Department of Coffee

A very pleasant place with good coffee and a simple, aesthetic atmosphere where nothing distracts you from your work or your thoughts. The coffee was excellent, the space felt open and airy, creating a sense of freedom, and the attentive service made the experience even more enjoyable. I truly enjoyed my visit to Department of Coffee and would happily come back. ☕✨

I visited Department of Coffee for dinner for the first time tonight, and overall it was a pleasant experience. The atmosphere was nice and welcoming, although I do feel the seating layout could be improved slightly to create a warmer and cozier feel, especially for a coffee house that also serves food. That said, the setting was still enjoyable. The service was very good. The staff were friendly, attentive, and efficient. We were not kept waiting long, and both the drinks and food arrived promptly, which was appreciated. I ordered a meal that included chicken, vegetables, and Yorkshire pudding, along with a passion fruit mojito. The mojito was refreshing and very enjoyable. The food overall was good, but there were a few areas that could be improved. The chicken felt a little dry, as though it had been boiled and grilled, and I would have preferred a more flavourful marinade with a juicier texture. The vegetables were fine, although the beans seemed slightly over-mature. My main disappointment was the Yorkshire pudding. This was one of the reasons I chose the dish, expecting a traditional English-style Yorkshire pudding. Unfortunately, the texture and overall preparation did not resemble an authentic Yorkshire pudding, so I do feel this is something that could be improved. Despite that, it was still a good first visit, and I would definitely return to try other dishes on the menu before making a final judgment. There is good potential here, and I look forward to seeing how the rest of the menu compares. Overall, a nice experience with friendly service, good drinks, and food that has room for refinement. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Department of Coffee (DOC) is one of Colombo’s coziest corners, tucked right into the city’s busiest bustle. Everything about this place feels special—the food, the atmosphere, and of course, the coffee. If you’re a true coffee lover, this is where you’ll want to be. My personal favorite is the Kithul Iced Coffee—smooth, refreshing, and impossible to go wrong with. Their food menu is extensive and delicious, and if you’d like to take a piece of DOC home, you can even purchase their coffee beans (they’ll happily grind them for you on request). The staff here are another highlight: professional, polite, and genuinely friendly, they make every visit feel welcoming and easy. But what sets DOC apart for me is its unique location. Situated in front of the Colombo Racecourse and facing one of the city’s busiest roads, it offers a magical contrast. Sitting by the window, watching vehicles and pedestrians stream past, you feel perfectly still while the world rushes on outside. That quiet pause in the middle of motion—that’s the magic of DOC. So, why not step in and experience it yourself?

We stopped by for a late lunch and it was a great experience. The food did not disappoint at all. We tried a sandwich, a burger and chicken tenders. Everything was fresh, flavourful and well prepared. The burger was juicy and the chicken tenders perfectly crispy. The ambience was calm, stylish and very inviting. Service was friendly, quick and attentive. A must-visit spot for coffee lovers and casual dining.

After living in Sri Lanka for 16 months now, I finally found a cafe that actually has good coffee. I went here 4 times before leaving this review and every time I went, I loved everything. I love the food, the ambiance, staff, but most importantly I love their coffee. I can’t have any other coffee now if not from Department of Coffee.

Can’t go wrong with anything you order. I’ve been there so many times now and it’s consistently good! The prices are very steep though. If you grab food and drinks be prepared to drop ~10k for two people. But if you’re just grabbing a coffee or a matcha to sit and work, it’s not gonna break the bank. The food is honestly so good that you can’t help but order.

Didn’t have time to pop by Department of Coffee in Kandy so I was glad to find one in Colombo. Excellent flat white with several bean options - my favourite is the dark horse blend. It has a classic and bold flavour profile, exactly what I like.

Three of us went for breakfast here and we had a great time indeed. The service was excellent, very professional, especially as we ordered the Belgian Syphon style of coffee which was delivered perfectly and great knowledge from the barista. The food was very good although the poached eggs could have been a little softer, but that could just be down to personal preference really. There is a good atmosphere and every though it was very busy it was not too loud as some coffee shops can be, we were able to have a good chat without raising our voices. Interestingly for a coffee shop there is no WiFi maybe this is deliberate to stop some sitting all day with a coffee working! Personally we didn’t mind at all. The only real negative cooker from our group was about the seats, they felt a little plastic and cheap for the surroundings but again possibly a personal preference. Overall, a great experience with good food and great coffee choices. We will definitely be back!

