Sep 19 2025.
views 40By Rihaab Mowlana
Colombo’s dining scene is no stranger to trends - cafés that bloom and fade, bars that pop up and vanish, menus that promise the world but deliver very little. Blooming Breakfast, however, feels like it’s here to stay. Perched upstairs at Independence Arcade on Bauddhaloka Mawatha, this resto bar and café is open 24 hours and already making its mark as one of the city’s most versatile hangouts.
What makes it stand out is the sheer range. With more than 80 dishes spanning French, Mexican, Canadian, Italian and American influences, Blooming Breakfast is designed with groups in mind. It’s one of those rare spots where no one has to compromise - the salad lover, the burger fan, the dessert devotee, the one who insists on something “healthy” - everyone will find their match here.
And while the food is the draw, the setting doesn’t disappoint either. The restaurant is spacious and flexible, with corners that work for a solo escape, tables that invite long conversations, and a vibe that’s laid-back without being lazy.
Whether you’re craving a proper sit-down breakfast, a quick mid-day bite, a dinner out with friends, or simply need somewhere to land at 3 am when nowhere else is open, Blooming Breakfast makes the case for itself as the city’s new anytime, every-time dining spot.
A smoothie that’s as wholesome as it sounds: blueberry, banana, and bee's honey blended into creamy yoghurt. It’s antioxidant-rich, naturally sweet, and feels like something your body thanks you for after a long day. Think detox, but indulgent.
These were hands down some of the most flavourful tacos I’ve had in Colombo. You can choose grilled or batter-fried shrimp - I picked batter-fried. The serving was generous, juicy, and cooked just right. Each tortilla is layered with creamy avocado, a crunchy, spicy slaw, and finished with a punchy homemade mango salsa that ties everything together.
The textures are what make this dish sing: the soft tortilla, the crunch of the slaw, the buttery avocado, the shrimp and that burst of tangy-sweet mango all in one bite. It’s messy in the best way possible, the kind of taco you lean into, not eat politely. Bold, fresh, and deeply satisfying.
Three petite brioche buns, each carrying a marinated fish cutlet layered with lettuce, tomatoes, pickled gherkins, and tartar sauce. Bite-sized, yes, but loaded with flavour. The fish is seasoned and fried just right, the buns soft, and the balance between crunch and creaminess spot on.
Don’t let the name fool you, this isn’t pork. Blooming Breakfast makes it halal-friendly with turkey or beef bacon. A Bloom bread roll is the base, stacked with two perfectly poached free-range eggs and finished with glossy hollandaise, plus sautéed potatoes on the side. Classic brunch fare, done right.
This was the star of the table, and honestly, the main reason I came here. Offered in decadent chocolate or pistachio, the Matilda Cake is a showpiece in every sense. I went for the pistachio version, and it was nothing short of fabulous.
The cake arrives as a warm, compact tower, generously drenched in pistachio cream that spills over the plate like a glossy green curtain. Crushed pistachios dust the top and base, adding texture to all that velvety richness. The plating is playful too, topped with a little cut-out nod to Matilda herself; cheeky and Instagram-ready.
The taste lives up to the drama: the sponge is moist and nutty, the cream lush but never too sweet, and every bite gives you that comforting melt-in-your-mouth indulgence. It’s the kind of dessert that commands silence at the table because everyone is too busy digging in. Even as someone who usually steers clear of sweets, I couldn’t stop myself from going back for “just one more” forkful. A showstopper, no question, and worth visiting Blooming Breakfast for on its own.
The Verdict
Blooming Breakfast isn’t just another café with a big menu and a catchy name. It’s a space that manages to feel both casual and celebratory, equally fitting for a late-night catch-up with friends, a leisurely brunch, or even that awkward “let’s meet somewhere in the middle” group plan. The variety on offer means nobody is left scanning the menu in frustration, and the 24/7 promise adds to its appeal. Colombo doesn’t have nearly enough reliable all-hours dining spots, and this one feels like it could fill that gap with ease.
More than just food, Blooming Breakfast is about options, atmosphere, and accessibility. Whether you’re after a smoothie that feels like a reset, tacos that burst with flavour, or a decadent cake that steals the spotlight, this is one of those places you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. And with its central location and generous menu, it might just become the city’s new default answer to that eternal question: Where should we eat?
Blooming Breakfast Resto Bar
No.30, Arcade Independence Square, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7
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