Along the cobblestoned path of Park Street is the glass fronted Italian restaurant and café, P.S.T.
— newly opened, chic and intriguing.
Words Nadhwa Mohamed Photographs Isuru Upeksha and Dilshi Thathsarani
Fairly new and already winning the hearts of Italian cuisine lovers, P.S.T. (Park Street Trattoria) at a glance is a striking work of art. Spanning over two floors, the ambience of the restaurant is welcoming and pleasant, with high ceilings, brick walls and creative, warm lights.
1940’s posters of food and beverages adorn the walls along with chalkboards with specials written on them, creating a very charming atmosphere. With the looks of an industrial chic, upscale bistro P.S.T. is a sure stunner.
An ice cream display withSri Lanka’s favourite ice cream, Il Gelato is set up on one side with an impressive selection of flavoursome ice cream to choose from, and facing the ice cream counter is a raised coffee bar serving Illy Café. What’s more, their coffee machines are available for purchase and the good news is that it requires very little practice to get your desired cup of coffee.
As you walk in further, you will find yourself in a snug space with high wooden tables and a couch corner to retreat into. Adjacent to the seating area, is the restaurant’s very heart: it’s interactive show kitchen. The kitchen is well organised, with cabinets, glass jars and bowls display the ingredients used. Their pizzas are made in the wood burning pizza oven built into the kitchen itself and it is quite alluring to see the chef at work.
The upper floor, overlooking the entrance of the restaurant, has a more intimate setting. With an atmosphere appropriate for a pleasant lunch or dinner, P.S.T. has in a short period, seen countless family get togethers, couple’s dinner dates as well as business and social meetings. Further, you do not have to miss out on the ongoing cricket match or a sports game; you can simply sink into the sofas and keep up with the match being shown on the projector.
Their menu, featuring a choice of small plates, big plates, pizzas and sides, is very exclusive and comprises of traditional Italian dishes
Their menu, featuring a choice of small plates, big plates, pizzas and sides, is very exclusive and comprises of traditional Italian dishes made with the freshest and finest of ingredients. Most of their ingredients are imported from Italy, and the restaurant bakes their own cakes and breads as well. The menu while not a book long, is based on carefully picked dishes that have by far, been extremely favoured by their customers. You can avail yourself to traditional Italian desserts such as the Traditional Tiramisu, Affogato and the Crostata while fresh juices along with some Italian soft drinks are offered as well. All time favourites such as the Traditional Bruschetta, Risotto, Carbonara, Ravioli and Lasagne are inclusive of the menu and the Pizzas have meat, seafood and vegetarian options as well. The restaurant is carefully supervised and overlooked by Chiara and Alessandra, with the guidance of their father Beppe, who had initiated the Il Gelato and La Trattoria branch in Battaramulla, and comes in from time to time with new ideas and recipes.
P.S.T. focuses on encouraging their diners to embrace an age old Italian concept of sharing the food. This is where the ‘big plates’ of their menu come in. It is where a choice of dish is kept in the middle of the table so that the entire group can have a taste of whatever is ordered. Diners can order multiple small dishes or order a few big plates and sample more instead of sticking to their own dishes. This is a wonderful way of having a meal with family and friends.
You will be pleasantly surprised to discover how familiar the staff arewith the restaurant’s menu and ingredients. The staff are specially trained to reflect the Italian culture and are delighted to give recommendations based on the preferences of each individual customer. They are patient and attentive, and if you are unfamiliar with certain dishes or are unsure of what to order, they will gladly explain the dining options from small dishes to the ‘sharing plates’. Here at P.S.T., you can a enjoy warm and perfect service with exquisite food.
The restaurant is already frequented by many happy diners, so be sure to call ahead and make reservations to ensure that you get the dining options you prefer. Perhaps if you are in the mood for some delicious Italian pizza while at the comforts of your home, go ahead and call. P.S.T. is very customer friendly and always welcome their customers’ feedback.
With authentic Italian cuisine and a cosy ambience, P.S.T. is the ideal place to experience traditional Italian hospitality.
48A, Park Street, Colombo 2
(+94 11) 232 7111,
