Situated on Mount Lavinia’s breath-taking shoreline with picturesque views of sand and sea, Shore by O! is the ultimate hotspot for a relaxing time by the beach. Whether it is watching the waves roll by, unwinding under the coconut trees or listening to live bands strumming acoustic tunes on their guitars, the soothing and welcoming charm will definitely have you coming back for more.
Words Celine Hirdaramani Photographs Damith Wickramasinghe
The design of Shore by O encompasses the rustic feel and ambience of the beachside where the timber interior and railings are similar to that of a seafaring vessel. The restaurant has a top floor and a ground floor where there are different seating areas to choose from depending on whether you are coming for drinks or dinner.
Waves break in tranquil bay, Soothing music starts to play, Good friends, good times all the way, The perfect end to a perfect day.
On the ground floor, which is mainly where the drinks and snacks are served, you can either lie across deck chairs on the sand, opt for a seat at the long bar, or if you are with a big group there is always the choice of a private alcove. For dinner, there is a restaurant on the top deck and a few private cubicles for smaller groups. The colour scheme of the bar is mainly black and white with wooden flooring to give a rustic and neutral feel. Dim lighting illuminates the space creating a mellow and warm atmosphere.
The bar has an extensive variety of drinks including a funky cocktail menu. Shore by O has signature cocktails but the most popular ones have been created in house, known as cocktails that are made ‘The O! Way’. Shore bartenders also shake up unique beer concoctions called ‘Beer Mixes’ using ingredients such as wasabi, Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco. If you prefer sweet over spice, you may want to try out the Stout with vanilla ice cream, a cooling drink if you are in the mood for a milkshake with a kick.
The food menu is filled with tasty pub inspired Sri Lankan dishes from bar bites, which are ideal for sharing, to a full course dinner. The menu is split into two sections “From the Land” and “From the Water” adhering to the feel of being at sea. The land dishes are mostly cooked with meats such as chicken whereas the water dishes are made from fresh seafood. Popular dishes include hot butter cuttlefish, prawn wade and devilled chicken.
However, there are also vegetarian options such as vegetable tempura, nachos with homemade guacamole and spicy potato wedges with garlic mayonnaise.
Shore by O is not only your feel good hangout spot, but on occasion can transform into an epic beach party. Birthdays and other get-togethers can also be hosted here by booking the restaurant on the top deck.
No matter what you come for, either for a mid-week sun-downer or a rocking Friday night, it is the people at Shore by O who tend to leave a lasting impression. Whether they are locals, tourists, or just passers by, everyone comes together for the same purpose—to enjoy good music and good food and drink all in a stellar setting. Shore by O is the ideal place to catch up with family or friends and to make new ones, a bar that you can always count on any day of the week!
College Avenue, Mt Lavinia
(+94 11) 438 9428