I have only tried coffee here. The only down side is that the "hot" coffees are not "hot" enough (for me) so each time I specifically ask to bring it as "hot" as possible. I found the iced matcha is pretty good. It comes without any sweetness in it.

Absolutely delicious locally-sourced Sri Lankan coffee, prepared by excellent baristas! The food and desserts are also top-notch 👌 Don't miss this spot!

This review is long overdue, since my first visit happened. The photos are a collection from across the years. One of the few places in Colombo where you can find non-fat milk, for which I am really grateful! 🙌🤗 ☕️ The minimalist decor, the variety on offer - on both the beverage and the food menus - is a big plus point. Staff is quick and efficient. However you need some time to get their attention if it’s at peak time. Food is great. Beverages are quite good too. But the roast chicken needs to improve quite a bit (too dry and bland chefs!). If you have an iPhone, WiFi access has a small tweak to set up - get the help of their staff for it 🙂 Ideal for an early morning visit. Keep up the great work 👏

This is the only place in Colombo that does coffee right, THE ONLY place!! I was very surprised to find the broader range of their coffee options. Definitely a recommended place to visit. This is not your typical whipped cream in latte and some caramel syrup place like every other cafe in Colombo. The only issue was the narrow staircase leading up to the shop, which is usually one way. Make sure to park as not to be a nuisance to the residents there, as this place is most of the time packed and busy with vehicles.

Department of Coffee is such a great spot! The coffee is really good, the food is delicious, and the portion sizes are just right. It's the kind of place where you can truly relax and enjoy your time, perfect for catching up with friends or just unwinding with a good cup of coffee. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and even the bathroom is clean and well-maintained, which is always a plus! I really love this place, it's become one of my favorite spots to chill. Highly recommend it!

Had a great experience at Department of Coffee today. We ordered the made tea, chicken tenders, and a kithul iced tea — everything was absolutely delicious. A special mention to Shahim, who truly went above and beyond with his recommendations and service. He made the whole experience even better with his attentiveness and friendliness. Definitely a spot worth visiting for both the food and the hospitality!

We were here for a morning meeting, and although no tables were available, they happily opened up the meeting room for us at no charge. The drinks were interesting, and the hotdogs were quite nice. Plenty of parking available too

Just a fabulous place! Natalie kindly explained the return of coffee in Sri Lanka. Delicious creative menu and beautiful location with thoughtful messages.

Today I had a truly surprising and memorable experience at Department of Coffee. I was amazed to receive service from one of the best snipers in the Sri Lankan Army, a person who has brought golden recognition and honor to our country. Seeing such a talented and disciplined individual working as a Restaurant Manager was something I never expected. He is clearly a multi-talented and highly professional person, and the level of service he delivered was simply exceptional. I have traveled to many countries and visited countless restaurants, but this is the first time someone has impressed me to this level with their service. The service was perfect, the food was fantastic, and the hospitality was outstanding. It truly showed that Department of Coffee has placed the right person in the right position. Honestly, before today I never recommended Department of Coffee to others. But after this experience, I will highly recommend this place to everyone. Superb service, perfect food, and an unforgettable experience.Department of Coffee, you should be proud to have such an incredible person on your team.

Excellent coffee, hands down. The experience went beyond just a cup of coffee. A special shout out Tharin who gave us a personal tour and thoroughly explained everything from sustainable bean production to the intricate art of pour-over technique. His passion and knowledge truly elevated the visit. If you’re a coffee connoisseur or just someone who appreciates a perfectly produced cup, this place is a must-visit. The attention to detail, quality beans, and welcoming atmosphere make it an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended!

One of the best coffee we had in Colombo. The place has a nice vibe, is well designed, service is good, and the coffee is excellent.

The place is very nice, with a great ambiance and cozy atmosphere. The coffee is excellent and offers a wide variety of options to choose from. However, after placing my order, it took quite a long time for the coffee to be delivered. On the positive side, the restaurant wasn’t too crowded, so it felt peaceful and relaxed. Overall, a good experience, but the service speed could be improved.