and that includes this plate of piping hot HBC. A mug of beer and HBC is a combo that one can't simply say no to, so why not bring your own bottle when you head on over to JoJo's? They serve liquor on their own too, but for BYOB, they charge only Rs. 500. 

Isso

Bask in that shellfish goodness with a bottle of wine/beer at Isso. It's free of a corkage fee and available only at Colombo 3 branch. 

Callisto

A sister restaurant to Giovanni's, Callisto is your best option for pasta. Pasta and wine is a match made in heaven, and Callisto makes sure that you can enjoy it to the fullest. Take your own bottle here, and they charge no corkage. 

The Fat Crab

The Fat Crab is one of the few crab-centric restaurants in Colombo. You can BYOB here for a corkage fee of Rs. 1000, and if you're getting tonic, it costs Rs. 225 and upwards. 

Fire & Ice Pizzeria

With a history that runs back to 1995, Fire & Ice Pizzeria comes all the way from Kathmandu. Offering some delicious thin-crust pizza and incredibly good pasta dishes, this is another place that you can BYOB without a corkage fee. 

Breeze Barracuda

Drinking with sunsets and beaches – what a dreamy combo, am I right? Breeze Barracuda lies in Galle Face Green, and does Chinese fare that they've been known to do well for years. Make sure that you try a plate of their crispy HBC with your beer while you're there. 

Buba Restaurant And Beach Club

Not the most girl-friendly spot in Mount Lavinia beach stretch, but Buba Restaurant And Beach Club does some decent seafood dishes, and it's BYOB. 

Park Street Trattoria

Park Street Trattoria is another restaurant in Colombo that you can pair some well-executed Italian delicacies along with a bottle of wine that you can bring on your own. 

168 Sea Food Palace

Yet another spot in Colombo that does a decent take on Sri Lankanised Chinese fare for a really affordable price, 168 Sea Food Palace is a solid choice if you're looking for a meal within a tight budget. The fact that they let you bring your own booze is quite convenient too. 

Chatz

Chatz is one of the oldest members in the cafe scene in Colombo. Bring all the booze you want, they don't charge a corkage fee. However, we heard that they prefer groups of five people or more if you're planning to BYOB, and you're supposed to spend Rs. 5000 or above while you are there. 

English Cake Company

You can BYOB at the English Cake Company, but only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 5 – 7 pm. Only wine and beer are allowed, and it's corkage free. 

1979

With good food, easy on the wallet, and BYOB, 1979 is no stranger to those of you who live around Boralesgamuwa. They charge no corkage fee, and feel free to try this HBC while you get your drink on. 

Upali's

One of the top-picks for Lankan food in an upscale setting, Upali's okay with bringing booze in. It gets packed all the time, so making reservations is recommended. 

M'eat US

There's nothing better than booze and barbecue, and M'eat US delivers both. And it doesn't ask for a corkage free, which is even better! They've got two outlets – in Colombo 7 and Pelawatte, and we recommend the latter. 

Box Colony

Tucked away in a quirky container box, Box Colony is a spot to BYOB if you're looking for one around Battaramulla area. No corkage fee is involved. 

Epicure

Epicure serves “Modern European” cuisine. Fine dining and wine is a combo they offer, and you can bring your own wine bottle here without having to pay a corkage fee. 

It's a picture-perfect scene – wine and dining. But, given how expensive that is, it's almost impossible to do that to your heart's content. Which is why these BYOB places come in quite handy, and if you're in a hurry to grab a bottle, try WineWorld. They've got a good collection of booze, gives your money's worth, and delivers to your doorstep – within the same day if your order is placed before 6.30 pm (to Colombo and its suburbs). 

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Across Borders: A Culinary Bridge Between India and Sri Lanka Through Peshawri’s Timeless Flavors

By Vimasha Vishvadari Peshawri, a renowned restaurant chain, originated from the iconic Bukhara restaurant in

Highlights Kamu

Tenkū – a hidden Gem of the Japanese Cuisine

By Vimasha Weerawansha Ambience  The Kingsbury Rooftop offers a breathtaking panorama of the cityscape and

Highlights Kamu

Discovering Kamikura: A Journey into Authentic Japanese Cuisine

dBy Sharon Nonis Welcome to Kamikura, where the essence of Japanese cuisine meets the heart

Kamu

Full’R Burgers is Flipping into Maharagama

by Vimasha Vishvadari If you're on the lookout for the ideal burger spot in the

Kamu

Yi Jing Unveiled: Sri Lanka’s Top Chinese Dining at ITC Ratnadipa Blends Tradition with Modern Flair

By Poornima Bandara Yi Jing Unveiled: Sri Lanka’s Premier Chinese Dining Experience at ITC Ratnadipa

Highlights Kamu

Seafood Watti Rice: A Flavorful Feast from Fathi’s Spice Attic

Watti Rice is a delightful Sri Lankan dish that combines various meats, such as seafood

Highlights Kamu

Trending.

Celebrate the Season with The Kingsbury’s Festive High Tea Buffet at Churros

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with a Festive High Tea Buffet at

Trending

A Limited-Edition Christmas Masterpiece: Hazelnut & Passion Yule Log Train by Shangri-La Colombo

This festive season, Shangri-La Colombo unveils an exclusive culinary treasure - the Hazelnut & Passion

Trending

Colombo’s Most Anticipated Holiday Sing-Along Is Back in Town!

This December, the festive spirit is set to hit a high note as Christmas Crescendo,

Trending

Cook, Dine, and Celebrate the Season with Tabletop Teppanyaki at Tenkū

This Christmas, Tenkū offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that puts you in control of the

Trending

A Taste of the Atlantic at The Kingsbury’s Ocean

This festive season, Ocean, The Kingsbury’s celebrated seafood restaurant, invites you to embrace a world

Trending

Mount Lavinia Hotel Hosts Traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony, Welcomes the Christmas Season with Festivities and Special Offerings

Mount Lavinia Hotel welcomed the festive season in grand style with its traditional Annual Tree

Trending

Yamu Guide.

Tea, Treats, and Tidings: The Christmas Menu of t-Lounge by Dilmah

By Vimasha Weerawansha t-Lounge by Dilmah is a sophisticated tea experience that blends tradition with

Highlights Yamu Guide

Festive Feasts: Top Christmas Buffets of 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya Looking for the perfect spot to indulge in a festive Christmas buffet?

Highlights Yamu Guide

9 Unisex Gift Ideas for Your Friends

Written by Fathima Rukaiya, Finding the perfect gift for your friends can be a delightful

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

9 Must-Read Self-Help Books for Personal Growth

By Jordain De Mel In recent years, people have turned to self-help books to serve

Highlights Yamu Guide

Top Restaurants with the best Cashback offers from Mintpay

With Mintpay, have a gastronomic journey and earn cashback rewards as you go! Every taste

Highlights Yamu Guide