• Our evening at Virticle by Jetwing

Venturing into one of Colombo’s highest rooftop restaurants, we recently had the pleasure of immersing ourselves in the vibrant ambiance of Virticle by Jetwing. With its reputation for pushing the boundaries of culinary innovation, Virticle recently introduced a tempting array of new dishes at The Restaurant, alongside a selection of enticing signature drinks at The Bar.

Garnering praise from TripAdvisor as one of Colombo’s top 10 restaurants and earning recognition from Conde Nast Traveller as one of Sri Lanka’s top 20 bars, Virticle by Jetwing is known for its dedication to culinary excellence and creativity. We eagerly anticipated a dining experience that would not only tantalise our taste buds but also redefine our expectations of fine dining in the city.

Drinks to remember

In addition to the delectable dishes, our culinary journey at Virticle by Jetwing included a delightful exploration of their innovative beverage menu. Showcasing new additions that tantalised our taste buds, each sip was a journey of its own.

The Kata Gasma was a revelation, while the Coolant was equally enchanting, standing out as a crisp and invigorating concoction that provided the perfect respite from the tropical heat. The Ocean Breeze was a voyage of discovery, and with each sip, we were transported to distant shores.

And then there was the Warwick Infusion, a skillfully crafted drink that captured the essence of Jetwing Hotels’ own Warwick Estate in Ambewela. Infused with organic artisanal tea sourced directly from the estate, each sip was a symphony of flavours – a delicate dance of botanicals and bergamot that left us enchanted and entranced.

Tantalising appetisers

After a lovely evening watching the sunset while sipping our drinks, it was time for the main feast: dinner! Our appetiser trio tantalised our taste buds with a symphony of textures and tastes. The crispy nelum ala salad stood out with its fried lotus root, mango, green onion, cherry tomato, and a homemade mango chutney that elevated each bite to a new level of indulgence.

Meanwhile, the ambarella salad beckoned with honey-glazed ambarella, creamy avocado, and the refreshing zest of moringa leaf, perfectly complemented by a cherry tomato and lime dressing that awakened our palates. And who could resist the allure of gazpacho, a chilled tomato and beetroot soup adorned with peanut and cashew cream, offering a refreshing prelude to the feast that awaited us.

Main course offerings

As we eagerly dug into the main course offerings, our senses were greeted by a delightful array of flavours and aromas. The braised chicken breast, tender and succulent, elicited sighs of contentment with every forkful. Its juicy meat, cooked to perfection, practically melted in our mouths, leaving behind a trail of savoury goodness. Paired with creamy potato, each bite was a harmonious blend of textures, the smoothness of the potato complementing the succulence of the chicken. And let’s not forget the zesty peanut salsa – a burst of tangy spice that elevated the dish to new heights. While the chicken was undeniably delicious, a touch more seasoning could have enhanced its already impeccable flavour profile.

Ah, the fish fillet! A true masterpiece of pan-fried barramundi, it sat majestically atop a bed of creamy suwandel rice, its delicate flavours enhanced by the addition of crab meat and leeks. With each forkful, we savoured the tender flesh of the fish, perfectly cooked and bursting with oceanic freshness. The suwandel rice, creamy and comforting, provided the ideal canvas for the seafood medley, while the leeks added a subtle hint of sweetness to the ensemble. However, while the dish was impeccably executed, a touch more seasoning could have elevated the flavours even further, perhaps with a hint of citrus to brighten the palate.

For those with a penchant for the sweet and savoury, the honey glazed pork belly was a revelation. Each bite of the succulent meat, glazed to perfection, was a symphony of flavours. The honey imparted a subtle sweetness to the pork, while the glaze lent a caramelised richness that lingered on the tongue. Paired with bacon-infused mashed potatoes – a decadent twist on a classic favourite – and a crisp fennel and local orange salad, it was a culinary delight that left us longing for seconds. The contrast of textures and flavours was nothing short of exquisite, though a slightly lighter hand with the honey glaze would have allowed the natural flavour of the pork to shine through more prominently.

Meanwhile, the homemade linguine stole the show with its handcrafted pasta coated in a velvety mint semi-dried tomato pesto. Each strand of linguine was a testament to the chef’s skill, perfectly al dente and infused with the vibrant flavours of the pesto. Topped with a medley of coriander cheese, cashew nut, and eggplant, it offered a vegetarian option that was as satisfying as it was flavourful. The combination of ingredients was inspired, each component complementing the next in a symphony of tastes and textures. However, a touch more seasoning in the pesto could have elevated the dish to even greater heights, enhancing the depth of flavour and adding a subtle kick to each bite.

At Virticle by Jetwing, each dish is more than just a meal; it’s an experience to be savoured and cherished. From the first bite to the last, every dish tells a story of culinary mastery and innovation, leaving us with memories to treasure long after the meal is over.

Indulgent desserts

As our culinary adventure drew to a close, we eagerly anticipated the grand finale: the chocolate lava cake. As we pierced through its delicate exterior, a river of rich, molten chocolate flowed forth, enveloping our senses in a symphony of indulgence. Paired with a generous scoop of homemade avocado ice cream, its creamy texture provided the perfect contrast to the decadent warmth of the cake, creating a harmonious balance that left us craving for just one more bite. Each spoonful was a testament to the chef’s mastery, a fusion of flavours and textures that transcended the ordinary and transported us to a realm of pure culinary delight.

At Virticle by Jetwing, dining isn’t simply about sustenance – it’s an immersive experience that lingers in the memory long after the plates have been cleared.