The Commons — Where Brunch and Parenthood Coexist
If there’s one restaurant in Colombo where we feel genuinely comfortable bringing our kids, it’s The Commons. This isn’t just about tolerance — they actually make families feel welcome, and the food is excellent.
Why It Works for Families
The Space
The Commons occupies a beautifully converted colonial-era house with indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor garden area is the star for families — it’s spacious, shaded by trees, and has a relaxed atmosphere where no one bats an eyelid if your toddler drops a pancake on the floor.
The tables are well-spaced, so you don’t feel like you’re encroaching on other diners’ space when you roll in with a stroller, a diaper bag, and the general chaos of family life.
The Food
The brunch menu is genuinely one of the best in Colombo. For adults, think:
- Avocado toast with poached eggs
- Shakshuka
- French toast with berries
- Excellent granola bowls
For kids, there are several options that work well:
- Pancakes — fluffy and generous, easily shareable
- Cheese toasties — simple and universally loved
- Pasta — can be ordered plain with butter
- Fruit bowls — fresh and colourful
They don’t have a dedicated “kids menu” printed, but the staff are always happy to modify dishes — smaller portions, no chilli, extra plain rice, etc.
The Coffee
Let’s be honest — half the reason parents go to brunch is for good coffee. The Commons absolutely delivers. Their espresso-based drinks are among the best in Colombo, and they have a great selection of fresh juices and smoothies that kids love too.
Practical Parent Details
- High chairs: Yes, 4-5 available
- Changing facilities: Basic — a clean restroom but no dedicated changing table (work with what you’ve got)
- Stroller access: Easy — wide doorways and spacious layout
- Noise level: Moderate — a lively buzz, not library-quiet
- Reservations: Highly recommended for weekend brunch (call or DM on Instagram)
- Parking: Very limited street parking — tuk-tuk recommended
Price Guide
Expect to spend around LKR 3,000-5,000 for two adults and one child including drinks. It’s not cheap, but the quality justifies the price — this is a treat-meal, not an everyday spot.
Our Verdict
The Commons is our #1 family brunch recommendation in Colombo. The combination of excellent food, beautiful space, good coffee, and a genuinely welcoming attitude towards families is rare in this city. It’s where we take visiting family and friends, and it never disappoints.
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings (8-10am) for a quiet experience. Saturday brunch is peak time — book ahead or arrive by 9am.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to make a reservation? A: For weekday visits, walk-ins are usually fine. For Saturday/Sunday brunch, we strongly recommend booking ahead — especially for groups of 4+.
Q: Is The Commons suitable for babies? A: Absolutely. We’ve been going since our youngest was 3 months old. The garden seating is particularly good for prams, and the ambient noise means baby fussing goes unnoticed.
Q: Do they have Wi-Fi? A: Yes, free Wi-Fi is available.
📍 Getting There & Contact
- Address: 29 Alfred House Avenue, Colombo 3
- Phone: +94 11 573 6737
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
