Table by Nyne | Restaurant Review

“A Nyne out of Nine Experience”

One of Colombo’s most beloved dining experiences, the former Table by Taru has officially opened its doors at Lake Lodge, now rebranded as Table by Nyne. This transformation is led by visionary Nayantara Fonseka—affectionately called Taru—who is currently expanding her hotel chain, Nyne Hotels.
From the moment you walk into Lake Lodge, you can’t help but be in awe of the grandeur of this small boutique hotel. The walls are adorned with art, tiny sculptural pieces fill every corner, and the furniture itself resembles pieces of art. And paired with the refined flavour combinations, the Nyne experience is one you must undergo at least once in your life.

APPETISERS

Original French Onion Soup, Gruyère Croutons — LKR 2,450 (4/5)

Heartwarming and rich, this French Onion Soup embraces the palate. The flavours, intense with the onions (a little too caramelised for my liking) yet subtle in the broth, blend harmoniously. But the cherry on top — or in this case, the croutons on top — is really what brings this whole dish together. The crunchy croutons and the nutty flavour of the soft Gruyère cheese really completes this dish.

Salad Leaves, Strawberry, Rhubarb, Crispy Chicken Skin, Malt Tahini Dressing — LKR 2,850 (5/5)

At first glance, it appears simple—a salad. The reality, however, is that this salad is all about its sheer flavour profiles and textural complexity. The fresh, crispy salad leaves and rhubarb provide a refreshing base, while the salty crunch of the chicken skin and nutty malt tahini dressing tie it all together. But the star of the show is the strawberry. That unexpected burst of the tangy sweetness elevates this from an ordinary salad to one I will never shut up about.

Cheese Soufflé, Apple, Walnut, Rocket, Pomegranate Molasses (V) — LKR 3,250 (5/5)

Much like the salad, this Cheese Soufflé too was a culinary masterpiece — simple at first glance, yet sophisticated in all its flavours. The soufflé is light, airy and full of flavour. What stands out is how the cheese remains the star, while the other elements have their own distinct moments. The tiny bursts of sweetness from the apple and pomegranate, the freshness of the rocket, and the crunch of the walnut; all come together to make this a banger of a dish.

Prawns, Homemade Cocktail Sauce — LKR 1,850 (4/5)

A classic starter with the quintessential Nyne twist! This deconstructed prawn cocktail shines in its simplicity. The prawns are perfectly cooked—juicy and succulent—and Nyne’s homemade sauce is tangy, creamy, and sweet in just the right balance. The surprise comes when paired with the unassuming cucumber balls, hitting that perfect Nyne note. Personally, I would’ve loved it if the prawns had a tad bit more of a spicy kick to it, but again, that’s just a personal preference!

Pulled Pork, Chorizo Raviolo, Pickled Cucumber, Sesame, Peanut, Green Chilli — LKR 2,750 (5/5)

For what looks like a humble dish, this surely packs a punch — and that includes the spicy kick of the green chilli. The pulled pork stands out, but it doesn’t overshadow the fact that this dish is only as good as its supporting cast — each element plays its part beautifully! From the tender pulled pork to the delicate, thin sheet of pasta, it all makes perfect sense. While I understand that this is a starter, how anyone is content with just ONE of these raviolo’s, I would never know!

MAINS

Seared Mackerel, Tomato, String Beans, Bacon, Mustard Aioli — LKR 2,950 (5/5)

I’m usually not the biggest fan of mackerel in any form, given its strong flavour profile, but this dish is nothing short of perfect. The mackerel comes perfectly seared, the skin is crispy and has beautiful golden edges to it while the flesh itself is tender and flaky. What truly elevates the dish is the bed of mustard aioli, string beans, and tomatoes beneath the fish.

Chicken Schnitzel, Mashed Pumpkin, Garlic Beans, Slivered Almonds — LKR 4,250 (4/5)

Chicken Schnitzel has long been a favourite comfort food of mine and this one too, didn’t fail to impress. The chicken is tender and juicy, but what stands out most is the mashed pumpkin. However, that being said, I did think the price tag was a little too high for what was on the plate.

Beef Tataki, Onion Ponzu, Garlic Crisps, Japanese Rice — LKR 3,650 (3/5)

Something I got very used to with the Nyne experience, was their ability to take the simplest ingredients and create magic out of it all.  However, this dish felt like it was missing that spark. The thinly sliced beef is tender but lacks depth of flavour on its own. However, the tangy onion ponzu and garlic crisps do add some punch. And who’s to say… perhaps the dish is meant to come together only when all elements are tried together.

