Colombo welcomes AQUA PAZZA: A new destination for Italian-Spanish dining

A new dining destination has opened in the heart of Colombo. AQUA PAZZA brings together the richness of traditional Italian cooking and the vibrant character of Spanish tapas, all within a space designed to reflect the contemporary aesthetics of Milan and Madrid.

The name “pazza” – meaning “crazy” in Italian – captures the spirit of the concept. The restaurant blends the sophistication of fine dining with the energy of a wine and tapas bar, offering a curated experience that feels both elevated and approachable.

“This is our boldest concept yet,” says Paolo Gavioli, Co-Founder of AQUA PAZZA. “We wanted to create something that respects the authenticity of Italian and Spanish cuisine, but also allows room to explore, to take risks. AQUA PAZZA reflects that spirit, it’s refined, but never rigid.”

AQUA PAZZA is the latest venture from the team behind AQUA Forte in Galle Fort. For Colombo, the founders – including Executive Chef Roberto Vicario and their Spanish business partner Ian Fernandez – wanted to build something with more range: a space that could adapt to different moods and occasions, while staying true to culinary traditions.

The menu is a thoughtful mix of Italian and Spanish dishes, crafted using a combination of locally sourced produce and high-quality imported ingredients. From house-made pasta and freshly baked bread to regionally inspired tapas, every item on the menu is made with careful attention to technique and flavour. While the restaurant doesn’t focus on one signature dish, it offers a consistently high standard across the board, ensuring that every plate reflects the team’s commitment to authenticity.

Adding to its distinctiveness is AQUA PAZZA’s wine selection, among the most extensive by-the-glass offering in Sri Lanka. With over 35 wines available by the glass, the list ranges from accessible, everyday pours to premium bottles. The goal is to make wine exploration easy and enjoyable, whether guests are pairing with a full meal or simply enjoying a glass at the bar.

The interiors mirror the restaurant’s concept: modern, bold, and minimal. Drawing inspiration from the design languages of Milan and Madrid, the space features abstract artwork, sleek European furniture, and subtle, warm lighting. The cutlery, crockery, and glassware are imported from Europe, while sculptural bread baskets and soft-glow table lamps add to the visual and tactile experience.
AQUA PAZZA is also designed for flexibility in dining. Whether it’s a quiet business lunch, a relaxed evening over wine and tapas, or a romantic dinner for two, the space adapts easily. A private room is available for meetings or intimate gatherings, and the atmosphere – helped by gentle music and carefully planned acoustics – remains comfortable without sacrificing style.

The restaurant’s opening hours cater to varied schedules, staying open late on weekends to accommodate Colombo’s growing appetite for extended dining.

For the team behind AQUA PAZZA, this launch marks not just a new location, but a step forward in redefining what Italian and Spanish dining can be in Sri Lanka.

“We wanted to create a space that feels international, but still personal,” adds Vicario. “It’s about good food, good wine, and a setting that invites people to stay. We’re proud to bring that to Colombo.”

AQUA PAZZA is located at Park Street Mews and is open Friday and Saturday from 12:00 PM to 1:30 AM, and Sunday to Thursday from 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM. For reservations, call +94 76 472 3156.

Follow @aquapazza.lk on Instagram or visit www.aquapazzarestaurant.com for more information.