Founder - Apinash Sivagumaaran
Since its founding in 2016 by Apinash Sivagumaaran, ISSO has grown from a humble 16-seat eatery in Colombo into one of Sri Lanka’s most dynamic and forward-thinking restaurant brands. Built around a single iconic ingredient, the Sri Lankan prawn, ISSO has reimagined the possibilities of fast-casual dining in the country. Today, with five thriving outlets and international expansion on the horizon, the brand stands as a testament to culinary vision, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to sustainable seafood.
ISSO’s journey began on Sulaiman Terrace, where a small team of fewer than ten people worked tirelessly to bring high-quality prawn dishes to everyday diners. Their mission was simple yet bold: to take export-grade Sri Lankan prawns, usually reserved for global markets, and make them accessible locally in a fast-casual setting without compromising freshness or taste. That commitment quickly resonated with customers, establishing ISSO not only as a restaurant but as a pioneer of a new Sri Lankan dining culture.
Central to ISSO’s success is its dedication to ingredient integrity. Sri Lanka is renowned for its exceptional seafood, and ISSO’s prawns are sourced from the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean, particularly from regions like Jaffna and Chilaw. Harvested using eco-friendly techniques and processed with industry-leading standards, these prawns deliver a clean, naturally sweet flavor that forms the backbone of every dish. The restaurant’s close partnerships with local suppliers and fishermen ensure consistency, sustainability, and an authentic connection to the island’s coastal identity.
Beyond its ingredients, ISSO has also been a leader in innovation. The company has integrated technology into its kitchen operations, streamlining processes to guarantee consistency across all outlets. This tech-driven approach has contributed significantly to ISSO’s reputation for reliable quality and efficient service, an essential factor as the brand prepares for global expansion. The company’s recent inclusion in the Forbes DGEMS 200 List for 2025 underscores its status as an emerging global disruptor, recognized for its scalability, unique culinary model, and forward-thinking strategy.
Despite its rapid growth, ISSO remains deeply connected to its community. The brand prioritizes socially responsible practices, from supporting children’s homes with training and development programs to building long-term relationships with suppliers who follow sustainable harvesting methods. This cultural and ethical foundation has become as integral to the restaurant’s identity as its food.
While ISSO’s story, mission, and innovation are compelling, the food remains the heart of the experience. The dishes highlight the natural sweetness and superior quality of Sri Lankan prawns, offering a blend of traditional flavors and global inspirations. Below are the recommended items that best capture ISSO’s culinary strengths.
Hot Butter Cuttlefish is a vibrant introduction to local spice profiles, offering a warm, savory flavor with just the right amount of heat. ISSO Tempura is a light, clean, and centered on the natural sweetness of the prawn, making it an ideal starter for any palate.
Fresh Water Prawn Mac & Cheese is a creamy, comforting dish where the richness of the cheese blends beautifully with the sweetness of the prawns. Seafood Trio is a signature selection that showcases ISSO’s seafood craftsmanship, offering a variety of flavors that highlight the freshness of the ocean. The Palm Coat Date Shake is a smooth, sweet, and naturally rich, offering a relaxing contrast to the spicier dishes. Pomegranate Ginger Fizz is a bright, refreshing, and slightly sharp from the ginger, perfect for cleansing the palate.
What makes ISSO truly remarkable is the way it balances authenticity with modernity. Its dishes may be rooted in the rich culinary traditions of Sri Lankan coastal cooking, but the execution, both in flavor and operation, reflects a forward-looking mindset. ISSO has taken a luxury ingredient, refined the supply chain, and transformed it into a scalable, premium, yet everyday dining concept. This achievement has caught the attention of global industry leaders, reinforcing ISSO’s readiness to become an international ambassador for Sri Lankan cuisine.
As the brand builds toward its ambitious goal of opening 100 outlets worldwide by 2030, it carries with it the spirit of Sri Lanka: vibrant flavors, warm hospitality, and a dedication to excellence. Whether one is a local patron or a traveler discovering Sri Lankan seafood for the first time, ISSO offers an experience that feels both comforting and exciting.
The restaurant’s identity is not defined merely by the dishes it serves but by the values that shape every aspect of its operation, sustainability, community empowerment, innovation, and consistency. These are the qualities that transform ISSO from a restaurant into a culinary movement.
Dining at ISSO is more than a meal; it is a celebration of Sri Lanka’s seafood heritage and a reflection of how passion and precision can elevate simple ingredients into unforgettable flavors. With its recommended starters, comforting mains, and refreshing beverages, ISSO delivers a taste experience anchored in freshness and authenticity. The restaurant continues to grow, evolve, and inspire, but at its core remains the unmistakable taste of prawn-driven excellence, a taste that has won the hearts of diners and the recognition of the global stage.
For anyone seeking an authentic yet innovative seafood experience in Sri Lanka, ISSO stands as one of the most compelling dining destinations on the island.
