Nestled in the heart of Leura, Gia Café & Bistro is the newest culinary gem in the Blue Mountains, offering a delightful fusion of European classics with vibrant Sri Lankan flavours. Chef Chathun Perera, a seasoned culinary artist with a rich history that spans from Sri Lanka to the bustling kitchens of Dubai, invites diners to experience a menu that is both familiar and refreshingly exotic.
Daytime Delights: A Twist on Tradition
By day, Gia Café serves up breakfast and lunch dishes that are both comforting and innovative. The menu features traditional favourites like fish and chips, steak sandwiches, and mushroom toasties, but with a distinctive twist that sets them apart. Chef Chathun’s philosophy is simple: start with fresh, high-quality ingredients and let them shine. The fish, for example, is not battered but delicately crumbed, offering a light and crisp texture that elevates the classic dish.
The breakfast menu is equally enticing, with options like eggs Benedict and a signature curry omelette that nods to Chathun’s Sri Lankan heritage. Each dish is crafted with care, using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, and any kitchen trimmings are cleverly repurposed into soups and stocks, minimizing waste.
As the sun sets, Gia transforms into an intimate dining venue, where the ambience is cosy and the atmosphere is alive with the chatter of satisfied diners. The evening menu is a celebration of Sri Lankan cuisine, featuring an array of curries that invite communal dining and shared experiences. The spices are bold and invigorating, offering a taste of Chathun’s roots and a culinary journey for the palate. The beverage selection complements the vibrant dishes, with a curated list of classic cocktails, local and international wines, and a variety of beers and spirits.
Chef Chathun’s journey to Gia is as rich and varied as the dishes he creates. From his beginnings as a pastry cook in a 5-star hotel in Sri Lanka to his tenure at Trader Vic’s in Dubai, and later working under 3-Michelin star chef Pierre Gagnaire, Chathun has honed his skills in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens. His experience at IMG Worlds of Adventure and the Sheraton Grand Hotel Dubai further shaped his culinary style, which he now brings to the quaint and vibrant setting of Gia Café.
Named after his daughter Giana, Gia Café is a testament to Chathun’s passion for food and family. With only 50 seats, the café offers an intimate and lively dining experience that captures the essence of communal Sri Lankan dining—where dishes are shared, laughter is abundant, and every meal feels like a celebration.
Gia Café & Bistro is open from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm and 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Thursday to Sunday, providing a warm and welcoming retreat for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re stopping by for a hearty breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or an evening of flavorful exploration, Gia promises a dining experience that is as memorable as it is delicious. It’s located at 201 Leura Mall, Leura, on the corner of Megalong Street. There is meter parking outside or free parking 100m down the Mall. Here: w3w.co/paella.prototypes.
Chef Chathun – Gia Cafe and Bistro
Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday
DINNER: Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5:30pm – 8pm