Open air coffee shop facing the Indian ocean in the heart of Colombo, a part of one of the oldest hotels in Asia (1864). There is a square ''checkerboard patio'' design on the lawn close by, where cocktails are served. The day begins with a buffet breakfast at the Verandah Restaurant, with a menu featuring Continental, American and Sri Lankan food. The businessman’s buffet Lunch at the Verandah is popular. The calm seaside ambiance (unique in the city) with the Colonial architecture backgrond can be quite relaxing for busy executives at lunch time. The daily High Tea Buffet at the Verandah offers a range of more than 20 tea time snacks, from waffles and finger sandwiches to scones, cookies and pastries. While this does not approach the neo-colonial splendour of the Tiffin Room at the Raffles Singapore, or that at the Lobby of The Peninsula Hong Kong, it is quite unique in Colombo. The restaurant caters to intimate candlelit dinner for two at dinner, as well as larger gatherings.