Beetroot Ravioli With Ricotta, Parmesan, Cashew Burnt Butter (V) — LKR 3,650 (5/5)

Stuffed with creamy ricotta, this ravioli strikes the perfect balance between earthy and creamy flavours. The burnt cashew butter is another highlight, adding a sweet, earthy note that elevates the dish even further.

Grilled Barramundi, Pumpkin Gnocchi, Green Beans, Mustard Tarragon Sauce — LKR 4,750 (5/5)

The Grilled Barramundi is a real standout. The fish is done to perfection, with crispy skin and tender, flaky flesh. The pumpkin gnocchi adds a sweet, creamy element, while the green beans provide a crisp contrast. The mustard tarragon sauce ties it all together with a pungent, herby flavour. This dish manages to be both luxurious and comforting at the same time.

DESSERTS

Chocolate Fondant, Raspberry Soil, Gourmet Vanilla Ice Cream — LKR 2,250 (5/5)

The warm, gooey chocolate paired with the house-made vanilla ice cream is an obvious win, but the tart raspberry soil is the true standout. A chocoholic’s dream, this chocolate fondant is simply dreamy. That’s all I’ll say.

Butterscotch Panna Cotta, Blackberries, Gingernut Crumb — LKR 2,450 (4/5)

This Butterscotch Panna Cotta is all about simplicity. Three very clear elements — nothing extraordinary — yet when the sweet and creamy panna cotta, the tangy blackberry compote, and the sweet and umami gingernut crumb, all come together, it’s a simple delight.

Number 18 Chocolate Decadence — LKR 2,250 (4/5)

True to its name, this truly is a decadent delight. Call it airy, soft, fluffy… whatever it may be, the chocolate cake isn’t overwhelmingly sweet. Paired with gourmet vanilla ice cream and tangy strawberry, it makes for the perfect end to any meal.

Sticky Date Pudding, Toffee Sauce, Gourmet Vanilla Ice Cream — LKR 2,250 (5/5)

Every now and then, I like to try dishes blind, and this was one of them. It felt like Nyne’s elevated, pudding-esque take on Sri Lankan milk-toffee, with a beautiful umami flavour from the dates. As someone who usually dislikes dates, I was pleasantly surprised. This sweet treat, paired with gourmet vanilla ice cream, is something I’d gladly return to time and time again.

DRINKS

Hibiscus Iced Tea, Lime, Lemon, Mint — LKR 950 (5/5)

Starting off with a mocktail, this hibiscus iced tea is the perfect answer to Colombo’s humid weather. Cold, sweet and zesty with a lil’ side of minty, one would think the flavour of the tea itself would be lost in all this, but the truth is, they couldn’t be more wrong.

Colombo Mule — LKR 1,750 (5/5)

A twist on the classic Moscow Mule, this drink, served in a chilled copper mug, is refreshingly perfect. Complete with all the quintessential Moscow Mule ingredients —vodka, fresh ginger, lemon and club soda— what makes it a “Colombo” Mule is the addition of curry leaves.  Refreshingly boozy with an earthy note, it’s a must-try if you’re heading to Table by Nyne.

RPM — LKR 1,750 (4/5)

Made with rum, passion fruit, and lime, this cocktail is so smooth it’s hard to believe it’s a cocktail at all. In the simplest of phrases, it’s ‘sweet, tart, and summer in a glass’—the perfect aphrodisiac to enjoy with someone special.

Caipalanka — LKR 1,950 (4/5)

A refreshing Sri Lankan classic with Nyne’s exotic twist, this arrack cocktail is sure to get the Lankan in you riled up. The star is, of course, the arrack, but what I really love about this drink is how the subtle sweetness of the ginger beer amalgamates with its earthy flavour.

Scarlet Fizz — LKR 2,150 (5/5)

A boozier alternative to the Hibiscus Iced Tea, the Scarlet Fizz is for those who love a sweet, sweet cocktail. The gin means to come off very subtly, while the pineapple and hibiscus are made to be the heroes, but don’t mistake this to be a light boozy hit because a couple of glasses of these you’re bound to be tipsy for better or for worse.

AMBIENCE

Greeted with a smile and a supposed top-secret passion fruit-flavoured ice lolly, the service at Lake Lodge’s Table by Nyne is one that is unparalleled to much else. With art-adorned walls, tiny sculptural pieces in every corner, and the furniture itself feeling like pieces of art, every aspect of the Nyne experience is crafted with a painstaking attention to detail.
So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Taru-loyalist, call and make your reservations, because you can be sure that Table by Nyne promises to deliver an exquisite experience for not just five, but nine senses!