Barefoot Café — A Colombo Institution for Families
Barefoot is more than a café — it’s a Colombo institution. Set in a colonial-era building on Galle Road, this garden café attached to the famous Barefoot Gallery and textile shop is one of the most pleasant places to have a meal with children in the city.
The Setting
The café occupies a lush, shaded garden courtyard surrounded by tropical plants, ancient trees, and the colourful Barefoot Gallery. Tables are scattered under the canopy, and the atmosphere is one of those rare spaces in Colombo where time seems to slow down.
For kids, the garden itself is part of the entertainment. There’s room to wander (watch for the garden paths), interesting plants to look at, and the general buzz of a lively café to keep them engaged.
The Food
Barefoot Café serves light meals, salads, and beverages:
- Club sandwich — generous and well-made, shareable with kids
- Caesar salad — one of the best in Colombo
- Quiche — changes daily, always good
- Brownies and cake — excellent, and a guaranteed child-pleaser
- Fresh fruit juices — mango, watermelon, passionfruit
- Good coffee and Ceylon tea
It’s café food, not fine dining — but everything is fresh, well-prepared, and served with care.
The Bookshop & Gallery
What makes Barefoot extra special for families is the attached bookshop and gallery:
- The bookshop has a children’s section with local and international titles
- The gallery features contemporary Sri Lankan art — free to browse
- The textile shop sells beautiful handloomed fabrics (a treat for parents!)
We always budget time for browsing after our meal — the kids enjoy looking at the colourful books and textiles.
Practical Details
- Seating: Outdoor garden only — no AC, but well-shaded
- High chairs: Limited (1-2 available)
- Strollers: Manageable in the garden, though paths are narrow
- Best time: Weekday mornings for peace; weekends are buzzing
- Parking: Very limited street parking on Galle Road — tuk-tuk recommended
- Mosquitoes: Some — use repellent in the evening
- Price: LKR 2,000-3,500 for a family of four
Our Verdict
Barefoot Café is 4.5 out of 5 — it’s an essential Colombo experience that happens to be genuinely family-friendly. The garden setting, cultural surroundings, and quality food make it one of our favourite places in the city. If you do one café with kids in Colombo, make it this one.
📍 Getting There & Contact
- Address: 704 Galle Road, Colombo 3
- Phone: +94 11 258 9305
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
