Eternal German Charm

Old world allure with new age comfort at The Bavarian

By Nizla Naizer

For quarter of a century, in a column filled corner of the Galle Face Court, an unobtrusive restaurant has been capturing the loyalty of customers with cuisine that comes straight from the heart of Deutschland. Founded by a German, it was known to generations as the German Restaurant. Simple, effective and quite to the point as the restaurant offered all things German but in 2008, the restaurant changed hands, and the new directors who renamed it The Bavarian intend to stay true to the region.
So what makes The Bavarian so special? Firstly, the restaurant as a whole is a delightful surprise. On the outside the black awning and muted lamps indicate just another entrance, but the minute you enter, you are immediately enveloped in a cozy ambience that transports you to a pub in the heart of Bavaria. There is wood everywhere and it almost feels like you are sheltered from a roaring winter storm as you slip into one of the cozy booths and await your order.

Coat of Arms representing German cities line the wall, with images and illustrations of the German heartland. The music is always jazzy or German and it’s the ideal complement for a meal with the family.
Bavarian delights
The Bavarian is now run by brother sister duo Chavan and Niluka Mendis. Niluka explained that the reason. The Bavarian is so special is because it remains true to its origin. And I have to agree with her. Germans love their meat, and love lots of it and the extensive menu at the restaurant offers just that. It also offers a variety of central European cuisine as Chavan explains the Sri Lankan diner has a palette for a diverse selection of dishes.
The restaurant is renowned for their pork knuckles, viener schnitzel, chicken cordon bleu, mixed grills and a delicious pepper steak. The portions are large as befitting German tradition and the sauces which are directly brought down from Germany give it the authentic touch.
The Australian tenderloin and lamb chops are renowned among the diners for the imported meat which is prepared to perfection while the farm omelette has become a favourite among the families.
For the sea food lover, The Bavarian has a selection of items to choose from. The baked crab is one of the best in town while the crab and prawn pasta and seafood platter are also favourites.
All this talk of meat and seafood but vegetarians, fear not, the restaurant has a selection of vegetarian delights including the vegetable au gratin, spaghetti and grills. A meal at The Bavarian embodies a wholesome meal and a rich dessert to conclude is called for. Try their famous peach melba or the classic chocolate mousse and taste the finer aspects of European cuisine.
Haagen Dasz in Colombo
The first thing that caught my eye as I entered The Bavarian however was the brown and yellow hues of one of the best ice creams in the world, Haagen Dasz. The Bavarian is the only restaurant in Colombo to have it. From Belgian chocolate to plain chocolate which tastes amazing, there are a range of flavours to suit every palette and can be ordered in scoops or the entire carton at the conclusion of your meal.
The restaurant with its charming wooden bar is also renowned for their German beer, Weiss Bier. With live music every weekend, it’s the ideal choice for an unwinding session, good food, good drinks and great ambience all rolled into one.
The Bavarian Restaurant and Pub is located at 11, Galle Face Court 2, Colombo 3 and is open from 12 noon to 3 pm for lunch and 6-11 pm for dinner. The restaurant is open till midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.