As Port City Colombo’s Food Harbour continues to evolve into a vibrant dining and entertainment hub, authentic Italian cuisine has found a new home on its bustling waterfront promenade with the opening of ‘Via 9’, a family-run restaurant bringing traditional Italian flavours to Colombo.
Specialising in wood fire-baked pizzas, creamy pastas, rich risottos and classic lasagna, ‘Via 9’ promises diners an authentic taste of Italy in a warm and welcoming setting. The restaurant is operated by a Sri Lankan family based in Italy, with generations of experience in the Italian restaurant industry.
The concept was founded by veteran restaurateur and Chef Jude Angelo Fernando, who has spent decades in Italy mastering authentic Italian cuisine. Together with his wife and son, Avin Fernando, the family has now brought that expertise to Sri Lanka. Born and raised in Italy, Avin currently oversees the operations of the Colombo outlet.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the venture, Avin Fernando said authentic Italian cuisine is centred on simplicity, quality ingredients and sharing food with loved ones. To preserve traditional flavours, the restaurant imports carefully selected ingredients directly from Italy.
The menu at ‘Via 9’ features a wide variety of Italian favourites, beginning with traditional ‘Antipasti’ and fresh ‘Insalata’ salads. Diners can also enjoy signature wood-fired pizzas including Margherita, Funghi Porcini, Tonno e Cipolla, Capricciosa and the spicy Diavola Pizza.
Among the standout dishes are Zuppa di Mare, Sicilian-style Arancini, Stuffed Calamari, Carbonara Spaghetti and Linguine Aglio e Olio, alongside grilled T-bone steak served with roast potatoes.
The restaurant has also attracted local diners with its Sri Lankan fusion creations such as Spicy Garlic Chicken and Hot Butter Chicken with garlic, green chilli and onion, blending Italian tradition with local tastes.
Source : Daily News
